Most of us go to trade-school, or college or university for education and training for our future vocation. Some of us study education, psychology, medicine,dentistry, we learn to be a mechanic or a truck driver or an engineer. We go on an internship.

Some of us enter into a vocation and simply learn as we go. Here’s my story. Having two parents who were teachers, might have provided me with some DNA and basic instincts for teaching. But I have no formal authority in teaching. I don’t have a degree in education. Teaching, discipleship has been a major component of my ministry. I have served the United Church of Canada as a lay minister and as an ordained minister, and served in discipleship ministries for over nine years!  I made some mistakes and learned from them, had great mentors and taught a few things about the faith, along the way.

I felt admittedly, wobbly at first. Not even Emmanuel College taught me how to teach. I recall, just one course being offered “Principles of Christian Education”, because they felt that ministers might need to offer guidance to Sunday school directors and teachers. I felt some cognitive dissonance between what I was taught to do and the work I was doing.

In one context I was hired to create an outreach strategy and was sent out to interview youth to identify their needs and then to establish networks in the community. Some people were excited to meet with me and work with me and some were suspicious, not trusting. Emerging from many conversations, across sectors, we piloted and ran two interfaith youth environmental camps, where youth from different backgrounds learned to work together, play together and learn a few things about the environment, different faith perspectives and community gardening. The project was later adopted by the Interfaith Council of Peel. It was an example of Bold Discipleship. I had a background in community development at a field research level, no PhD, no formal degree and an M. Div (a basic theology master’s degree).  I credit the Holy Spirit for this work. I dared to believe.

To embrace discipleship among people who may be different from us, as our call, requires us to dare to believe.  It also requires us to trust God’s vision of healing, reconciling love that connects us all. It requires us to rejoice in that vision, even before it is realized. Developing curiosity about our neighbours, who are socially and culturally-different from us, takes practice and time. We  will discern opportunities and face challenges. It is possible, because Jesus authorizes it.  Jesus promises to be with us always, as we try to live into our call to make disciples! 

Join us for worship at Lowville United Church Sunday May 31st 2026, as we explore what the Great Commission means for our faithful witness today! The preaching is faithful, the music is great and the friendship will bless your hearts. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

CASE FOR KIDS Sun, June 7th at (12PM) Bayfront Park, Hamilton.  If you are able to join, please speak to Bev B to receive a t-shirt. If you cannot attend, please consider donating by signing the pledge sheet or by clicking on this link Lowville Walks 2026. For more information, visit wesley.ca/caseforkids. Also, check out the YouTube video “Case for Kids 2026” to learn more about what it’s all about.



UCW meeting Wed June 10th (11:30am)  Bring your own lunch.

FACEBOOK Are you on Facebook? Please add Lowville United Church’s Facebook Page and “like” the page.  Liking content, provokes interest when newcomers visit the page. It is a simple thing we can all do to promote LUC’s visibility!

REV RONI`S OFFICE HOURS at our Church are Mon, Tues & Wed (10am - 3pm) Contact Info: [email protected] or Cell (416) 271- 531 (text, email or phone for appointment).

REFRESHMENTS Choose a Sunday to bring “after Worship” refreshments. Sign-up Sheet is on the Zimmerman Rm Bulletin Board (south/east wall).

LOWVILLE CARES  Place your Local Food Bank Donations in Zimmerman Room Baskets located under the Guelph Line window near the Sanctuary door.

ONLINE CALENDAR did you know that Lowville has an online calendar??? Go check it out at www.lowvilleunitedchurch.ca/calendar. It’s updated with all the happenings.

DONATIONS to Lowville United Church can now be made online by scanning the following QR code with your phone or by clicking the Donation link at www.lowvilleunitedchurch.ca