Nominee Preaches

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There was a buzz about the church on Sunday 18 February, when the congregation elected a new minister, ending a 15-month search for a new incumbent to replace Rev Mike Frew, who left for a new ministry role in Edinburgh in November 2005.

Following an uplifting morning service led by Rev Roy Cowieson, the congregation voted by 233 to 1 in favour of naming him their new leader. Subject to formal approval by Lanark Presbytery, he is expected to take up his new role in late spring.

A Scot from Elderslie who graduated with a divinity degree from Glasgow University before training in the Church of Scotland, Roy has conducted most of his ministry in Canada.

With a strong track record of encouraging church growth, he is the founding pastor of a church near Toronto, Ontario, which grew from an initial congregation of 180 to almost 700 within six years.

Attending the service was Roy's wife, Christine, also a Scot, who shares his enthusiasm for coming to St John's and intends to take a full and active part in the life of the church and community.

In an upbeat sermon, Roy expressed his passion for reaching out into the community with the gospel of Jesus Christ. He also stressed the need for himself and other ministers to make time to be still in God's presence to be able to report to people out of an intimacy with God.

From the very start of their association with him, Roy had impressed the Nominating Committee with his apparently unflagging enthusiasm. He is an inspiring preacher and is dedicated to spreading the Gospel. His energy is just what we need to get us jump-started after the vacancy doldrums.

One thing we are sure about is that he will make his presence felt in St John's. No-one will be able to ignore him!