Carrie Symondson

I'm an ordained minister with The United Church of Canada. I feel extremely blessed to be a part of Hanna, First United, and I believe we can make our community even better. Recent projects include developing programs and sociable opportunities to reconnect with seniors living at the Lodge and in Long Term Care. Age should not prevent engagement, nor should it isolate valued members from the community. If they can’t come to us, we can go to them. 

Preaching Style: My preference is expository preaching. My goal is to help you develop a deeper and more intimate relationship with God through God's self-revelation, as found in scripture. 

In my experience, it's difficult to notice God's presence unless your mind is focussed on God. This can happen through music, prayer, scripture, fellowship, through one another, in nature, ... anywhere. God is always with us, but we tend not to notice. For this reason, I try to provide a God centered service to keep people's minds on God. One of the greatest blessings I receive is to see the spirit's light shine from the eyes of those who have been touched. 

I believe a faith community is vital, as it provides opportunities for us to encounter God and one another. We have a fellowship after every service; most of those who attend will stay to enjoy the conversation and sweets.

A Moment that Changed my Life: 

An accident on the 401 enabled me to experience God’s presence, and it changed everything I understood about the Holy One. I felt an overwhelming sensation of being loved and approved. It was unlike anything I ever felt, and I was overwhelmed with awe. I later regretted not saying hello. This experience influences my ministry. I feel called to preach of God’s loving mercy as revealed in Scripture, and I'm driven to help others discover God's love for themselves. 

God is alive and active within our lives. That is not a faith based statement, but a reality. God is always with us, and we can learn to experience and live in spiritual communion with the Holy One. The first step is recognition. Once we learn to accept and recognize God's Holy Spirit, our lives are forever changed.