Russ Daye is lead minister of St. Andrew’s United church, Halifax. Russ has lived on four continents but grew up in Nova Scotia and has called it home again for the last 15 years. In his 30 years of ministry, he has served churches in Halifax, Quebec, and outport Newfoundland. He has also completed a Ph.D. in comparative religion and taught at several theological colleges and universities. Russ worked on national reconciliation processes in Fiji, South Africa, and Canada. In recent years, travel to the Middle East, where St. Andrew’s is a partner in a school and a medical clinic for refugees, has been a priority. Currently, a great deal of Russ’ time is spent on the Centre for Social and Spiritual Innovation, hosted on the St. Andrew’s site, that works on interfaith initiatives for justice and on the development of a network of leaders that cuts through the historical barriers and silos that have isolated so many Nova Scotia Communities. Our ecological crisis is rapidly rising to be Russ’ greatest focus in his preaching and his leadership.
rdaye@saintandrewshfx.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.
schisholm@saintandrewshfx.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@saintandrewshfx.ca
Kevin Parks
Congregation Designated Minister of Music
As a current student at Mount St. Vincent University, Jillian is pursuing an education within the Child and Youth Studies Program. Jillian, or Jill for short, will be taking over the Sunday School Program for St. Andrew’s this year. She is an advocate for inclusive learning and has worked in many daycare environments involving her to lesson plan and create activities for a variety of ages. Jillian is also a volunteer within the community and loves to take action.
Other than Sunday School involvement, Jillian works with those with diverse needs (mental and physical disabilities) while completing her education. Her passion is to help develop and guide the minds of the children in a community in a way that helps them become the best they can be. During her time within the Sunday School she will help teach and lead the children in learning about the values and lessons of the church and is SO excited to be a part of the St. Andrew’s community.
Jilian Eisener, Sunday School Coordinator