Rev. Beth Kerr

I was commissioned to Diaconal Ministry in the United Church of Canada in 2002 and Trinity-Collingwood will be the fourth Trinity Church I have served and my fifth pastoral relationship. I have served churches in Terrace Bay and Schreiber on the North Shore of Lake Superior, Elkhorn Manitoba, Portage la Prairie Manitoba and am currently wrapping up my ministry with two congregations in Listowel and Atwood Ontario. Each of those contexts has been unique and taught me something about what God is up to in the world. I have no doubt that Trinity-Collingwood will prove to be the same.

My deepest passion in ministry is for nurturing soulful living which enables us to connect deeply with God, with ourselves, and with one another. Soulful living is becoming increasingly challenging in our busy, often divisive world. Yet, it is my firm belief that our lives and our world are richer when we create space for the holy. When we listen to our own souls, our ability to love others and to work for justice in the world is strengthened.

My household includes my wife, Sarah, who is also a United Church minister currently working for the national church in the Office of Vocations and two crazy cats (look for lots of photos of cats if you follow me personally on social media). My ideal nice day involves a lovely hike or bike ride in some beautiful part of God’s creation followed by a great meal. My ideal stormy day includes a good book, a big cup of herbal tea (ideally vanilla or raspberry rooibos), a warm blanket and snuggles from the cat with chocolate or delicious baking being an extra bonus. Both Sarah and I are looking forward to new opportunities to explore beautiful places with our move to Collingwood.