Rev. Susan Chisholm (she/her)
Minister
As an educator, minister and lover of life, Susan has lived and worked in the Arctic, East Africa, and Central and Eastern Canada. She is continually amazed by the abundance in self and community, and the many and diverse ways it comes to light. Her joy in St. Andrew’s is its concern with real world engagement. Matters of spirit and faith are held with pressing human concerns: of the heart, the household, the community, the planet … What we explore here helps us all to bear more gracefully the realities and responsibilities of being human.
Susan has been involved in the healing work of reconciliation, and is committed to new and open pathways. She has particular interest in the sacred lives and spirituality of those living with illness, dementia, loss, and grief. AND she has a life-long, never-ending heart space for children and youth. She knows they fulsomely contribute to the life, spirit, and mission of any vibrant community – the St. Andrew’s community especially – and we can help them to find belonging and grounding that truly helps as they face life’s changes and challenges.
Susan’s own family is growing and changing, each in their own way. So much to explore … to share … to live with grace.
Contact Rev. Susan:
902-422-3157 ext 2
902-405-3490 (direct line)
Kevin Parks (he/him)
Congregation Designated Minister of Music & Venue Manager
Jazz, R&B, folk, gospel, global genres, pipe organ, piano improv, conducting choirs…you’ll hear and see Kevin Parks leading any of these in church worship, often blending multiple styles within one service. Kevin is a Worship Animator and Pastoral Musician with a passion to engage and enliven what is deep in our souls through a well-selected text and tune. Kevin’s priority is to model practical, collaborative, collegial approaches to liturgical planning and worship leadership. Music ministry has taken him across the country to serve in United Church, Anglican, Presbyterian and Salvation Army congregations. He is a sought-after clinician and music leader for conferences and events, a resource to musician colleagues, church committees and clergy in the following areas of research:
- Developing church music leadership (professional to volunteer) in any community context, focusing especially on integration and relationship building for music ministry in staff teams and lay governance structures.
- Copyright, and the ethical use of intellectual property in the church.
- The multi-valent environments of virtual & physical presence in a digital-church age.
- Safe musicking in a pandemic.
Kevin is also responsible for Sanctuary bookings and The Stage at St. Andrew’s. You can contact him at venue@saintandrewshfx.ca to discuss either of those areas.
Beyond St. Andrew’s Halifax Kevin is University Musician at Atlantic School of Theology, he on the development team for the United Church of Canada’s upcoming Worship and Music resource, ‘Sing 2025’ and a member of the Region 15 Faith Formation and Leadership Development Team. His partner, Dana Pardy, is a candidate for ministry in the UCC, and they have three ‘mostly’ grown children.
Contact Kevin:
902-422-3157 ext 3
902-221-1597 (direct line)
joyfulnoise@saintandrewshfx.ca
Thunder Shanti Narooz van Egteren (she/her)
Operations Manager
Thunder hails from Alberta and has spent the past decade working in the nonprofit and social services sectors in her home province and BC. She has also lived in Ontario and Quebec, and is happy to call Nova Scotia home for the past 2 and a half years.
Thunder has a background in Women & Gender Studies, as well as a diploma in Non Profit Management from Mount Royal University. She brings a wealth of lived and practical experience to her role, having worked with children & youth in various capacities, with newcomers, with women and families living in poverty, with individuals fleeing abuse and violence, and in community development and partnership work to address youth sexual exploitation.
Thunder looks after the overall operations of St. Andrew’s including hall & room rentals, finance, IT/technology, communications, the Benevolent Fund, facilities, and Health & Safety. You can find her at the church office from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (closed for lunch 12:30-1:00pm). She is excited to join the St. Andrew’s community!
In the evenings and on weekends, you are most likely to find Thunder either curled up with her cat, Pico, and a good book, or out exploring the many beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and campgrounds in Nova Scotia, whether on her own or with her partner.
Contact Thunder:
902-422-3157 ext 1
902-405-3163 (direct line)