Carson Ryner, is the new minister for Knox United Church in Castor, Trinity United in Coronation and Veteran United churches. It is a joint ministry between the three churches which began in Castor Nov. 17.
Dr. Carson will be present in the pulpit on a rotating third Sunday basis. He will be available in the church office during the week for contact with the communities.
“We are excited to have a minister,” said Linda Leuck of Trinity United in Coronation, “We would like to welcome Carson, Evelyn and family [Carolyn and Grace]. We look forward to working with them.”
This will be Dr. Ryners first calling to the ministry. “I am very pleased to begin as the Minister of Castor, Coronation, and Veteran churches,” stated Dr. Ryner.
“As some of you may already know, I am currently a candidate for a Master of Divinity student at the Vancouver School of Theology, second year. I experienced some changes recently as my wife Evelyn and I moved into a new house, I switched schools and now am starting at VST.
“When change occurs it typically brings a little uncertainty and stress with it. Therefore, I want to take this opportunity to assure you that I support many of the traditions and practices that your churches have established and intend to support them.
“I look forward to meeting with the various lay leaders who have done so much for the church over the years. We are each given certain gifts with which to contribute to the good functioning of the church as we reach out with the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Dr. Ryner presently has several additional degrees that compliment his ministry including , a Doctorate in Christian Counselling from the Newburgh Theological Seminary 2014 (Indiana, USA); Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto 1994; Register Social Worker in Alberta; an Under-graduate in Psychology; a credential in mediation in Alberta; and works practicing individual, couple, family counselling as well as mediation in Edmonton two days a week.
“We are happy to have them,” stated Walter Weber, Knox United Church board chairman, “We were already acquainted with Carson and his family as he had been filling in as Pulpit Supply over the past couple of years. It was an obvious choice.”
