Announcement for Congregational Meeting The Search Committee

Announcement for Congregational Meeting
The Search Committee for Minister of Worship and Congregational Life at FSA,
consisting of Glenda Robinson, Alan Salmoni, Laurel Kenney, Michael Feeney,
Jordan Baldwin and me, Barrie Evans, is pleased to present to you the candidate
whom we have selected.
In considering the profile generated by this congregation, we looked for a match
in terms of worship, discipleship, justice and social outreach, pastoral care,
leadership, stewardship and Ministry partnerships. We were looking for a person
who would have a genuine appreciation of the history of FSA, a sensitivity to our
present situation and importantly, an exciting vision for the future. We were
searching for someone we believed could help us build a vibrant, loving, forward
looking church. We considered candidates who had applied to the London
Conference as well as potential candidates who were suggested by the
congregation. We interviewed and contacted Ministers all the way from British
Columbia to Nova Scotia.
We went through an extensive discernment process which included two
interviews, listening to recorded sermons and services, a visit to the candidate’s
current congregation and contacting references (including Chair of Council and
others). The person whom we unanimously agreed upon as the outstanding
candidate impressed us with her well-rounded ability and experience. Also, as it
happened, we did not have to look too far from home.
The Rev. Michelle Down is currently the Interim Minister at St. John’s United
Church in Stratford and previously occupied a similar position at Dundas Street
United Church. Michelle’s experience prior to those two positions included
chaplaincy at the University of Western Ontario. Michelle has also taught at
Fanshawe College, Durham College and the Toronto School of Theology,
University of Toronto.
Michelle first studied business administration at college and university and was
certified in personnel management. She received a Master of Divinity from
Emmanuel College in 1995 and was ordained by the Bay of Quinte conference.
She has since received further qualifications in Pastoral Care and in Intentional
Interim Ministry, which focuses on leading congregations through transitions and
conflict resolution. Michelle has been elected as a Commissioner for the London
Conference to attend the United Church General Council meeting in
Newfoundland this August.
In addition to these qualifications, Rev. Michelle is described by others as
someone who is warm and engaging and someone who draws people to her, both
young and old. She is a consensus builder who has a positive attitude and is an
inspiring leader.
Rev. Michelle’s partner is Joyce Payne. Joyce is a committed lay member of the
United Church. She is now retired from employment at 3-M. Joyce has also been
elected as a Commissioner to General Council from London Conference and is the
former chair of Pastoral Relations, the position that Dr. Jo Ann Silcox currently
holds. We have chosen a Minister and her partner who will enrich the life of this
church, we are also pleased and honoured that as a lesbian couple, they have
chosen this affirming congregation to be their church home.
In Michelle’s own words in her personal faith statement, “I believe in the central
foundation of a family of faith coming together to praise God, to discern our way,
and to give thanks for our Blessings. I believe that we are called both by God and
our neighbours to reach out and connect with one another in an honest, life giving
and loving way. We are called not to be in the church but instead to be the
church- alive in the world. To be that voice of solace, that hand which serves, that
heart which loves.”
It has been a privilege for all on the Committee to serve the FSA congregation and
all of its constituents in this search process. Now I will ask you to open your
hearts and minds to the opportunities we have before us in our call to Rev.
Michelle Down to become our Minister of Worship and Congregational Life on
July 1, 2015. On behalf of the Search Committee, I would now like to move
acceptance and approval of this report.
Respectfully submitted,
May 3, 2015
Barrie Evans