Annual Pastoral Report

Reverend Lawrence E. Hurley, B.Rel Ed, 

All Seasons Church of Canada

Belleville/Bay of Quinte Pastoral Charge

 

As an ordained minister of All Seasons Church of Canada, I enjoy the privilege of pastoral ministry to an intergenerational, cross cultural and interfaith diversity of men and women their families and acquaintances.

My personalized ministry involves and evolves while ministering in passages-of-life events whether it is a child’s baptism, christening or naming ceremony, wedding celebrations, renewal of wedding vows ceremonies or commemoration of a loved that has passed away.

Although attending a local church, I find pastoral opportunities outside the traditional four walls whether it be in the work place, the local hockey game, at a service club or simply because I’m know to people I’ve lived and worked with for 25 years.

Because of my skills in public speaking and presentation, I was able to teach a Communications and Presentation class at the local community college night school program.

As an ‘outsider’ to most families at Marriage Ceremonies, I have become aware of and observed times of reconciliation and renewal when a birth parent of the bride or groom re-unites and reconciles with their now adult child.  I have watched the glow and tears in eyes and on faces as a birth parent and/or stepparent work together for the common good of their daughter or son.  This joining creates a loving positive atmosphere of celebration often bringing tears of joy to the participants.

As my elderly mother lived in a retirement resident, I was able, prior to her passing, engage in pastoral ministry at the Muskoka Heights Retirement Residence.

Officiating at dozens of wedding celebrations also leads to additional calls to visit a relative at Quinte Health Care facilities and this often leads to pastoral visiting with the relatives and being honoured to conduct funerals.

I keep my intellectual and spiritual mind tuned with reading such books as The Shack as well as titles by Tom Harpur.  The internet helps keep me connected to several spiritual-oriented and ministry driven e-zines. Being aware of what other churches, ministers and faiths are doing, keeps me prepared to minister non-denominationally as well as interfaith.

As a minister I also make sure I help support: the local Cancer Society (volunteer driver), Ottawa Cancer Society, The Children’s Foundation, Humane Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Medeba Adventure Camp (scholarships to help send children to this Christian oriented camp), Guide Dogs, Autism Society, Safe Houses for battered women and aid in participating at fund-raising events for groups going to third world countries on work missions.

The Belleville Minor Softball Association also fields a team I sponsor.

One of the highlights of 2008 was a call from a couple who had wanted to get married but due to pensions, could not afford the loss in income. They stayed friends with me and when the wife took ill, called me to visit and minister. The remaining partner still calls to chat and share the latest sports, family and personal news. Another couple calls me regularly (they are handicapped) for a visit and come on over for a cup of tea and see our new cat.  I always attend to these pastoral opportunities.

Because of All Seasons Church of Canada, I find the freedom to be involved in many new and refreshing ways to minister to others without having to stay in a denominational mode and I pass on the joy of life to others with no proverbial ‘axes to grind’, dogma to deliver or other hindrances.  Giving and receiving love is satisfying and rewarding.

Respectfully,

(Rev) Lawrence E. Hurley

Belleville, Ontario


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