Celebrating the 2026 Casey & Beverly McKibbon Pastoral Development Awards
The Casey and Beverly McKibbon Pastoral Development Award supports innovative pastoral initiatives that foster community care. Whether through advocacy, healing, outreach, or sacred care, these projects embody faith in action and nurture hope, connection, and renewal.
We’re thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2026 grants!
This year, we received an inspiring array of submissions from clergy across Canada. The selection process was both humbling and energizing, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to every applicant who shared their ministry and vision with us.
2026 Award Recipients
Cecilia Penner — Victoria, BC
We’re honoured to support the “I Do” Booth with a $600 grant.
This is a new initiative bringing affirming, inclusive spiritual care to LGBTQ2S+ community members through a pop-up wedding booth at the Victoria Pride celebration. This initiative creates a sacred space for connection, celebration, and pastoral support within the church’s commitment to radical welcome and justice. With the pilot successfully completed this past summer, we look forward to supporting this project moving forward.
Judith Ritcey — Penticton, BC
We’re honoured to support Oasis United Church’s food cupboard outreach program with a $750 grant.
This is a thriving food pantry that serves over 600 participants monthly, providing nourishment and spiritual care. This proven ministry deepens community bonds and extends the church’s healing presence.
Michelle Meghie — Mississauga, ON
We’re honoured to support We Said ‘I Do’– Now What? family transition program with a $1,000 grant.
This is a new compassionate support program for families navigating marriage, blended families, and other significant family transitions. Through workshops, resources, and pastoral guidance, this ministry strengthens relationships and builds resilient, faith-centered families.
Mike Mundell — Kingston, ON
We’re honoured to support Sand Hill Presbyterian Church’s revitalization efforts with a $500 grant.
This rural ministry is tryng to build itself up and support its community by offering music concerts, children’s programs, and other community engagement. This initiative breathes new life into the 10-family congregation, fostering connection, joy, and spiritual renewal in an isolated rural setting.
Elizabeth Peters — Fenelon Falls area, ON
We’re honoured to support Community Soup Lunch program with a $750 grant.
This is a welcoming, nourishing ministry serving isolated seniors and food-insecure community members. Beyond providing meals, this program offers companionship, dignity, and pastoral care to some of the most vulnerable in the community—embodying Christ’s radical hospitality.
Nicholas Scime — Hamilton, ON
We’re honoured to support this community event in support of Essential Aid and Family Services of Ontario — Hamilton (Infant & Toddler Food Bank) with a $400 grant.
This bocce ball tournament and community event leverages local relationships and resources to multiply the church’s reach and foster deeper connections within the broader community. With a focus on purchasing diapers for the Essential Aid organization to distribute, it has support for the community’s youngest members at its heart.
Tracelyn Cornelius — Wellesley, ON
We’re honoured to support the Elevate Within Ministries project with a $1,000 grant.
This is a new innovative program bringing arts-based spiritual care and creative expression to rural youth. Presented in four sessions, the program focusses on storytelling, reflection, creative expression, and leadership while encouraging youth to process feelings and stress through visual arts. The project culminates with an art show where youth will able to present their creations to family and the wider community. This ministry nurtures young people’s creativity and sense of belonging.
Gratitude and Inspiration
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the clergy members who submitted applications. Your passion, creativity, and commitment are extraordinary. We encourage you to continue pursuing your valuable work—it makes a profound difference.
Want to Support a Recipient Directly?
If you feel inspired by any of these incredible ministries and would like to personally support a recipient—whether through a donation, partnership, or other means—please reach out to trevor@clergysupportchurch.ca. We’ll happy to facilitate an introduction and help you connect with the recipient whose work resonates with you most.