newfoundland & labrador conference · year certificate program in municipal administration ......

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E • C R • B Getting to know your Conference President Connector East & West Districts Newfoundland & Labrador Conference the July 2016, Volume 25, No. 4 In this issue: Conference President New Ministers Settlement Reports Simon Muwowo Milestones in Ministry What's Happening Bookstore Hope Rowsell installed as President for 2016-2017 O n Sunday, June 5 at the Celebration of Ministries service at Zion United in Bu- rin, Ms. Hope Row- sell was installed as President of New- foundland and Lab- rador Conference for the 2016-2017 year. Hope Rowsell grew up on Fogo Is- land and attended Stag Harbour United Church. She completed a teachers' certificate program and a four- year certificate program in municipal administration from Memorial University and worked as a teacher, municipal administrator and finance officer. Hope’s faith journey started many years ago as a young Sunday school and CGIT member. Much of her life has been centred on her faith and the church she loves right from her days in CGIT and Loon Bay Camp to her present day involvement with church boards and committees at all levels of the church. Hope is the chairperson of her local church board, clerk of session, chair of the Lay Supervision Team, central treasurer and lay reader. At the District level, she is a member of the Church in the World Committee and District representative for her congregation. At the Conference level, Hope is the global mis- sions personnel facilitator. At the General Council level, she is a member of the permanent commit- tee on Programs for Mission and Ministry. She is also a member of the United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel. Since retirement, Hope's faith journey has taken her to five continents on eight humanitarian mis- sions; the most recent one being less than two months ago when she completed a six-week volun- teer internship in Haiti. She was a United Church of Canada representative on three of those trips. Hope lives in South Brook, NL with her husband Lewis. They have two children and one grandchild. Hope is humbled and honoured to be President- Elect of the Newfoundland and Labrador Confer- ence. She thanks God and her family for their uncondi- tional support in all her endeavours and says they are the reason she is able to do this. With God as her guide, she looks forward, with much hope, to serving this wonderful United Church of ours which she is proud to be part of. July 2016.indd 1 6/1/2016 1:00:36 PM

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Page 1: Newfoundland & Labrador Conference · year certificate program in municipal administration ... AOTS and Chair of the Bay St. George Official Board. ... There were years of spiritual

E • C R • B

Getting to know your Conference President

ConnectorEast & West Districts

Newfoundland & Labrador Conference

the July 2016, Volume 25, No. 4

In this issue:

■ Conference President ■ New Ministers ■ Settlement Reports■ Simon Muwowo ■ Milestones in Ministry ■ What's Happening ■ Bookstore

Hope Rowsell installed as President for 2016-2017

On Sunday, June 5 at the Celebration

of Ministries service at Zion United in Bu-rin, Ms. Hope Row-sell was installed as President of New-foundland and Lab-rador Conference for the 2016-2017 year.

Hope Rowsell grew up on Fogo Is-

land and attended Stag Harbour United Church. She completed a teachers' certificate program and a four-year certificate program in municipal administration from Memorial University and worked as a teacher, municipal administrator and finance officer.

Hope’s faith journey started many years ago as a young Sunday school and CGIT member. Much of her life has been centred on her faith and the church she loves right from her days in CGIT and Loon Bay Camp to her present day involvement with church boards and committees at all levels of the church.

Hope is the chairperson of her local church board, clerk of session, chair of the Lay Supervision Team, central treasurer and lay reader.

At the District level, she is a member of the Church in the World Committee and District representative for her congregation.

At the Conference level, Hope is the global mis-sions personnel facilitator. At the General Council level, she is a member of the permanent commit-tee on Programs for Mission and Ministry. She is also a member of the United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel.

Since retirement, Hope's faith journey has taken her to five continents on eight humanitarian mis-sions; the most recent one being less than two months ago when she completed a six-week volun-teer internship in Haiti. She was a United Church of Canada representative on three of those trips.

Hope lives in South Brook, NL with her husband Lewis. They have two children and one grandchild.

Hope is humbled and honoured to be President-Elect of the Newfoundland and Labrador Confer-ence.

She thanks God and her family for their uncondi-tional support in all her endeavours and says they are the reason she is able to do this.

With God as her guide, she looks forward, with much hope, to serving this wonderful United Church of ours which she is proud to be part of.

July 2016.indd 1 6/1/2016 1:00:36 PM

Page 2: Newfoundland & Labrador Conference · year certificate program in municipal administration ... AOTS and Chair of the Bay St. George Official Board. ... There were years of spiritual

2 the Connector, July 2016

Editor: Alison Piercey709-754-0392 [email protected]

Connector Editorial Board: Rev. Marilyn Rees, Chair

Deadline for next issue:

July 15, 2016

Connectorthe

Publisher: Newfoundland and Labrador Conference320 Elizabeth Avenue St. John’s, NL, A1B 1T9

Mr. William George Matchem, DLM

William (Bill) grew up on the west coast of Newfoundland in a small community called St. David's. He married Jean Butt of Heatherton and they have one daughter Candace (married to Kyle) and one granddaughter Lydia.

Bill became a member of Heatherton United Church in 1995 where he used his gift of music and was also actively involved on Board of Session, Board of Man-agement, AOTS and Chair of the Bay St. George Official Board.

Feeling a call to ministry, Bill entered his discernment in October 2009 and be-came a candidate for ministry in September 2011. He was placed in the Green Bay South Pastoral Charge Learning Site, West District in December 2011, where he is presently serving.

Bill completed all of the required courses and study to become a Designated Lay Minister in May 2015 but recognizes that ministry is a life-long learning experience.

Bill is very appreciative of all those who have supported him along his faith journey and is ever so amazed and thankful for God's blessings and steadfast guidance.

Cong r atu lat ionsNewfoundland and Labrador Conference welcomes

its newest ministers to The United Church of Canada

R e c o g n i t i o n

R e c o g n i t i o nMs. Lenora Alice Moores,

DLM

Alice Moores was raised in Red Bay and still lives there with her partner Gardner. They have three children: Colette (Roger), Laurie (Brian) and Byron. They have four grandchil-dren: Hayley, Noah, Makenna and Luke and a little poodle Sophie.

Alice comes from a strong, faith-based family whose roots are Methodist. Her par-ents instilled a strong faith in her as they were

both active in service. Alice’s mother was a member of UCW and her father provided leadership of music for over 40 years.

Alice is currently serving the Red Bay Pastoral Charge, a two-point charge where she was appointed November 2012. Before that, Alice served Red Bay United in a volunteer capacity since 2009 and served the charge as a Sacrament Elder for the same period. Alice provides musical support for the Red Bay congregation. In her leisure, she enjoys knitting, crochet, rug hooking, reading and other activities. Alice also works at the UNESCO site in Red Bay. She has acquired many leadership skills such as public speaking and enjoys the art of storytelling and writing. Alice comes late to ministry but feels she was called many years ago. She feels at home in the pulpit and looks forward to opportunities to serve Christ in the wider community. Alice was presented with her diploma for completion of the Designated Lay Ministry Program on May 6, 2016.

July 2016.indd 2 6/1/2016 1:00:39 PM

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the Connector, July 2016 3

238 Torbay Road, P.O. Box 1776St. John’s, Newfoundland, A1C 5P9

Tel: (709) 722-1532Fax: (709) 722-6612

www.steersinsurance.com

A d m i s s i o n A d m i s s i o nRev.

Sherpherd Munikwa,

Dip.Th., B.Th., B.ScHc.

Sherpherd Munikwa was born in Nyajena district, Masvingo province in Zim-babwe on August 23, 1972. He is the fifth born of six to the late Mr. & Mrs. Mudem-ba Munikwa who were

members of the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe. He grew up in Mudemba village.

After high school, he worked with Triangle Ltd. Co. Sherpherd’s 7 years in Triangle were like Moses’ years in the Median wilderness when he was attending Je-thro’s flock. There were years of spiritual training and growth, faith formation widened and deepened in Jesus Christ. The Lord spoke to Sherpherd vividly in many different ways. In 2000, he couldn’t resist God’s call-ing into the full-time ministry. In 2004, he was ordained as a Minister of Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care in Chinhoyi Congregation where he served up to 2013.

Currently he is serving as the Minister in Carmanville Pastoral Charge since April 2014. Sherpherd is married to Adline Munikwa and are blessed with 3 girls, Inzwirashe Grace, Kupakwashe Rejoice & Tovimbanashe Joice.

Rev. Dr. Japhet Ndhlovu,

M.Phil., M.Th., D.Th.

Japhet Ndhlovu was the General Secretary of the National Council of Churches in Zambia and a past Synod Moderator of the Reformed Church in Zambia. He was ordained as Minister of Word, Sac-raments and Pastoral Care at a rural congregation of Madzimoyo in the eastern province of Zambia on January 24, 1988.

Since ordination, Japhet has served several congre-gations as a minister and also in several leadership and managerial portfolios including Head of Evalua-tion and Strategic Planning Unit, Reformed Church in Zambia; General Secretary for the National Council of Churches; Executive Staff at the All Africa Conference of Churches; Senior Lecturer, Head of Theology Dept., Director of Quality Assurance and Nairobi City Cam-pus Director all with Presbyterian University of East Africa; served as senior consultant and trainer for short management and leadership courses for Christian Or-ganization Research and Advisory Trust, Africa-Nai-robi, Kenya. Japhet is currently minister at Epworth Pastoral Charge since December 2013.

A d m i s s i o nRev. John van Vliet,

B.A., M.A., B.Ed., M.Div.

John grew up on a diary farm in southeastern Ontario. He studied in Michigan, Waterloo, St. John’s and at Knox College, Toronto. He was ordained into ministry in the Presbyterian Church of Canada at Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and served congregations in Brandon, Manitoba; Woodstock, Ontario; and interim and transitional ministries in south-western Ontario, northeastern Ontario, and Winnipeg. In 2014 he began a move to the United Church, and is currently serving at First United, Corner Brook.

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4 the Connector, July 2016

328 Hamilton Ave. St. John’s, NL, A1E 1J9 (709) 579-6007

73 Commonwealth Ave.Mt. Pearl, NL, A1N 1W7(709) 364-1937

Fax: (709) 579-3106 E-mail: [email protected]

www.barretts.ca

Two Locations:

Settlement Report - East District (July 1, 2016)

Bay Roberts-Shearstown ................................Vacant........................................................................Rev. Stephen Barbour, (OM), B.A., B.A.Sc., C.P.H.I.(C), M.Div. (2013)Bell Island-Portugal Cove ..............................Rev. E. Brian Colbourne, (OM), B.A.(Ed.), M.Div. (2016)Blackhead-Western Bay .................................Pastoral Relations in ProcessBloomfield-Musgravetown ...........................Rev. Harry Templeman, (OM), B.A.(Ed.), B.A., M.Ed., M.Div. (2012)Bonavista ........................................................Rev. Amanda M. Barnes, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2009)Brigus-Cupids-Georgetown ...........................Rev. Marion Davis, (OM) (RS) (IM), B.A.(Ed.), M.Div. (2016-17)Britannia .........................................................Rev. Donna Hann, (OM), M.Div. (2014)Burin ..............................................................Rev. Dr. Simon Muwowo, (OM) (Adm.) (OS), B.Th., B.A., M.A., D.Phil. (2014-17)Carbonear .......................................................Pastoral Relations in ProcessCatalina-Little Catalina ..................................Rev. Bruce Rideout, (OM), M.Div. (2014)Clarenville-Deep Bight ..................................Rev. Robert S. Mercer, (OM), B.A., B.Ed., M.Div. (2012)Clarke’s Beach ...............................................Rev. Stephen Barbour, (OM), B.A., B.A.Sc., C.P.H.I.(C), M.Div. (2013)Coley’s Point-Grace United ...........................Rev. Linda D. Pike, (OM), B.S.W., M.S.W., M.Div. (2016)Creston-Red Harbour .....................................Rev. Robert Tuck, (OM), M.Div. (2016)Elliston-English Harbour ...............................VacantEpworth ..........................................................Rev. Dr. Japhet Ndhlovu, (OM), M.Phil., M.Th., D.Th. (2016) First United Mount Pearl ...............................Rev. Ian M. March-MacCuish, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2005)Fortune ...........................................................Rev. Marilyn Rees, (OM), B.A.(Ed.), B.A., M.Ed., M.Div. (2013)Garnish-Frenchman’s Cove ...........................Pastoral Relations in ProcessGrand Bank ....................................................Rev. Ricky Marsh, (OM), M.Div. (2011)Green’s Harbour .............................................Rev. Nancy Mojica-Fisher, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2013)Hant’s Harbour ...............................................Pastoral Relations in ProcessHarbour Grace ................................................VacantHeart’s Content ..............................................Rev. John Davis, (OM), B.A., B.A.(Ed), M.ED.(Admin), M.Div. (2016-17)Hillview ..........................................................Rev. Gneid Walsh, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2014)Little Heart’s Ease ..........................................Rev. Brian Hannon, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2015)Lower Island Cove ........................................Pastoral Relations in ProcessNorman’s Cove ..............................................Rev. Lynda Goy-Flint, (OM), B.BA., JD., M.Div. (2012)Old Perlican ...................................................Rev. Yvonne Hopkins, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2000)Port Blandford ................................................Mr. Glenn G. Jarvis, (DLM-RS) (2016-17)Pouch Cove-Bauline ......................................Rev. Grant Stuckless, (OM), B.Sc., M.Div. (2010)Salmon Cove ..................................................Rev. Wayne Blackwood, (OM), M.Div. (2004)Shoal Harbour ................................................Mr. Raymond Case, (DLM-RS), B.A., B.A.(Ed.), M.Ed. (2016-17)St. John’s Cochrane Street ..........................................Rev. Miriam Bowlby, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2011) Cowan Heights ...........................................Rev. Denine Morgan, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2004) George Street..............................................Pastoral Relations in Process Gower Street ..............................................Rev. Guy D. Matthews, (OM), M.Div. (2011) St. James ....................................................Rev. Terrie Jackson, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2013) ....................................................................Rev. Pamela Jones-Fitzgerald, (OM), B.Ed. (Primary), M.Div. (2006) ....................................................................Ms. Susan Sheppard, (DLM), B.Sc., Cert. Y.M., M.T.S. (2013-16) Wesley ........................................................Rev. William G. Mercer, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2005)Summerville ...................................................Ms. Elsie Pottle, (DLM-RS) (2016-17)Swift Current ..................................................Rev. Gordon Flint, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2012)Topsail ............................................................Rev. Bruce S. Kearley, (OM), CD, B.A., M.Div., M.A. (2003)Victoria-Freshwater ........................................Rev. Karen Thorne, (OM), B.Mus., B.Mus.Ed., C.C.S.Dip., MTS, M.Div. (2012)Whitbourne ....................................................Pastoral Relations in Process

w c c p a . c a

P r o u d t o b e w o r k i n g w i t h t h e N e w f o u n d l a n d a n d L a b r a d o r C o n f e r e n c e f o r o v e r 2 5 y e a r s

July 2016.indd 4 6/1/2016 1:00:42 PM

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the Connector, July 2016 5

Safety Training Our Prioritywww.safetytrainingnl.ca

James Pike, Owner/Operator

Inc.

P.O. Box 149105 Conception Bay Hwy.

Holyrood, NL, A0A 2R0

Tel: (709) 229-1918Cell: (709) [email protected]

authorized distributor for

Bay Roberts-Shearstown ................................Vacant........................................................................Rev. Stephen Barbour, (OM), B.A., B.A.Sc., C.P.H.I.(C), M.Div. (2013)Bell Island-Portugal Cove ..............................Rev. E. Brian Colbourne, (OM), B.A.(Ed.), M.Div. (2016)Blackhead-Western Bay .................................Pastoral Relations in ProcessBloomfield-Musgravetown ...........................Rev. Harry Templeman, (OM), B.A.(Ed.), B.A., M.Ed., M.Div. (2012)Bonavista ........................................................Rev. Amanda M. Barnes, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2009)Brigus-Cupids-Georgetown ...........................Rev. Marion Davis, (OM) (RS) (IM), B.A.(Ed.), M.Div. (2016-17)Britannia .........................................................Rev. Donna Hann, (OM), M.Div. (2014)Burin ..............................................................Rev. Dr. Simon Muwowo, (OM) (Adm.) (OS), B.Th., B.A., M.A., D.Phil. (2014-17)Carbonear .......................................................Pastoral Relations in ProcessCatalina-Little Catalina ..................................Rev. Bruce Rideout, (OM), M.Div. (2014)Clarenville-Deep Bight ..................................Rev. Robert S. Mercer, (OM), B.A., B.Ed., M.Div. (2012)Clarke’s Beach ...............................................Rev. Stephen Barbour, (OM), B.A., B.A.Sc., C.P.H.I.(C), M.Div. (2013)Coley’s Point-Grace United ...........................Rev. Linda D. Pike, (OM), B.S.W., M.S.W., M.Div. (2016)Creston-Red Harbour .....................................Rev. Robert Tuck, (OM), M.Div. (2016)Elliston-English Harbour ...............................VacantEpworth ..........................................................Rev. Dr. Japhet Ndhlovu, (OM), M.Phil., M.Th., D.Th. (2016) First United Mount Pearl ...............................Rev. Ian M. March-MacCuish, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2005)Fortune ...........................................................Rev. Marilyn Rees, (OM), B.A.(Ed.), B.A., M.Ed., M.Div. (2013)Garnish-Frenchman’s Cove ...........................Pastoral Relations in ProcessGrand Bank ....................................................Rev. Ricky Marsh, (OM), M.Div. (2011)Green’s Harbour .............................................Rev. Nancy Mojica-Fisher, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2013)Hant’s Harbour ...............................................Pastoral Relations in ProcessHarbour Grace ................................................VacantHeart’s Content ..............................................Rev. John Davis, (OM), B.A., B.A.(Ed), M.ED.(Admin), M.Div. (2016-17)Hillview ..........................................................Rev. Gneid Walsh, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2014)Little Heart’s Ease ..........................................Rev. Brian Hannon, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2015)Lower Island Cove ........................................Pastoral Relations in ProcessNorman’s Cove ..............................................Rev. Lynda Goy-Flint, (OM), B.BA., JD., M.Div. (2012)Old Perlican ...................................................Rev. Yvonne Hopkins, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2000)Port Blandford ................................................Mr. Glenn G. Jarvis, (DLM-RS) (2016-17)Pouch Cove-Bauline ......................................Rev. Grant Stuckless, (OM), B.Sc., M.Div. (2010)Salmon Cove ..................................................Rev. Wayne Blackwood, (OM), M.Div. (2004)Shoal Harbour ................................................Mr. Raymond Case, (DLM-RS), B.A., B.A.(Ed.), M.Ed. (2016-17)St. John’s Cochrane Street ..........................................Rev. Miriam Bowlby, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2011) Cowan Heights ...........................................Rev. Denine Morgan, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2004) George Street..............................................Pastoral Relations in Process Gower Street ..............................................Rev. Guy D. Matthews, (OM), M.Div. (2011) St. James ....................................................Rev. Terrie Jackson, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2013) ....................................................................Rev. Pamela Jones-Fitzgerald, (OM), B.Ed. (Primary), M.Div. (2006) ....................................................................Ms. Susan Sheppard, (DLM), B.Sc., Cert. Y.M., M.T.S. (2013-16) Wesley ........................................................Rev. William G. Mercer, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2005)Summerville ...................................................Ms. Elsie Pottle, (DLM-RS) (2016-17)Swift Current ..................................................Rev. Gordon Flint, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2012)Topsail ............................................................Rev. Bruce S. Kearley, (OM), CD, B.A., M.Div., M.A. (2003)Victoria-Freshwater ........................................Rev. Karen Thorne, (OM), B.Mus., B.Mus.Ed., C.C.S.Dip., MTS, M.Div. (2012)Whitbourne ....................................................Pastoral Relations in Process

Settlement Report - West District (July 1, 2016)

Baie Verte .................................................................. Pastoral Relations in ProcessBishop’s Falls ............................................................ VacantBonne Bay ................................................................. VacantBotwood .................................................................... Rev. Rachel Robinson, (OM), B.A., M.A., M.Div. (2014)Buchans ..................................................................... VacantBurgeo ....................................................................... VacantCampbellton .............................................................. VacantCarmanville ............................................................... Rev. Sherpherd Munikwa, (OM), Dip.Th., B.Th., B.ScHc. (2016)Central Labrador ....................................................... Rev. A. Benjamin Adeniyi, (OM) (Adm.) (OS), B.RE., M.Th. (2015-18)Churchill Falls (Shared Min. Anglican-United) ........ Rev. Julie Brace, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2006)Corner Brook Curling .................................................................. Ms. Wendy Lowden, (DLM) (2014-17) First United ........................................................... Rev. John van Vliet, (OM), B.A., M.A., B.Ed., M.Div. (2016) Humber ................................................................. Rev. Jocelyn Cook, (OM), R.N., M.Div. (2015) Oakland ................................................................. Ms. Wendy Lowden, (DLM) (2014-17)Deer Lake .................................................................. Rev. Myles W. Vardy, (OM), B.A., B.Ed., M.Div. (2013)Englee ....................................................................... VacantFogo Island................................................................ Rev. Calvin E. Ginn, (RS), B.A., M.Div. (2016-17)Gambo ....................................................................... Rev. Simbarashe Mazhara, (OM) (Adm.) (OS) Dip.Th., Dip.RS, B.A. (2014-17)Gander ....................................................................... Rev. Kathy J. Brett, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2014)Glovertown ............................................................... Rev. J. Paul Vardy, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2000)Grand Falls-Windsor ................................................. Rev. Kimberley Waite, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2012)Green Bay South (Learning Site) .............................. Mr. William Matchem, (DLM) (2016-17)Herring Neck ............................................................. Rev. Paula M. Gale, (OM), B.A., B.Ed., M.Div. (2002)King’s Point .............................................................. Rev. Sharon Earle-Marshall, (OM), B.Ed., M.Div. (2011)La Scie ...................................................................... Rev. Christopher Mazhandu, (OM), B.A., MBA, M.Div. (2015)Labrador City ............................................................ Rev. S. Dean Sellars, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2014)Lewisporte ................................................................. Rev. Stephanie McClellan, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2014)Little Bay Islands ...................................................... Pastoral Relations in ProcessMusgrave Harbour. ................................................... Pastoral Relations in ProcessNewtown-Lumsden ................................................... Rev. Larry Noseworthy, (OM), B.A., B.Ed., M.Div. (2015)Nipper’s Harbour ...................................................... VacantNorthern Arm (Learning Site) ................................... Mr. James Martin-Carter, (DLM-NR) (2013-16)Pasadena-Howley ...................................................... Rev. Dr. Tony S. Newell, (OM), B.A., M.Div., D.Min. (2013)Pool’s Cove (Learning Site) ...................................... Ms. Georgina Parsons, (DLM-NR) (2015-17)Port aux Basques ....................................................... Rev. Kathleen E.J. Anderson, (OM), B.S., Dip.HSA, B.A., M.A., M.Div. (2014) Raleigh-Griquet ......................................................... Rev. Charles L. (Gus) Pendleton, (OM), B.A., M.Div. (2004)Red Bay (Learning Site) ........................................... Ms. Alice Moores, (DLM) (2016)Springdale ................................................................. Rev. Wilson Gonese, (OM), B.Th., M.A. (2013)St. Anthony ............................................................... Rev. Dinesh Gomes, (OM) (Adm.) (OS), B.Th. (2014-17)St. George’s ............................................................... VacantStoneville-Change Islands ........................................ Mr. Raymond Clouter, (DLM-RS) (2016-17)Summerford-Moreton’s Harbour .............................. Pastoral Relations in ProcessTwillingate ................................................................ Rev. George Stockley, (OM), B.A., B.Ed., M.Div. (2012)Wesleyville-Valleyfield ............................................. Vacant

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6 the Connector, July 2016

• 85 KENMOUNT ROAD • ST JOHN’S, NL • A1B 3N7 • Phone: (709) 726-6990 • Fax: (709) 726-4003

Toll Free 1.888.241.2647 • E-mail: [email protected]

www.hickmanmotors.stjohns.gm.ca

Ministry is dynamic and responds according to the context in which it

is practiced and experienced.

In Zambia, Southern Africa, where I served for a decade as clergy in the United Church of Zambia, ministry is characterized by reaching out to people living without hope.

The gap between the poor and rich is so huge, the church is viewed as a place where people would be inspired to face those challenges of life. They come because they see the church as a place where they can be inspired to move on in life.

Spirituality is a central compo-nent for most people in Zambia. As a minister, in that context, for a ministry to thrive, one needed to be aware of the challenges people have which should reflect in the sermons as well as in the practical ways of ministry.

Visiting members of the congre-gation whether they are sick or not at all times was a vital component of ministry. People just needed that spiritual connection with their pastor. They expected a minister at any given time whether they are

BY REV. DR. SIMON MUWOWO, BURIN PASTORAL CHARGE

happy, sad, mourning or whatever situation they are in. As a minister, pastoral responsibility needed to meet those goals which were quite overwhelming at times.

Secondly, ministry in Zambia also responds to the challenges of education and health especially in rural communities.

In the context of my ministry, the church had a hospital and a secondary school which are Grant-Aided to help poor families attain basic education in order to learn to read and write as well as have ac-cess to basic health facilities.

Unlike here in Newfoundland and Labrador where education is free, in Zambia parents have to pay for their children to be in school and that is a challenge for many people.

To bridge the gap, the church-es are involved in either opening up new church schools or secur-ing funding to support the poor children, especially orphans and vulnerable children who in most cases have suffered the effects of HIV/AIDS.

In terms of health, church pro-vides the facilities where gov-ernment is not able to meet the demands of the ever growing population.

In a nut shell, my ministry in Zambia was threefold; meeting spiritual, education and health needs of the people and such de-mands to initiate programs rested on a minister to be a leader in en-suring that the needs of the church and community were met.

In Newfoundland and Labra-dor, I have been exposed to a new context of ministry; the demand to keep the church going in the midst of an aging population.

Rev. Dr. Simon Muwowo and his family. (l-r) Back row: Marjory, Simon and Peter. Front row: Manasseh, Wanjiyulia and Ti-wonge.

S e r v i n g t h e L o r d w h e r e v e r y o u m a y b eA p e r s o n a l p e r s p e c t i v e o f m y m i n i s t r i e s i n Z a m b i a a n d N e w f o u n d l a n d a n d L a b r a d o r

July 2016.indd 6 6/1/2016 1:00:44 PM

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the Connector, July 2016 7

www.cauls.ca

Smith Stockley Ltd.264 LeMarchant Rd.P.O. Box 1387, Stn. CSt. John’s, NL, A1C 5N5

Phone: 579-0073Toll Free: 1-800-563-5544Fax: [email protected]

www.smithstockley.nf.net

What’s Happening?Conference ExecutiveNovember 16, 2016

West District ExecutiveSeptember 7, 2016

East District ExecutiveSeptember 14, 2016

The Trail of the Caribou Patriotic Tour

June 25-July 4, 2016

New Clergy Orientation September 19-21, 2016

Fall Learning Event October 21-23, 2016

Clergy Retreat October 24-26, 2016

Moderator's Visi t October 12-18, 2017

Milestones in Ministry

Anniversaries

Retirements

The Rev. Florence A. SannaThe Rev. Kathryn L. Vance

The Rev. Hubert A. Mercer, 60 yearsThe Rev. William A. Coish, 50 yearsThe Rev. C. Jack Mercer, 50 years

The Rev. R. Neil Newbury, 50 yearsThe Rev. Dr. Clarence R. Sellars, 45 years

The Rev. Karen E. Bursey, 35 yearsThe Rev. Eric G. Hillier, 35 years

The Rev. Ernest H. Feltham, 30 yearsThe Rev. Lee E. Michelin, 25 YearsThe Rev. Nancy L. Warder, 25 Years

The Rev. William N. Williams, 25 Years

I have been thinking and reflecting on new expressions of ministry especially to find ways that would bring the youth and young families into the church which appears to be the greatest challenge in my ministry context here.

I am, however, thrilled that such thinking is not just placed on the minister alone, but also the Session and the Official Board to work together to initiate and strategize in order to make our vision a reality.

I have appreciated that such collaboration outlined in the manual of the United Church is key to a progressive Church and I am happy to be part of the move to sow seeds of change for generations to come.

My family and I are so happy to serve the Lord in the Burin Pastoral Charge on this part of the peninsula and we hope and pray that our ministry will be fruitful.

July 2016.indd 7 6/1/2016 1:00:44 PM

Page 8: Newfoundland & Labrador Conference · year certificate program in municipal administration ... AOTS and Chair of the Bay St. George Official Board. ... There were years of spiritual

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Church today isn’t the same as it was 50 years ago—or even 10 years ago. In spite of the powerful stories of turn-around churches with skyrocketing memberships, the difficult reality is that most congregations are getting smaller. Jeffrey D. Jones asks brave questions for congregations—what if membership growth isn’t the primary goal for a church? How can churches remain vital, even with declining attendance?

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Leona Laundry320 Elizabeth Avenue, St. John’s, NL, A1B 1T9

Phone (709) 754-0372, Toll Free (877) [email protected]

Facing Decline, Finding Hope

Go Deep: Spiritual Practices for Youth Ministry by: Doris Kizinna

HOW TO READ THE BIBLE AND STILL BE A CHRISTIAN

For Preaching and Worship Planning

Go Deep offers inspiration and practical tools to youth leaders who want to develop and deepen their youth ministry, both for themselves and for the youth they minister to.

Struggling with Divine Violence from Genesis

through Revelation The Minister's Annual Manual 2016-17

The acclaimed Bible scholar and author of The Historical Jesus and God & Empire grapples with two conflicting visions of Jesus and God in the Scriptures, one of a loving God and one of a vengeful God and explains how Christians can better understand these passages in a way that enriches their faith.

GodSends is a comprehensive program to help members of the congregation find their place in the many ministries of the church. It offers three studies, worship resources and a planning guide that outlines the program. In addition, the training resource provides materials for leadership development. GodSends is the motiva-tional tool that will enable leaders to involve people in the life and activities of the congregation and help them understand the breadth of mission possibilities offered by their church.

GodSends

This essential preaching resource includes material for every Sunday, including full sermons based on the lectionary readings.

N e w P o s s i b i l i t i e s f o r F a i t h f u l C h u r c h e s

by John Dominic Crossan

Beaut i ful memento!

July 2016.indd 8 6/1/2016 1:00:46 PM