Clergy Support Memorial Church

A Church Without Walls

Sun shining through the clouds

News Archive

2024

Rev Dawn Brown
Jan 9, 2024

We are saddened to pass along the news that CSMC Rev Dawn Brown of Ottawa passed away in December. Read more.

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Winter Clergy Talks
Jan 8, 2024
The Clergy Talks schedule is now available. Taking place every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7 PM to 8:30 PM (EST) on Zoom, this is a chance for clergy to come together and learn. Read more.

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2023

The Little Christmas Barn Mouse
Dec 22, 2023
Paula Caldwell shares a Christmas story about caring for all, no matter how small. Read more.

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Do You Hear What I Hear?
Dec 20, 2023
Rev Bonnie James writes about praying for peace this Christmas. Read more

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Grammy’s Gift
Dec 18, 2023
A Christmas memory from Rev Nancy Knapp. Read more

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Christmas Fundraiser
Dec 14, 2023

Rev. Casey McKibbon has announced the 2023 Christmas Fundraiser. Every dollar will go to support hospices and homeless and women’s shelters that CSMC works with. For more information and to donate, click here.

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Feeding the Community
Dec 12, 2023

Rev Jana Miller of Gananoque discusses her community’s efforts to create a street-side food cupboard. Read more.

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A Journey of Love, Loss, and Literature
Nov 15, 2023

Rev Marie Viviane Giroux received a church micro-grant toward her project of writing a book for adults living with dementia. Here she explains the motivation behind the project. Read more.

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My Path to Helping Refugees
Sept 20, 2023

Rev Adele Boy writes about her efforts to support refugees and welcome them to Canada. Read more.

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(Dog) Food for Thought: Raising Awareness with Fun
Aug. 24, 2023

Rev Nick Scime of Hamilton explains how his micro-grant project unfolded to support the Autism Service Dogs Association. Read more.

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Connection to Kenya
July 28, 2023

Rev Nancy Knapp has an ongoing connection with a school in Kenya that was created when she volunteered there several years ago. Read more.

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Randy Box
July 18, 2023

We are sad to announce that Rev Randy Box recently passed away at his home in Acton, ON. He was a clergy member with CSMC since 2017. Read More

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Clergy Talks Videos Online
July 5, 2023

You can now find the most recent Clergy Talks videos online in the Canadian Ministers Institute training portal. If you missed out on the sessions in person, you can now view 21st Century Huna: Embracing your three selves to empower your ministry from March 15; Music Therapy: the healing benefits for people with barriers from April 19; and Home Sweet Home: Engaging your community by practicing hospitality from May 17.

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Why it is Crucial for Clergy to Learn about Sex Trafficking 
June 30, 2023

Rev Sam Kutowy explains the important role that clergy can play in combatting sex trafficking. Read more.

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Grants Awarded!
June 7, 2023

Take a look at the recipients of the newly named Beverly Fenerty McKibbon Pastoral Development Grants. Read more.

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Supporting Girls in Nepal
May 26, 2023

Rev Andrea McDougall recently visited Nepal and supported a health and hygiene program while she was there. Read more.

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Consider Suicide Intervention Training
May 18, 2023

Rev Sam Kutowy of Kemptville, ON reviews her experience taking a two day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training course. Read more
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Self-Care for Celebrants
April 27, 2023

Rev Cecilia Penner has written a paper about the importance of self-care for celebrants, wedding officiants in particular. Read more.

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How does your garden grow? An Easter Reflection
April 8, 2023

What can we learn from the enduring image of Jesus as a gardener? Read more.

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Organ Transplants: A community to support
March 24, 2023

Rev Nicola Wolters provides an update on her work to create a resource for companions and families of transplant patients. Read more.

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New Clergy Talk Video
March 20, 2023

You can now visit the training portal to see new Clergy Talk videos. Click here to see February’s talk which featured Rev Karen McPherson-Clark providing an introduction to sharing God’s healing love through the practice of Tong Ren.

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New Clergy Talks Sessions
Feb 15, 2023

We’re excited to offer a range of interesting topics with this new session. You can still register for tonight’s talk: Offering God’s Healing Love: Using Tong Ren as a healing energy with: Rev. Karen MacPherson-Clark. On March 15, Rev. Sheila Winter Wallace presents 21st Century Huna: Understanding your three selves to expand your ministry. See the rest of the details and upcoming schedule here.

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2022

Aaron’s Journey
Dec 5, 2022

Rev Peter Sheridan tells a story about how a tragedy inspired a hopeful Advent ministry. Read more

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An Advent and Christmas Awakening
Nov 29, 2022

Rev Ann Marie Fitzgerald offers an Advent reflection on anticipating what is to come. Read more

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Recognizing Trans Day of Remembrance
Nov 24, 2022

Rev Amanda Zuke recently took part in their community’s Trans Day of Remembrance. Read their remarks

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Beverly Fenerty-McKibbon
Oct 12, 2022

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of a founding member of CSMC. Read more

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Reminder: Fall Clergy Talks
Oct 5, 2022

View the video of September’s Clergy Talk session with CSMC’s Rev Elaine Kicknosway speaking about Truth and Reconciliation. And don’t forget to find out about and sign up for the Oct and Nov sessions. Read more

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Wendy Oke
Aug 19, 2022

We are sad to share that Rev Wendy Oke passed away recently. She was a clergy member with CSMC since 2005. Read more.

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Healing Circle Expansion
Aug 3, 2022

Rev Karen MacPherson Clark writes about the expansion of her local prayer and healing circle with the adoption of Tong Ren as an additional conduit for sharing God’s love. Read more.

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John Horvath 
June 10, 2022

We are sad to announce that Rev. John Horvath passed away on June 1. Rev Horvath was a clergy member with CSMC since 2006. Read more.

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A Place With Friends Who Understand
June 10, 2022

Rev. Elizabeth Peeters writes about the Brain Injury Association of Peterborough Region. They were awarded a micro-grant based on Rev. Peeters application. Read more.

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Inclusive assistance
May 20, 2022

Rev Michelle Meghie writes about the Sistering, the organization in Toronto that benefitted from her successful micro-grant application. Read more.

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We Rise Again
April 14, 2022

Rev Janice Meighan offers an Easter message that encourages us to to be the eyes of love, compassion, and kindness for another (and ourselves) who won’t turn away. Read more.

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Lifelong Learning Benefits Clergy
April 4, 2022

Rev. Patrick Tracy of Vancouver talks about his crisis ministry and highlights how continuous learning develops his skills. Read more.

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Clergy Talks Videos Now Online
March 18, 2022

You can now view the Clergy Talks session videos through the Canadian Ministers Institute. Read more.

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A Lenten Journey
March 15, 2022

Rev. Janice Meighan offers up some thoughts on Lent and how you can take part in this spiritual journey of preparation. Read more.

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Women Helping Women
March 10, 2022

Rev Judy Wagdin writes about Lanark County Interval House, the beneficiary of her Micro Grant application. Read more.

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Call to Prayer and Action
Mar 2, 2022

A special message from Rev Ed Montano regarding the war in Ukraine. Read more.

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Micro-Grants Awarded!
Feb 15, 2022

Take a look to see what projects received Micro-Grant funds this year. Read more.

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CSMC Launches “Clergy Talks” Sessions
Jan 14, 2022

Find out about this new monthly programming opportunity for clergy. Read more.

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2021

Christmas 2021: Do Not Be Afraid
Dec 24, 2021

Rev Ed Montano writes a Christmas message that has a focus on facing fear with the strength of the angels’ message. Read more.

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Be Still
Dec 23, 2021

Spiritual director Rev Carolyn Hamilton-Kuby shares a recent poem she wrote to inspire hope during these challenging times. Read more.

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Ministering During a Pandemic
Dec 22, 2021

Rev Peter Sheridan of Calgary takes us inside his addictions and prison ministry throughout the past year. Read more.

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Daring to Hope: Advent 2021
Dec 3, 2021

Making the best use of this Advent season. Read more

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2022 Micro-Grant Program Now Open
Nov 5, 2021

We are now accepting applications for our 2022 micro-grant program. Read more

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Singing about A New Song
Oct 27, 2021

Rev Lisa Bynoe-Stevens shares some insight about her newly released children’s book. Read more

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New Reflection: Sharing Worship Through Healing
Sept 15, 2021

Rev. Karen MacPherson Clark shares how prayer, worship, and healing can create a powerful force for caregiving. Read more

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Supporting Hamilton’s Interval House
Aug 5, 2021

Rev. Nick Scime spearheaded a project for Hamilton’s Interval House. Read more

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New Reflection: The Many Colours of Grief
July 14, 2021

Rev Gail Malcolm discusses her work with those who are grieving, including a recent workshop in conjunction with the Home Hospice Association. Read more

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Rev Publishes Volunteer Tourism Book
June 30, 2021

Rev Nancy Knapp of Barrie has published her first book based on her years of travel and volunteerism abroad. Read more

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New Reflection: The Calling and the Cloth
May 13, 2021

Rev. Patrick Tracy of Vancouver talks about his work as a police chaplain and the overlap between policing and pastoring. Read more

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New Reflection – Delivering Hope and Care to Those Experiencing Grief
April 23, 2021

Rev. Kathi Kelly shares her experiences of working with Seasons Centre for Grieving Children in Barrie, ON. What a great place! Read More

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Easter 2021
April 2, 2021

Rev Ed Montano reflects on the Easter message in a time of pandemic. Read More

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New Reflection – Religion and Politics Should Mix
March 25, 2021

Rev. Mark Hartburg writes about getting politically active to ban “conversion therapies” (more broadly described as SOGIECE, Sexual Orientation-Gender Identity/Expression Change Efforts).  Get inspired to take action! Read More

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New Reflection
March 17, 2021

Rev Mike Mundell explains how he recognizes and celebrates kindness with his specially designed kindness cards. Read More

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New Reflection
Feb 24, 2021

Rev Robert Chaffey discusses political activism combined with hands-on ministry, and the disappointment of government not supporting momentum in the community for change. Read More

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Lent 2021
Feb 18, 2021

This year presents us with a new temptation. Let’s focus on resisting it during Lent. Read more

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Ash Wednesday
Feb 17, 2021

We’re introducing a great organization that we regularly support and passing on their Ash Wednesday prayer. Generous Space Ministries works to dismantle religious-based harm, pursue intersectional justice, and celebrate LGBTQ2+ lives in both the church and our world. Read More

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Micro-grants Awarded!
Feb 4, 2021

Thanks to all clergy who applied for a micro-grant in late 2020. We’re pleased to support a variety of excellent ministries and projects. Read more

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Belinda Mussett
Jan 22, 2021

We are sad to announce the passing of Rev. Belinda Mussett earlier this month. Read More

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Online Memorial Service
Jan 9, 2021

Rev Carolyn Hamilton-Kuby came to us with the idea to record an online memorial service to offer comfort to those who are not able to gather in groups to celebrate departed loved ones at this time. Take a look at the result and share it around. Read More

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Rev Giffen’s book
Jan 8, 2021

Rev David Giffen’s book, Redemptive Trauma: Confession of a Defrocked Priest, was recently published by Tellwell Talent. This memoir, embracing the hard truths of trauma and addiction, may help others heal or at least see a way forward.  The book has spent time as the #1 bestseller in its category on Amazon. Read More

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2020

Rev Magor’s Memoir
December 14, 2020

Did you know CSMC’s own Rev Dianne Magor of BC is a published author? Her book A Serendipity Calls is an intimate, true love story and memoir about two young people who fell in love and were forced to face the challenges of living with a terminal illness, and the possibility of losing each other far too soon. Read More

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Advent 2020
November 27, 2020

Advent calls us to walk together; to bring comfort where there is suffering, to bring a ray of light where there is darkness, to join in the joyful hope of what is yet to come, not only the spiritual or physical future, but also hope for a renewed sense of communal living. Read More.

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Micro-Grant Program Returns
November 10, 2020

Get some funding for your ministry or a project you support. All CSMC members may apply. Grant amounts are $250, $500, and $1,000. Deadline for submission is Dec 14. Read More.

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12 Afternoons of Hope
September 16, 2020

Rev Lisa Bynoe Stevens has launched a podcast delving into the Bible and the hope that it offers … Read More.

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Starting a New Ministry
April, 2020

Lisa Bynoe Stevens discusses the joys and challenges of starting her new women’s ministry, 12 Afternoons of HopeRead More.

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EASTER 2020

For most of us, we start this season of Easter by saying: “The Lord is risen!” to which we reply: “The Lord is risen, indeed, Alleluia!” this is a time of deep joy… Read More.

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LENT 2020

Lent is a time to look deeply inside of ourselves, recognize the parts of us that need some work and make an earnest effort to correct what needs correction… Read More.

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Working for Peace
February 18th, 2020

Rev Adele Boy discusses acting out her faith in the service of peace and justice in the context of Palestine and Israel. Read More.

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Spiritual Care in a Hospice Setting
January 15th, 2020

Learn more about Rev Amanda Jewell’s chaplaincy work at the newly opened Nipissing Serenity Hospice. Read More.

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2019

Giving Back at Christmas
December 20, 2019

When you love Christmas as much as Nicholas Scime, it’s an easy leap to turn a family party into a charity event. Nicholas and his wife Caroline hosted their third annual Christmas fundraiser… Read More.

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Advent
December 1, 2019

As we travel through advent the light increases. We add another candle to the wreath and we add Hope, Peace, Joy and Love to our toolbox to face the coming year. We must… Read More.

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New Reflection!
August 16, 2019

Rev Joe McParland shares some insights about his ministry with Clergy Support in Windsor, Ontario. Read More.

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Grants Awarded! / Subventions accordées!
May 16, 2019

Click here for the results of the 2019 call for micro-grant applications.

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New Reflection!

July 18, 2019

Ministry through food! Rev Suzanne Pierson shares about the Food to Share program in Picton, ON. Read More

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Holy Week

April 14, 2019

We must strive to be an Easter people. Hopeful in the face of despair.

Growing in a world of stagnation. Loving in a world that too often shows cruelty.

Giving second chances where none were given before.

This Holy Week, Clergy Support Memorial Church invites you to share the burden of the cross, whether it be your friend’s, your neighbours, your own, or that of someone you don’t even know, and focus on the light ahead.

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Lori Siska

LONDON – April 4, 2019

We are sad to announce the passing of Clergy Support’s Lori Siska in March of this year. Read More.

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