All Seasons Church – Omemee Mission

Omemee, ON K0L 2W0

If anyone had told me when I was completing my B.A. in Religion and English that I would be a minister, I would have told them they were crazy. Throughout my life I have heard of people receiving ‘the call’ and thought that it was form of speech. I now know that it is actually a call, a directive and All Seasons Church of Canada is allowing me to heed it.

All Seasons has allowed me the opportunity to preach to and share the love of God with many who would not attend church regularly. So many people do not have church connections and envision church as being too rigid and stifling; I am able to show them that God can be found anywhere and everywhere.

Because of graduate studies and family responsibilities I had to limit my Sunday preaching.

During the months of November to March, I preached at Tyrone-Enniskillen Church as pulpit supply to cover a medical leave of their minister. It was wonderful to be able to provide the necessary spiritual leadership to the charge when their leader was away.

During the year, I officiated at fifteen wedding ceremonies. The opportunities for sharing and witnessing to my faith were wonderful. As I met with couples and their families several times prior to the wedding day. For many of the couples, I was able to offer the opportunity to have a Christian wedding yet be married outside of a church building by an Ordained minister like myself.

Many of my colleagues from other church denominations refuse to perform marriages outside of the bricks and mortar of the church building so they were able to refer couples to our ministry. God can be found in the church building but also, in the beauty of creation.

At several weddings I also served as a pastoral conflict mediator between the families and the couples. Tensions can be exceedingly high at weddings and sometimes, a calming voice is needed to avoid upsetting situations. I try to be that voice.

In my Community Outreach I helped lead a Religion in Life group for local Scouts and Guides. Plans are already in place for a second group. I also led the Thinking Day services in two locations (Omemee and Enniskillen).

In my chaplaincy work with the organization ‘b.r.a.i.n.child’ I have had the opportunity to minister to many families affected by pediatric brain tumours. My daughter is a ten-year survivor so I understand the journey and am able to help other families. I assisted at the annual ceremony of the Afternoon of Remembrance Day to remember children who fought the disease and whose battle is finished.

Thankfully, this year was one of few funerals. I had the privilege of officiating at one funeral this year. I offered counseling and support to the family members prior to the death, at the service and following.

I look forward to the coming year with all that it has to offer: more opportunities to minister and guide, to preach the good word, to start couples off on new lives, to offer support and direction to the bereaved and to those ill in hospital and at home…to love and serve God wherever and however I am called. Thank you All Seasons Church for this opportunity.

Yours in Christ,

Rev Elizabeth Peeters

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