New & Changing - the Spirit at Work - FIRST THIRD MINISTRY.ca

New & Changing - the Spirit at Work

1/25/2024

Dear 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! [email protected].

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.