MINDEMOYA—The decision to close Trinity United Church in Mindemoya and sell the property has led inevitably to the release from Covenant Service of Pastor Kimberly Inglis. On Sunday, September 21 the congregation gathered in the church to say farewell to the minister who has served their community for the past two-and-a-half years.
The farewell began with a church service in which the official ‘Release from Covenant Service’ was confirmed and the presentation of gifts from the community were pressented. “I am finishing my time here with having made my orange shirt,” said Paster Inglis following her land acknowledgement. “I want you to continue to remember to do those things as part of right relations here on the Island and the part of reaching out.”
“I’m so grateful that Kim came here to this church,” said church pianist Shelley Lanktree. “I moved up here four years ago to play the piano and be part of the church. Kim was here, and she’s been so welcoming and really emphasizing, reminding us about how important it is to recognize First Nations and to be grateful that we live here, and always be kind and help each other.”
“Things you say relate to real life, so I can walk out of here and be thinking about things that relate to my life,” Mrs. Lanktree said, addressing Pastor Inglis. “It gives us a chance as well during the service, whether it’s during the silent prayer, to think about ourselves and our feelings. Kind of plan ahead to what we’re going to do or ask for forgiveness or think, ‘what I can do to help someone else?’ I very much enjoyed listening to your sermons. You’ll be missed very much.”
A number of other commendations were offered to the pastor, as well as several parting gifts, including a broad-rimmed hat adorned with the name of her new parish in New Brunswick. The hat is reflective of the pastor’s love of gardening.
Reverend Melody Duncanson Hales, United Church pastoral supervisor, presided over the Release from Covenant Service which she explained was the bookend of the original Covenant of Service that was entered into between Pastor Inglis and the congregation of Trinity United Church upon the beginning of her service to the community.
A “Release from Covenant” service, or Decovenanting Service in the United Church of Canada marks the formal end of the ministerial relationship between a minister and a specific pastoral charge, where both parties are released from the promises made during the initial covenanting service. During the service, the minister returns symbolic items of ministry and the congregation acknowledges the ending of the covenant while expressing gratitude for the past ministry and offering a blessing for the future.
The Prayer of Thanksgiving was as follows: “Gracious God, for all that has been, we give thanks, for all that is to come, we place our trust in you. Bless Kim in the journey ahead. Bless this congregation as it seeks new vision and leadership. Keep us united in your love and send us forth in hope. Amen.”
Following the service, the congregation decamped to the lower hall for a dinner celebrating Pastor Inglis and fellowship.
The sale of the church building is ongoing, although it was noted that there have as yet been few offers forthcoming.
