St. Johns United Church

Reverend Lynda Harrison (2006-2023)

Reverend Lynda Harrison began her ministry here at St. John's United Church in October 2006.

Rev. Lynda's spirit was nutured by reading, prayer, reflection and devotions, theatre, movies, music and laughter.

During her time with us she endeared herself to the community and the congregation. Sadly on Dec 22, 2023 Lynda lost her battle to cancer.

Rev. Lynda had an interesting perspective about her chosen role and what it meant for her personally:

"I would say that I find being on a journey of faith with others fulfilling and exciting. I believe that ministry can be described in terms of being on a journey with people. This imagery helps me to articulate my understanding of ministry as walking with people on a journey of faith. When people accompany each other in love we can learn more about God who guides and sustains at all times. Ministry is standing on "holy ground" -- sharing joys and sorrows, tears and laughter with the 'whole people of God.' Ministry involves meeting people where they are on their journey of faith. Faith is an active, on-going, and exciting journey.

I believe that ministry involves encouraging one another to reflect God's love in all that we say and do as a community of faith. Ministry needs to be linked closely with the mission of the faith community. I view ministry as 'team work' involving all people of the congregation."

Our Vision

Our vision statement is a Statement of Faith from which future plans emerge. It states Who we are; Why we exist; and Where are we going.

Following the example of Jesus, the people of St. John’s United Church seek to be an engaged, inclusive spiritual family focused on serving the broader community through life-giving practices of:

Radical hospitality
Deep spirituality
Inspired music

Our Vision is:

- Radical Hospitality – More than merely friendly, we welcome all who enter our doors. Hospitality is a way of caring for all of God’s children. No one is a “stranger” in our Church home.
- Deep and engaged Spirituality –We continue to grow spiritually, through Worship, Prayer, Bible Study, Music, Fellowship and Support for one another and especially for the sick, the elderly and the bereaved. We encourage spiritual development at every age and stage of life through Christian Education.
- Inspired Music – Music connects us to one another and draws us to the Holy Spirit. Music is an essential part of who we are and how we worship together.
We are aware of the needs within our community and in the world at large and we are actively engaged to transform it in ways consistent with the teaching of Jesus through support of the Mission and Service of the United Church of Canada and through Outreach within our community.

Our History

Prior to 1830, there is little more than a record of itinerant preachers who occasionally visited Kemptville and held services in the houses of the few existing scattered members. Early in 1831, the construction of a small frame church was begun.

The first brick church, built on the present site was erected in 1869. In January, 1888, a disastrous fire of incendiary origin started in the basement and destroyed all but the walls and roof of the comparatively new building. The church was rebuilt and reopened on June 24th, 1888 looking on the exterior much as the main portion does today.

Our Minister

Reverend Lynda Harrison (2006-2023)

Our Vision

Our History

Upcoming Events