Russ Da
ye, our lead minister, is a wandering Bluenoser who has lived on four continents but has called Nova Scotia home again for the last decade. In his 25 years of ministry, he has served churches in Quebec and outport Newfoundland, taught at several theological colleges and universities, worked on peace building in Fiji, written a Ph.D. d
issertation on South Africa’s transition to democracy, and recently visited refugee camps and communities in the Middle East. He has been involved with truth and reconciliation processes in Africa, the South Pacific, and Canada. Two of his current avocations are researching church revitalization with the Thriving Christian Communities Project and assisting congregations with renewal as a member of EDGE network of consultants and coaches. His passions include interfaith cooperation, camping in the desert, and pickup games of basketball with his sons, Sam and Will. If you are interested in spiritual exploration or justice seeking that paints outside the lines, he wants to buy you a coffee.
russelldaye@eastlink.ca
Rev. Russell Daye
Lead 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.
s.chisholm@eastlink.ca
Rev. Susan Chisholm
Minister
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 an innovative Worship Animator whose passion is to engage what is sacred and spiritual through a well-selected text and tune; encouraging everyone to “make a joyful noise” regardless of perceived ability or experience. Kevin’s priority is to model 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 music leader and clinician for conferences and events; a resource to musician colleagues, church committees and clergy to develop their best practices related to employment of church musicians, integration/teambuilding for music ministry in staff teams and governance structures, as well as copyright/intellectual property rights in the church. Beyond St. Andrew’s, Kevin is the University Musician at Atlantic School of Theology.
joyfulnoise@eastlink.ca
Kevin Parks
Minister of Music