St. Paul's United Church - Milverton

06/07/2026

SUNDAY, JUNE 7/26: Faith and Justification (Romans 4: 13-25)

06/04/2026

FAITHFUL FRIENDS, WORSHIPPING TOGETHER: We look forward to joining in worship together throughout the summer months!

06/02/2026

THE TALE OF THREE STOLES: This will be my final ordination post. These three stoles were gifted to me upon my ordination. They are precious as I wear them by God's grace.

ORDINATION STOLE (Blue): Designed by my sister, Nicole Ensing Artist it holds both ecclesial and personal significance. On the left, the two sacraments of the UCC: Baptism and Holy Communion. On the right, two personal symbols the Ichthys Wheel which comprises the Greek letters for a creed-like phrase "Jesus Christ, God's son, Saviour" and the water lily which requires still water to grow symbolizing the verse I choose to guide my call in ministry, "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10) This stole made by Pastor Melinda Hamm of "Quilted with Prayer" was gifted by my mentor, the Rev. Diane Macpherson. This one speaks of the family and friends that supported and uplifted me and my family throughout the seminary journey.

CREATION STOLE (Orange): The UCC has included in the liturgical calendar the Season of Creation from Fall to Thanksgiving and is represented by the colour orange. This stole gifted by the Rev. Dr. Neil Parker, my SME supervisor for the last 2 years of my journey. This stole also symbolizes the congregation in Vienna, Austria that Neil just retired from as he celebrated the anniversary of his own ordination 43 years ago on the same day as mine! This congregation faithfully prayed for me and St. Paul's UC-Milverton as we moved through the final phase of seminary and regional supervision. Note the beautiful reference to music which will continue to be a strong part of my ministry, and can you spot the maple leaf?!

PENTECOST STOLE (Red): This last stole was presented to me by St. Paul's UC last Sunday, whom I have been blessed to accept the call to serve! The stunning dove and 'what appears to be tongues of fire', as the scripture says, symbolizes the Holy Spirit moving in and through us. Come, Holy Spirit, come!

Soli Deo Gloria

05/31/2026

SUNDAY, MAY 31/26: Trinity Sunday (Matthew 28:16-20)

05/24/2026

05/24/2026

Introducing REV. Sonja van de Hoef-Fraser! We are so proud of Sonja, who was ordained at a meeting of the Western Ontario Waterways Region in Port Elgin yesterday. She graduated with her Master of Divinity from the Atlantic School of Theology (AST) at the top of her class just a few weeks ago, earning four awards for her academic achievements. Her sons were three and five when she began her journey toward becoming a fully-ordained minister of the United Church of Canada. They cannot remember a time when their mother wasn't in school. Sonja has been our pastor since January of 2020 (tough time to start with a new community of faith) and we have been taking care of each other ever since. Congratulations Rev. Sonja and may God bless you in your ministry! Enjoy your break from the books!

05/17/2026

SUNDAY, MAY 17/26: “Cease and Desist” (Psalm 46:10)

05/14/2026

SEED PRAYERS: Here’s a fun activity to do to build on the blessing of the seeds we did in worship this past Sunday.

Let’s continue to lift our farmers and their families in our prayers throughout the planting season. We pray for their safety and give thanks for the nourishment they provide, and the opportunity to steward the land.

This fun and creative spring and summer prayer station lets kids and adults plant flower seeds and pray about what they want God to grow in their lives.

05/11/2026

Thank you, thank you, thank you! We had a terrific smoked pork chop dinner fundraiser. We couldn't have done it without our partners at the Optimist Club of Mornington or our musical guests Red Seal Youth Band. We are so grateful for the support of our sponsors as well: West Corner Financial, Guenther's Bakery , Wicked Snips, 22 Automotive, Cascades Containerboard Packaging St. Marys and Bargee Farms.