I have been a member of the United Church my whole life. In fact, it is an interesting detail of my life that I was actually baptized by my own dad as he was an ordained minister in solo ministry when I was born in Dinsmore, Saskatchewan in 1970. My mom was a lay minister and a very important influence in my life. I followed her into work as a writer/editor and as a Minister of Christian Education and Outreach at First United. While there is a program of study that lay ministers normally undertake, my training ground was as part of the curriculum development team for The Whole People of God, the lectionary-based curriculum that our Sunday School still uses. I attended development events several times a year where we explored biblical passages and created curriculum for children and adults, and materials for worship leaders. The influence that being part of this team had on me was significant and still underpins a lot of my ministry and leadership style. I love to collaborate in teams, and find working with others sparks creativity. I joined the team at First United in 2004 and have had quite a few teammates during that time!
Ministry is demanding and fulfilling! I have grown a lot in these 17 years. And so has my family! When I started, my son was not quite a year old and this year he graduated from high school. I love being a mother to Nathanael (17), Caitlyn (14) and Ailie (11) and share that task with my partner David Bertetic. As a family we love to cook and eat together, play board games, travel, and spend time at our family cottage on Mabel Lake (currently under evacuation order). In my spare time I like to read, write, and watch movies.
I was recognized by BC Conference (now Pacific Mountain Region) in 2012 as a Designated Lay Minister (RDLM). This was a new category of ministry personnel that many designated lay ministers, or those who formerly were known as staff associates, were grandfathered into. Designated lay ministers (DLMs) are lay ministers, recognized by a regional council and accountable to the Office of Vocation, who accept a leadership role for defined periods of time for defined forms of service. This role is by appointment. Leadership roles may include the work of preaching, worship, sacrament, pastoral care, education, or other forms of service. Not all designated lay ministers are licenced to administer the sacraments, but some are if it is part of their ministry. The Board of the former congregation of First United made this application and so I am licensed to do sacraments and also have a license to perform weddings.
- Cheryl