In 1988 Transcona Memorial United Church congregation invited Carol Fletcher and Jeff Cook to become their leaders. Thirty-five years later, Carol and Jeff retired from their leadership roles. I met Carol and Jeff in 2002 when I first came to Canada, and my Canadian Mama, Audrey Lumsden, introduced Ukrainian students to Transcona Memorial United Church (TMUC) community
When I met Carol, I was thrilled to see a female priest (In Ukraine, in Orthodox and Greek Catholic churches, priests can only be male). Carol made me believe that everything is possible and everyone who have strong faith and leadership qualities can become a priest and lead the congregation. At that time, I was unaware that Carol and Jeff will be part of all major events in my life and TMUC will become my home spiritual community for a decade. When I returned in 2004 to start my MSW journey, I began coming with Audrey to select TMUC services. I admired Carol and Jeff’s social justice sermons and prayers while listening to hymns and singing with the most accepting and inclusive TMUC congregation.
Carol and Jeff are inspirational leaders. They practice social justice, service to humanity, inclusivity, compassion and care. They created an environment where everyone is welcome. The congregation supported their leadership style. I am thinking of those who were baptized by Carol and Jeff in 1988, grew up in the TMUC community of faith, are now 35 years older, and are fortunate to have Carol and Jeff role modelling throughout their life journey.
Spiritual care is essential, and Jeff and Carol allowed the TMUC community to receive the best care possible at times of joy and sorrow. Carol and Jeff are always there when the community needs them. TMUC become a community hub where one can meet all their needs, from food bank to community arts. TMUC is a leader in the messy church movement, welcomes newcomers to the community, supports refugees, and inspires future leaders. In his recent address at the House of Commons, Daniel Blaikie, MP for Elmwood-Transcona, stated: “Jeff and Carol guided our congregation to formally becoming an affirming ministry. They created opportunities to learn what it means to live as treaty people, and they fostered connections with newcomers, nurturing English conversation groups and most recently providing support to people from Ukraine”. Jeff and Carol supported me through their presence at my MSW celebration; Carol attended my Canadian Citizenship Ceremony, and Jeff was at my Ph.D. defence. They came to our open house when I bought my first house in Canada. When I needed to leave Winnipeg to take my first full-time job in Halifax, I knew that whenever I came home, I would be welcomed at TMUC. They allowed me to serve communion and read scriptures whenever I flew to my Canadian home. They show me what caring leadership means, how to practice humility and care, and how to lead through service. I was thrilled when they opened Zoom connection during the pandemic and started recording services, as I always have a hard time waking up for Sunday morning service.
I cannot stop crying during the last few services I watched on YouTube and “Esther and Emmett” reflection on retirement. Tears of joy made me reflect on 35 years of incredible service TMUC members witnessed through Carol and Jeff’s leadership. I have thought about how many girls have been inspired by Carol to take leadership roles. How many lessons have TMUC members learnt from Jeff and Carol’s sermons? How many members of Transcona received “all are welcome” treatment by the TMUC congregation during Jeff and Carol’s 35 years of care? The answer is many! Countless hours of 24/7 service for 35 years at TMUC: Carol and Jeff ensured they were present every Christmas, Easter, New Year and the rest of the special yearly celebrations.
Soon the ministry page on the TMUC website will be updated with the new leader’s name. However, one will always be able to find that Carol has been honoured with the Golden Jubilee Medal and there is even a street in Winnipeg bearing Carol’s name. Carol led the $1.75-million, three-level TMUC building renovation project that added two gender-neutral washrooms, new women’s and men’s washrooms, a multi-purpose room and a windowed waiting area next to the front door. Carol shared in Winnipeg Free Press article: “It’s all about caring for the most vulnerable in a program to reduce isolation that is life-giving for them.” In a recent Winnipeg Free Press article, Brenda Suderman quotes Carol’s words: “Our building is our table that we’re inviting people to, so we have to add more leaves to the table.” Although there will be no more new TMUC services that Carol and Jeff lead, everyone can watch past services and read Jeff’s book written with United Church Moderator Walter Farquharson, An Audacious Invitation: A Compelling Reflection on the Gospel According to John and available on Amazon in both paper and kindle editions.
Thank you, Carol and Jeff, for your service, care, love, peace and joy. I will add my voice to the TMUC choir wishing you all the best during the standing ovation after the closing hymn you choose: “The trees of the field, Will clap their hands, While you go out with joy”. I hope one day you come to Kamloops and visit Hills of Peace congregation and meet Jane, who welcomed me when I am away from the TMUC community.
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