Spring/Summer Preachers 2022

Rev. Martha Reynolds returned to Port Nelson in early 2022 as Supply Minister of Pastoral Care.  She served in full-time ministry in several Ontario communities prior to retirement.  Martha’s involvement in the wider church has included serving on the Hamilton Conference Pastoral Care Team and on the Hamilton Presbytery Social Justice and Outreach Committee.  She is currently a member of the United Network for Justice & Peace in Palestine & Israel (UNJPPI).

Martha enjoys participating in the music ministry at Port Nelson by singing in the choir and playing in the handbell group.

John is marking 60 years of ministry this June with the United Church of Canada. He is a graduate of Carleton University (B.A.), Emmanuel College, U of Toronto (M. DIV.), U of Notre Dame (M.A., Liturgical Studies), and has been honoured with a Doctorate of Divinity (D.D.) from Emmanuel College. He has served as a called or intentional interim minister with some 15 congregations. In recent years he has served as Editor of Voices United, President of the Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, and Chair of the Board of Directors of the United Church OBSERVER (now Broadview). He lives in Mississauga with his wife, Catherine, a retired elementary music teacher and church organist.

Mark served 13 years as an ordained minister in The Salvation Army. Coming out as a gay man in 2000, he chose to resign his ordination with the organization and continue to serve in lay positions within the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, primarily as the principal volunteer organist for 18 years, along with co-producing various music concerts and stage managing MCCT’s annual Christmas Eve Service at Roy Thomson Hall for 15 years prior to the pandemic. In addition to his volunteer lay ministries over the past 22 years, Mark works full-time in the Financial Services/Insurance sector. He is a proud “dog-dad” to a 9 year-old GoldenDoodle named “Tess”. Mark moved to Burlington last Aug 2021 and has found his new church home here at Port Nelson United Church.

No stranger to Port Nelson, Charlie Hogg was instrumental in starting our Men in Aprons Group many years ago when his partner, Rev. Heather Gilmour, served here as Associate Minister. Charlie’s involvement at Port Nelson led him to discerning a call to ordained ministry. Having served at Palermo United Church in Oakville, Charlie is now happily enjoying retirement, keeping busy with his many passions such as gardening, music (which included 36 years as carillonneur at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King in Hamilton), and public speaking on any manor of topics.

On this National Indigenous Peoples’ Sunday, members of Port Nelson’s active Affirm Group offer leadership as we continue on the journey of reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Metis people.

Port Nelson’s Nursery/Toddler, Children & Youth staff lead us in a celebration of growing spiritually on this last Sunday of programming before the summer break.  We will recognize, give thanks and pray for our young people, followed by special treats after the service!

Following retirement from a long nursing career, I am completing my final studies through the UCC toward becoming a Licensed Lay Worship Leader. I grew up in a farming community in southwestern Ontario.  Our family has lived in Oakville since 1988 and are active members of Munn’s United Church.  We have three adult sons, and are proud first time grandparents.

My leadership style might best be described as deeply practical.  I believe in the importance of honouring tradition, while bringing God’s message of love and grace into our everyday lives.  Worship is where we can be renewed and refreshed to face the challenges ahead and give thanks for the many gifts we have been given.

We are not alone. Thanks be to God.

Rev. Candy Harvey began attending Port Nelson in 2011 after she retired from ministry at Lucknow United Church. She loves filling in at worship or covering emergency pastoral care when needed, and fulfilling her role as Chair of the Spiritual Growth Ministry. In her spare time she loves, reading, playing with grandchildren, curling, playing bridge, and leading labyrinth walks.

A thoughtful and engaging preacher, Alison served in ministry at St Mark’s United Church in Dundas, Ontario before pursuing a new career in funeral services.  She is now a licensed funeral director at Turner & Porter in Mississauga.

Fresh off his sabbatical leave, Rev. Michael Brooks returns to the pulpit from which he has preached each week for the past 14 years.  In addition to full-time ministry at Port Nelson, Michael teaches in the Licensed Lay Worship Leaders Program for United in Learning, and volunteers with the Halton Youth Justice Committee through the John Howard Society.  Winter curling and summer sailing occupy his leisure time.