Sunday Morning
Services
10:30 am
| Staff Hubert Den Draak Principal Minister Annika Sangster Spiritual Growth & Outreach Minister annika.sangster@stjohnsunited.com Ray Grant Director of Music raygrant@eastlink.ca |
Contact Us Church Office: St John's United at the Maritime Conservatory 6199 Chebucto Road Halifax NS B3L 1K7 902-423-8498 stjohnsunited@eastlink.ca Marilyn Peacock Secretary/Administrator |
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Hubert Den Draak, Principal Minister
 "If there's one word that describes me, it's "passionate" and "joyful". Okay, that's two words, but that's because for me, the two belong together. The previous congregation I served was in Rosslyn, just outside of Thunder Bay, ON. Much of my work there focussed on helping them re-define themselves and to translate that into the way they worshipped and did outreach. It wasn’t easy, but in the end it was so worth it. I grew up in Holland where I worked as a journalist and then as a filmmaker with my own studio. When a studio in Toronto invited me to join them as one of their senior directors, Jacomyn and I didn’t think twice (even though we’d only just met) and immigrated to Canada where we felt immediately at home. But God had other plans, and within a few years I found myself pulled toward paid and accountable ministry in the United Church, and graduated from Winnipeg’s Centre for Christian Studies as a Diaconal Minister. In hindsight, my career switch from film to ministry wasn’t as dramatic as it might seem. Ultimately, it's all about storytelling and connecting with people. And do we ever have a story to tell. That's what Jesus did in his ministry: he told stories that people could relate to, and it changed their lives. Powerful stories about justice, hope and forgiveness. Stories of God's coming reign of peace and grace for all. Stories about belonging and being accepted for who you are. We just have to look around us now to realize it's a story that's more relevant than ever before. For Jacomyn and me, faith is foundational for the way we live and the choices we make every single day of our lives. I believe we're called to live what we preach, and am less concerned about what people believe in than about how they act and the choices they make. Is it transformative for others and you? Does it help bring God’s realm closer for all? Does it challenge the status quo? I’m very much looking forward to finding out together where the Spirit is calling us next and how to live out Christ’s story even better!" Hubert Ray Grant, Director of Music  Ray Grant has led the Ministry of Music at St. John's since 1977. A graduate of the Dalhousie University Music Department and the NS Teachers' College, Ray's career as been spent in public school music in Nova Scotia. His second career, which ran concurrently, involved music in various churches around the province, where he embraced divergent roles as organist, music director and bass soloist. When asked what he enjoys most about his work at St John's, Ray says the best part is working with the adults, children and youth in the weekly choir rehearsals. "The special thing about the music program here is the commitment and talent of the people involved. I have been blessed by people who actually love what we are doing, whether it be singing in one of the choirs, playing in the bells or playing in one of our instrumental ensembles. There is such a pool of talent. I absolutely love church work and have enjoyed my 30+ years here at St. John's. I love the freedom I am given to use my talents in any way which will forward the work of this congregation. I have worked with four ministers during my time here and have experienced little in terms of constraints. I value the wonderful church music of the past and embrace that which I consider worthy in the music being created for the church today. The St. John's United Congregation is moving forward and I am proud to be a member of a vibrant team which is helping it do that very thing." Back to the Top |
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Halifax Nova Scotia Canada Phone 902 423 8498 Email Us at stjohnsunited@eastlink.ca ~ A Faith Community Since 1793 ~ Please contact the webminister with any questions or comments you have about this site. Staff and Site Credits © St John's United Church |
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