Lay worship leaders support local churches
As congregations in local United Churches face challenges, it is the licensed lay worship leaders who are filling in gaps, and they are doing it very well. Two of these lay leaders are Lorane Mckenzie and Tessa Griffin, both from Union United Church in Montreal. They have been certified since 2008.
When Emmanuel United in Cowansville was without a minister the last time, a pool of licensed lay worship leaders filled in the while the congregation was searching for a new minister. Tessa Griffin was in that rotation. Through that connection, close ties were made with Union United Church. A quilt called the Underground Railroad was made by members of Emmanuel United and was donated to the Union United Church in Montreal and the Union United Choir came down to the Townships in September 2015 to give an incredible performance. When a minister was found, Knowlton United Church contacted Tessa and she continued there.
In recent months Knowlton United has now gotten a part-time minister, Steve Lawson, and Tessa fills in for two Sundays a month. Tessa’s aunt, Lorane Mckenzie, would often travel with Tessa when she came to Emmanuel United. Now that Emmanuel is in the process of once again searching for a minister, Lorane has joined the rotation of lay leaders serving in Cowansville.
These two talented ladies are positive in their approach to worship and they are wonderful ambassadors for Union United Church.