Rev. Kerry Stover, new Minister with the Congregation

The Rev. Kerry Stover has accepted the call to Calvary United Church pastoral charge and will join us as Minister with the Congregation in early September.

 Background:

In 2015, Kerry began his studies in theology at Huron University College and served as Minister of Visitation (part time) at Siloam United Church. Kerry completed his MDiv at Emmanuel College and was ordained by London Conference in 2019. Rev. Kerry served his interim ministry at Kincardine United Church. He served as Associate Minister at Kingsway-Lambton United Church and is presently serving Maple Grove United Church as the full-time minister.

Findings of the search team:

The Rev. Kerry Stover is professional, personable, energetic, and sincere. During interviews, he emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Director of Music and members of council, committees, and the congregation. He said pastoral care is a time to “accompany people through vulnerable times” and be open to discuss “the challenging topics”. His theology is Trinity-based and his sermons connect scripture with current relevance to local and global concerns.

Rev. Kerry is looking forward to connecting with those in Calvary’s neighbourhood, and through our community outreach projects. In his homily about Pentecost, he said “We are the embodiment of the flame Christ placed within each of us” and that “Pentecost takes place when we reach out to serve others.”  He also said, “People want their spirits to be rekindled again.” Rev. Kerry recognizes that so many in the world are hurting and that we can be a light to others through sharing our faith.

His references praised his creativity, depth of life experience, confidence, and integrity. Rev. Kerry said in his cover letter, “I have a passion for service by being an active and compassionate listener, a fun and reliable leader and team member, and am open to exploring ways in which the Spirit is calling us to serve. It would be my hope that we would journey together to experience God’s grace as disciples of the One we follow”. We echo his words; we are excited about the future of Calvary as we “journey together” with Rev. Kerry as our Minister with the Congregation.

 Submitted by the Search Team