HERITAGE UNITED CHURCH
MUSGRAVETOWN/BLOOMFIELD PASTORAL CHARGE

STEPHEN BARBOUR & DISCERNMENT
 

Stephen Barbour's Discernment Committee, from left  to right:
Meta Brown,
Mary Penney,
Anna Belle Peddle,
Melvin Ralph,
Stephen Barbour

Story and another photo
below

When a person is interested in serving as a minister in the United Church of Canada, the first step on the journey is to be a member of a congregation. Sensing both a call and willingness to serve, a person then presents him- or herself to the congregation's Session (or the equivalent body), asking to be recognized as an Inquirer on the path towards ordained or commissioned ministry.

When the Elders of a particular Session recognize the faith and interest of an Inquirer, they make recommendation to District that such a person begin the process known as Discernment. The District then appoints one of its own members to work with a Discernment Committee chosen from the membership of the local congregation. Typically, the Discernment Committee has about half a dozen meetings with the Inquirer over a period of a year.

Stephen Barbour of Musgravetown has been involved in just such a process through Heritage United Church. The local Session recognized in him a sincere and personable individual with a strong commitment and faith. The Rev. Melvin Ralph who worships at Heritage United Church many months of the year was appointed by District to work with Stephen's Discernment Committee.

The Discernment Committee is an opportunity for all involved to grow in their faith and understanding of God's purpose for their lives. Heritage United Church extends thanks to The Rev. Melvin Ralph for his guidance in this process, as well as to the members who participate on behalf of the congregation.

To Stephen Barbour and his wife, Tracy Barbour, we extend good wishes for the journey on which they have begun.
 

Congregation members Meta Brown, Mary Penney and Anna Belle Peddle are
pictured with Rev. Ralph and Stephen Barbour and Stephen's wife, Tracy, during a lighter moment at a social evening shared by the group.

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