MINISTER: Pastor Sue Cowan

minister@stjohnsuc.ca 

Sue was raised in Etobicoke, Toronto and had a career in banking before graduating from Emmanuel College (Univ. of Toronto) in 2006, and then continuing her studies in Montreal, at United Theological College (McGill University) as part of the Designated Lay Minister’s Program.  In this program students couple intensive study segments with the practice of ministry in a congregational setting. Sue served, here at St. John’s in May & June 2006 to provide sabbatical overage for Rev Jim Ball.  Then she headed east, to Bramalea --- as a student minister, and then as the lead minister at Emmanuel UC from 2006 until 2017.  Recently, Sue has served the church on the Human Resources Commission, as pulpit supply, and as the Interim Minister at the Carlisle-Kilbride pastoral charge. Sue has lived in Georgetown since 1988 and has many roles and identities which continue to shape her and offer her spaces to share her gifts and time; as a wife, mother, sister, aunt, genealogist, musician and avid Toronto sports fan!  She is passionate about creating meaningful worship, offering God’s inclusive welcome, advocating for justice and right relations, speaking truth in love, and accompanying folx on their life journey where they are… as they are. Sue is excited to reconnect with the St. John’s ministry and is thankful for the opportunity to serve the Halton Hills community!  May our time together be both gift and grace!

 

MUSIC DIRECTOR: Mark Peterson

music@stjohnsuc.ca

Music has always been a passion for the people of St. John’s! Our Music Director, Mark Peterson, is both an exceptional person and an outstanding musician. Mark has an Honours, B.A. in Music from Western University with performance specialties in Trumpet, Voice and Piano. A lifelong resident of Georgetown, Mark enjoys his fulltime career at Mayfield Secondary School. He occasionally invites students who attend (or have attended) Mayfield to play for us. Last Easter, three young musicians drove from London, ON to accompany our singing (and they woke up at 5 am to do so!). Mark clearly inspires people to do their best. The most amazing thing about Mark is not just his outstanding talent, but his truly humble nature. Mark brings energy, flexibility and fun to our choir practices and services. Hearing him play our Yamaha Grand Piano is a pleasure every Sunday. We thank Mark from the bottom of our hearts!

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OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR: Katharine Krul, B.Comm., CAE

office@stjohnsuc.ca

Katharine is an active member of St. John's...beautifying the worship services with liturgical dance, prayers and the occasional sermon. Katharine effectively manages the church office, keeping everyone connected, while ensuring all details are handled with gentleness, care, spirit, and impeccability. She has over 25 years' office management experience and has been a Level Two Reiki Practitioner since the spring of 2012. She joined St. John's as the Office Administrator in September 2012.

(Church Office Hours: Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri: 8:30am to 1:30pm; Wed: closed

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WORSHIP TECH COORDINATOR: Matthew Tyhurst

easyworshipsj@gmail.com

Our Worship Tech Coordinator, Matthew Tyhurst, joined our team in August 2023. Matthew is a Grade 11 student at GDHS and is “a whiz” with systems. He volunteered with the Tech Team at St. Andrew’s UC for many years and received excellent training and guidance from his mentors there. We are fortunate that Matthew is familiar with our United Church philosophies, programs and systems. Matthew worked at the United Church of Canada on a Youth Project destined to be rolled out to all UCC churches. This summer, he attended a two-week UCC Youth Seminar in BC. Matthew invites student and adult volunteers to assist in technology for our services. Thanks, Matthew, for sharing your youthful energy, technical skills and talents with us!