David Sparks and Kathy McMillan will be in a team ministry at Summerland United Church until a new minister arrives in 2013.
Sparks has been a minister in the United Church of Canada for more than 30 years, most of that time in Thunder Bay, Ont. His partner, Kathy, who has a nursing background, spent five years as a pastoral visitor at St. Paul’s Church there.
Sparks is the author of six books in the Prayers to Share series, published by Wood Lake Books of Winfield, B.C. The latest is out this fall.
Both are looking forward to the renewed challenge of leading worship and pastoral ministry in Summerland, which is their home.
“We have a short Sunday message that is relevant to the world of today and some hymns and songs that get people’s feet tapping to the music,” Sparks said.
“I’m here for those who are sick, lonely or simply need someone to talk to,” McMillan said.
One area of special interest for them is participating in the new children’s program which began this fall, led by Linnea Good and Anne Vanherwaarden.
Singing, crafts and Bible stories have an increasing number of children participating.