<![CDATA[FIRST THIRD MINISTRY.ca

<![CDATA[FIRST THIRD MINISTRY.ca - News]]>Thu, 07 May 2026 20:55:51 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[New & Changing - the Spirit at Work]]>Thu, 25 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.firstthirdministry.ca/news/new-changing-the-spirit-at-workDear Friends,

I feel like 2024 has started with so much that is new and changing – the Spirit is at work in our First Third Ministry. I feel so blessed to be amongst a phenomenally good team of people committed to bringing Christ’s ministry to others through events, ministries and relationships.

As always, know that we pray that you might feel the presence of God in the love and care that surrounds you. Let us know if there is something you need to support and care for young people in your midst.

Blessings,
Blessings, Pamela Evans
First Third Ministry Team Lead

Introducing New Staff & Returning Staff in New Roles

Blair Odney - Regional Camp Coordinator

I can’t believe I get to write this good news. On January 2, I stepped into a new role serving the region as the Coordinator of Camping Ministries. When I served in ministry at Trinity United Church in Vernon, in the early 2000’s, at a time when Camp Hurlburt was under my direct supervision, I re-discovered what children and youth have known for decades.
The experience of a week at camp has the potential to change the trajectory of their lives. There is a mystical chemistry between the grandeur of God’s creation, the holy imagination of every person, and the freedom to love and be loved with respect and kindness. My own sons will say Camp Hurlburt changed them for the better.

And now, with all the changes happening within the United Church of Canada, at the national and regional levels, ministry with children, youth and young adults is at the forefront of everything the church does. This new regional camp coordinator role is a compelling sign of the commitment the region makes to the mystical alchemy I just described.I have worked for the church, in this region, since 1992. I began as the marketing and fundraising manager of Naramata Centre which soon turned to nurturing the relationships between financial support, learning and spiritual nurture. I moved into congregational ministry in 1998 and have served four congregations – Osoyoos United, Trinity United in Vernon, Lynn Valley United in North Vancouver and Queens Avenue United in New Westminster. In each of my calls, I believe I have been laser-focused on the church’s commitment to ministry with children, youth and young adults.

And so, this feels like I’m coming home. To work with the region, and the non-profit societies in a collective commitment to opening, creating and holding space for the spiritual lives of children and youth, young adults and their families feels like the most perfect thing to do next. Got suggestions, time, money? Email me! bodney@united-church.ca.

Sarah Provan - Ministry Animator

Sarah was born and raised in Victoria, which is also where she started her journey in Children's Ministry, as a volunteer in 2005 and then was hired to her first ministry role in 2008. After graduating from UVic (2015) with a degree in Linguistics and Philosophy, she briefly lived and worked in Langley where she attended Acts Seminary while working in Children’s Ministry. In 2022 she moved back to Vancouver Island, settling in Campbell River.

Sarah was introduced to Jesus through a Christian Preschool and was immediately curious to learn more about God's love and what it means to follow Jesus. This curiosity continued, as she grew to realize she loved teaching while she was still in elementary school.

Encouraged by various leaders and mentors, she gained experience working in children and youth ministry of various sizes, as well as extensive camp ministry experience. She likes to approach children and youth ministry from a holistic view, exploring worship through song, dance and art, teaching through different voices and activities, and engaging a child’s sense of imagination to inspire them to live out God’s story in our lives. When she is not working with kids, Sarah spends a lot of time hiking and adventuring in the north island. She has a service dog Neptune who not only helps her tackle life challenges, but also tackle tricky trails and other crazy adventures!

Growing up in a non-denominational Church, Sarah is excited to join the Pacific Mountain Regional Council in First Third Ministry to get the opportunity to resource and support other churches. She is also excited to continue to learning about the United Church and all the different traditions and experiences people have had within the Church!

Natalia Cabrera - Ministry Animator

I have been actively involved with the region since the start of 2021. Right from the outset, I thoroughly enjoyed participating in events, engaging with attendees, and being an integral part of the animator team. Consequently, I assumed a dual role, splitting my time between being a part-time animator and part-time administrator for the same team.

The first ministry team plays a crucial role in facilitating connections with children, youth, young adults, and families throughout the region. I am incredibly enthusiastic about continuing my service to the community from this new location. My aim is to establish even more connections and initiate exciting projects to further enhance our engagement with the community.

My motivation stems from a vision of a compassionate and kind world, one characterized by open communication, a profound understanding of diverse perspectives and cultures, and the provision of safe spaces for everyone so we all feel that we belong here.

Nik Sloat - Ministry Animator

Nikolas Sloat is taking on the role of First Third Ministry Animator with PMR. He graduated with a Bachelor of Theology in Youth Ministry from Ambrose University in 2023. He will be serving part time with the region and part time in the local community of faith at Pacific Spirit United.

He will be moving from Calgary, Alberta with his family, including Asher (7), Jude (5), and his spouse Sarah.

Nik is excited to take on the role of animator as he sees it as the most faithful next step in his calling to serve youth and children. He passionately believes in regional ministry work as it was a key part of his faith formation and early life.

Nik's core values of ministering to youth and children are to build resilience and foster curiosity. He is happy to be in a ministry context with such an incredible team and looks forward to meeting and working with all of the amazing families in the Pacific Mountain Region.

Alexandra Barr - Administration & Communications

It's me! While you may have seen my face for the first time at the beginning of this newsletter, it could also be familiar to you - before I was a First Third Ministry staff member, I was at the front desk of the Region.
As receptionist, I was answering phone calls, sending out newsletters (some things never change!) and supporting the important work of the Region's Justice & Indigenous Ministers.
I've always been drawn to F3's work in my time at the Region, no doubt because at 26, I fall within their target audience: I'm very much in the first third of my life! I'm beyond excited to join the team, many of whom I know well already, and thrilled to bring skills developed through NGO, INGO & IGO work to to the important work we do. I can't wait to work with the future of the United Church.

]]><![CDATA[Departures & Arrivals - Part 2]]>Wed, 22 Nov 2023 14:00:00 GMThttps://www.firstthirdministry.ca/news/departures-arrivals-part-2First Third Ministry Staffing Updates

Dear Friends,

Last week I sent you the first part of significant staffing updates within First Third Ministry.

Today's message is the second installment of such information ~ sharing news of a tender, yet exciting departure, and an arrival simply bursting with cuteness and joy.

Rev. Mary Nichol, Leaving Pacific Mountain Regional Council to Join Vancouver School of Theology Staff

I feel blessed to have called Mary my colleague for the past almost five years. We laugh that she is the “voice of reason” in our staff team, and it is true! Mary has faithfully grounded the work of the region's First Third Ministry with a quiet and creative energy. Her capacity to mentor and resource new and continuing leaders has been a significant gift to many communities of faith across Chinook Winds and Pacific Mountain regions - and across Canada. I will miss Mary’s wisdom and compassionate presence on our team and am grateful for the countless, brilliant hours we worked together to create and manage First Third Ministry.

Later today, news celebrating the appointment of Rev. Mary Nichol to VST will be shared by VST. You can read Mary's reflection on her time with children, youth and family ministry later in this email. Mary, you are a true blessing to the church and this new role could not be more suited to anyone else. I pray that this new role affirms for you God’s deep abiding love and delight for all that you do!

Stay tuned for our team's third installment of more staffing news coming at the beginning of Advent.

And read on for that mention of cuteness and joy!

Wishing you a beautiful start to the season of Advent as you enter the mystery of hope, peace, joy and love.

Blessings,
Pamela Evans
First Third Ministry Team Lead

Chris Mah Poy, Chinook Winds First Third Ministry and Justice, Networks Animator, Welcomes Baby!

Chris and his partner Brie welcomed their child Magdalena into the world in October. They are overjoyed and very sleepy (and appreciate prayers and groceries!). The First Third Ministry team is thrilled and look forward to the zoom calls with glimpses of the baby and her parents! We pray that they may know God’s presence in these busy infant times.

Dear Friends,

In January of 2024, I leave my position as Regional Minister with First Third Ministry to begin work as Vancouver School of Theology’s new Director of Theological Field Education.

I am so grateful for being a part of Conference and now Regional Ministry. I began work with BC Conference in 2017 and am grateful for the opportunity to support children and family ministry in conference. I was fortunate to be a part of the creation of VST’s Certificate in Children, Youth and Family ministry. I am grateful for the wisdom of folks who have are gifted and called into this ministry who helped with this important work long before I began in 2017. The people, colleagues and leaders in communities of faith, who I have worked with during these past six years are a gift to our communities of faith and our United Church. The time I have spent facilitating a weekly group of those in leadership with Children, Youth, Families, Young Adults in a United Church setting has been inspiring. Their passion and commitment to supporting young people and families in their faith journey is awe-inspiring.

I am very proud of our team’s work in creating our Faith@ Home Magazine, work that begin in April in 2020. I have also valued supporting our outdoor camping ministry in both Chinook Winds and Pacific Mountain regions.

As I begin this new role, I bring with me a passion for equipping leaders with skills, experience, and holistic knowledge to lead authentically and passionately that which has been nurtured during my work over the past six years.

It has been a privilege and a blessing to have been a part of the First Third Ministry Team.

Rev. Mary Nichol

]]><![CDATA[We want you! ...To Write for Faith @ Home]]>Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:58:37 GMThttps://www.firstthirdministry.ca/news/we-want-you-to-write-for-faith-home

ABOUT THE MAGAZINE

Published four times a year, Faith@Home is a Christian magazine with United Church of Canada identity and theology. It is created in-house by Chinook Winds Pacific Mountain First Third Ministry, and distributed through The United Church Bookstore.

Faith@Home Magazines were created as an outreach resource for ministers and leaders to foster their ministry with the children, youth, and families in the community of faith they serve. Leaders order enough copies for each family (or individual) in their community, and arrange for delivery of the magazine to each household.

A RESOURCE THAT RESONATES

The magazines are rich with spiritual practices, prayers, crafts, games, and activities that explore the themes of the different liturgical seasons and focus on specific biblical stories taken from lectionary readings.
In addition to supporting faith formation at home, Faith@Home magazines have proven to be a wonderful way to support grandparents and godparents in faithfully connecting with the young people in their lives.

BECOME A FAITH @ HOME WRITER

CWPM First Third Ministry actively seeking people with a passion for writing for children, youth, and families to contribute to Faith@Home Magazine.
We are specifically looking for engaging activities suitable for individuals or groups during the upcoming Christian Liturgical seasons of Lent, Holy Week, or Easter (2024).
Your work will be financially compensated by 20-30 cents per word.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit an expression of interest along with an example of your writing to Pamela Evans, pevans@united-church.ca by December 1, 2023 2023.

We welcome creative and thoughtful contributions that resonate with our target audience.

]]><![CDATA[Departures. Arrivals. Soon to Come. Blessings for All. First Third Ministry Staffing Update!]]>Tue, 14 Nov 2023 23:51:59 GMThttps://www.firstthirdministry.ca/news/departures-arrivals-soon-to-come-blessings-for-all-first-third-ministry-staffing-updateDear Friends,

Since being formed in 2019, enduring the intensity of the pandemic, and now living into the curious space of experiencing a new way to be the Church, the staff composite of the First Third Ministry team is, too, naturally shifting. We all - regions, communities of faith, and people - continue to be shaped and lead by the Spirit. I am grateful.

More news will indeed be shared in the coming weeks as positions are filled, reflections such as Sarah and Lindsay's (below) are received, and as the Christian New Year approaches, leading us delightfully into the Mystery of Christmas.

As always, know that we pray for you - children, youth, young adults, families, and those in leadership, we notice your ministry and love of young people. We give God thanks for all you do.

~ We Bless and Celebrate Those Who are Leaving ~

Please join me in celebrating the important contributions of these First Third Ministry team members, as they leave their regional council positions to move to new, exciting areas on their life's journey.

Rev. Tim Nethercott, Chinook Winds Campus Ministry, Calgary
Tim retires at the end of 2023, and a party to honour his over-20 years of service to the YYC campuses will be Thursday, December 14. All are welcome to attend (more details below).

Daniel Martin, Pacific Mountain Campus Ministry Animator
Daniel resigned in September 2023 to continue his education and candidacy steps to becoming ordained in the United Church of Canada.

Lindsay Veenstra, First Third Ministry Animator
Sarah Prestwich, First Third Ministry Animator
Lindsay and Sarah finished their work at the end of September and end of October 2023, respectively to each pursue further education. Lindsay entered University of Victoria law school, and Sarah entered the Vancouver Island University baccalaureate education program to become an elementary school teacher.

With some sadness with your leaving, our regional councils hold deep joy and great appreciation for you:
Tim, Daniel, Lindsay, and Sarah,
We have been blessed by your ministry and commitment to First Third Ministry!
We wish you the best in your new endeavours.

~ We Are Thrilled to Welcome Those Who Are Joining ~

Alexandra Barr, First Third Ministry Administrator and Communications
Alexandra is leaving her role as Pacific Mountain Regional Council Receptionist and Program Support to Indigeous Ministry and Justice Ministry Network, to take up the newly-designed First Third Ministry position that coordinates administration, registration, and communication for each focus area within First Third Ministry.

Reverend Lydia Ruenzel, Campus Minister Simon Fraser University
Lydia begins her role as SFU Campus Minister on December 1, 2023, after serving the congregation of Ladner United Church for the past 4 years.

~ We Are Excited For Who Else May Come ~

We encourage applications to these First Third Ministry positions:

First Third Ministry Animator, Pacific Mountain Chinook Winds
Calgary Campus Minister, Chinook Winds

(Click the titles to open the job postings.)

First Third Ministry's vision to innovate, adapt, and create places of connection and formation is a blessing, as is the work of serving communities of faith and young people across Chinook Winds and Pacific Mountain Regional councils. We look forward to this next chapter in our collective ministry with those in the first-third of life's journey.

From Sarah and Linsday, In Their Own Words

I have had the privilege to work for the Pacific Mountain Regional Council within the First Third Ministry for the last 4 years now and it has been such a lovely journey of learning, joy, patience, and a lot of fun! I am very grateful to the amazing team I have gotten to work with these past few years and can’t thank them enough for all the laughs and good times we have had together. During my time with the First Third Ministry, I have had the opportunity to lead and organize Children and Youth retreats, Children and Youth programs at Regional General Meetings, Family Camps for Church families, attending seminars and conferences, and much more.
And now I am embarking upon a new journey this Fall, as I am going back to School to become a teacher. I have always loved helping to educate Children, Youth, and their families with their Faith and Spiritual Journeys and now I get the opportunity to educate children’s minds with many other subjects! I am grateful for God’s ever constant presence in my life which has led me to this new career path which I am excited to embark upon.
Blessings in Christ,
Sarah Prestwich

Vertical Divider

I have worked with the First Third Ministry team at the region since March 2021. Since then, I am so grateful to have been working with and for those in the First Third of life and their leaders, including those in rural and Indigenous communities across the region. I was lucky enough to travel with Camp Spirit staff to support day camp programs in partnership with communities from Port Hardy to Gistegukla to Salmon Arm. Other highlights from my time at First Third include supporting First Third participants attending the Regional Gatherings of Pacific Mountain Region and Chinook Winds Region, co-facilitating events like Family Retreat and YouthTREK, and occasionally developing content for the Faith@Home magazines. I have been blessed to work with the dedicated, skilled, and caring people who make up the First Third Ministry team, the Pacific Mountain Regional staff, and the ministry and lay leaders I encountered in communities of faith.
One of my most recent highlights has been to serve as a staff support for the newly formed joint Chinooks Winds and Pacific Mountain Regional Youth Council. It has been such a privilege to work with such an incredible team of youth from across both regions. Their passion for governance and their care for their communities is something that has touched me deeply. I cannot wait to see how these youth continue to lead our communities.
I have left my position as an Animator with First Third Ministry in order to attend law school at the University of Victoria. Among the excitement of a new program and a new city, I look forward to continuing to serve the First Third community and the United Church as a whole in new ways.

Lindsay Veenstra

An Invitation from Chinook Winds Newsletter

Let’s celebrate Tim’s ministry and bless him on his way into retirement. With great creativity and devotion, Tim has served as chaplain at the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology for more than 20 years. There will be snacks, refreshments and some speeches. Please RSVP via this Jotform by Monday, December 11, 2023.
You can contribute to Tim’s retirement gift by e-transfer to David Blackadar at dcblackadar@outlook.com or call David to set up another way to contribute at 403-239-5854.

Blessings,
Pamela

Pamela Evans, Team Lead
FirstThirdMinistry.ca
Including: CampSpirit.ca | CampusMinistry.ca | Chinook Winds Camps | Pacific Mountain Camping

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