Dear Church,

It is with great joy that I write my first note to you as your Incumbent! I am very excited to be sitting in my new office and very eager to see as many of you as possible on Sunday, August 14th for my first services here at St. Helen’s.  It will be good to gather together in prayer, to hear the word of God and receive the Body of Christ, and to ask God’s blessing on our ministry together.

August is often a quiet month in Churchland – which means I get to begin my ministry in your midst with time to settle in.  I will be spending this week getting my tech working, setting up my office, and generally getting my bearings.  Starting next week and through to Labour Day, I will be in the office on Mondays from 9-4 and Wednesdays from 1-7 and I especially encourage folks to drop by for a coffee/tea on Mondays from 10-11:30 and Wednesdays from 5-7.  I’m also happy to schedule one-on-one visits at other times, including on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so don’t hesitate to be in touch. I am very curious to learn about the people who make up St. Helen’s and while I have read the many excellent profiles, reports, and notes that have been left for me there is no substitute for a good conversation! 

A little about me: I was raised in rural Alberta but moved to Montreal for university and semi-accidentally never moved back West.  I was ordained in the Diocese of Montreal and served at Christ Church Cathedral before moving to Ottawa 6.5 years ago with my husband, Thomas (who is a lawyer with the Department of Justice), and my son, Gilbert (who is in high school). I am currently in my first year of a Doctorate in Ministry from Virginia Theological Seminary (expect to hear lots more about that) and am particularly passionate about children’s ministry, creative and inclusive liturgy, and parish development. In the Diocese, I serve on the Shape of Parish Ministry Panel, the Community Ministry Day Programs Management Board, and I am a delegate to General Synod for 2023.  I enjoy writing and reading, board games, TV, and talking (and listening).

Remember: the kettle will be on Mondays from 10-11:30 and Wednesday from 5-7 until the end of August and I am also available by appointment. Share your story, hear more of mine, and tell me what you hope to see unfold over the coming months.   I am generally pretty quick to respond to email (rhonda@sthelens.ca) or you can call me at the church.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Yours in Christ,
Rhonda