Memorial,
It is with great joy that the Search Committee has recommended Ms. Astrid Melatunan to “Preach for the Call” on Aug. 23rd at our 10:30 a.m. Sunday Service.
Here is a bit of information about her and a timeline of activities happening the weekend of August 21-23. We hope you all will be able to make time to meet, greet and worship with her over the weekend. The service will be online as usual for those unable to worship in person.
It is also very important that as many people as possible come to the Congregational Meeting Sunday, Aug. 30 at 3:00 at the church to vote on The Call. This is the afternoon after the Worship Service at Camp Kannawin
and lunch.
Astrid Melatunan recently graduated from the Vancouver School of Theology/St Andrews Hall. She has been engaged in her studies there for the past three years and is now ready to pursue “A Call.” Astrid is originally from Indonesia. Her father passed away and she and her mother
have weathered significant personal difficulties related to civil unrest and war in that area of the world.
Astrid has participated in a summer student minister placement and volunteer opportunities in churches in the Vancouver area. She has participated in lively and creative ministry in a variety of denominations and has had the opportunity to learn, grow and minister in diverse Christian
communities. One of the notable ministries Astrid has been involved is in Geraldton, Ontario. Geraldton is in a very rural and remote setting in northwestern Ontario . Astrid embraced the congregation and community and learned volumes about taking initiative and the day to day
ministry in a small parish. During this placement, Astrid honed her skills for ministry, nurturing community, and networking. In Geraldton, Astrid was able to enhance her musical abilities, as well as her aptitude for dealing with people of all ages.
Regardless of the age dynamic, Astrid places high importance on building relationships as an avenue of ministry. Visiting and pastoral care are priorities in her call to serve God.
Astrid’s gifts for music, leading worship and preaching are significant. She has an ability to explore Biblical and Theological truths and explain them in a way that makes sense to individuals at all levels of spiritual knowledge.
As noted, Astrid is a new graduate, however her life experiences; her to willingness to embrace challenges as a way of growing and serving God make her an excellent candidate for ordination.
The timeline for Astrid’s visit to “Preach for the Call” at Sylvan Lake Memorial Presbyterian Church is as follows…
Friday August 23/26: arrival and dinner with Session
Saturday August 24/26 morning: informal tour of Sylvan Lake with elders
Saturday August 24/26 1pm-3pm: Congregational “Meet and Greet” in Yoos Hall…for all members and adherents. Come out and have a coffee and a visit with Astrid.
Sunday August 23/26: 09:30 prayer with Elders; lead morning worship, after worship coffee, light lunch with elders, then return to Vancouver.
Sunday August 30/26 3:00 pm Congregational meeting to vote on whether or not Astrid is a good fit to become the full time Minister at Memorial Sylvan Lake.
Session would ask that between now and August 30/26 you keep Astrid and our congregation in your prayers. May God’s wisdom prevail as we and Astrid seek God’s will in accepting a call to Memorial Sylvan Lake.
Session at Memorial