On September 1st, we welcomed our new Diocesan Executive Director, Rev. Ann Turner, who comes to us from the Anglican Diocese of Niagara. We thought you might like to get to know a bit more about Ann until you have the opportunity to meet her for yourself, so we asked her a few questions. Here’s what she had to say.
What brought you to the east coast?
The combination of family, family history, and a deep love of coastal regions meant the Maritimes have been on our radar for some time as a potential place to make home. Combined with my own desire and inclination to work more intentionally at the “business” of the church, this move has felt more like a coming home than a relocation.
What is it about this position that piqued your interest?
Variety is the spice of life! I anticipate no end of variety in this position. As well, in parish ministry, I had a deep passion for community development and believe that this work will allow me to further develop and exercise my skills in this area. Spanning people to property, I am excited about keeping the heart in the business of the Church.
What are some roles you’ve held that have prepared you for this role as Executive Director?
I came to the priesthood late in my ministry. As a long-time Vocational Deacon, I balanced secular and parish work. My secular work in technology and in publishing have positioned me as a creative, open-to-change kind of worker. This in turn has influenced my ministry at the cellular level. Among those jobs most formative is my work for the United Church Publishing House, several years at Apple, Canada, and my terms in many parishes across four different dioceses (in youth work, adult education, and music direction). I have also owned and operated my own businesses, including Artemis Enterprises (publishing) and The River Collective, a vestment and ecclesiastical design studio marketed throughout Canada and the eastern USA.
What is something you’ve learned in your ministry that has stuck with you?
I have learned that the best posture for me is one of curiosity. Nothing to do with people or their closely held feelings and beliefs is tidy or absolute. To adopt a posture of curiosity allows me to question rather than pronounce, to wonder rather than dictate. This allows me to stay open, to be flexible, to not pre-determine outcomes, and to be comfortable inviting others to do the same.
You served as a Deacon for many years before being ordained as a parish priest. How has your time as a Deacon informed your approach to ministry?
When I was first ordained, I was not sure that being a Rector or Priest-in-Charge was the role for me. The Diaconate offered me an opportunity to fulfill my call to work with individuals and communities held at the edges of dominant culture. My energies were focused on the missional work of traveling alongside those who found themselves food- and housing-vulnerable, people burdened by addictions and other mental concerns, as well as being a support to others working to sustain these same populations. With time and experience, I realized that my developing gifts could also make a significant impact at the systemic level. I am hardwired to advocate for those who have no voice, no power.
How do you see yourself working with parishes and clergy in this role?
I’m definitely a people-person and never want to lose track of the importance of people over systems. Being an extremely open person, my hope is that I will always be approachable and remain a reassuring presence as advocate and guide while navigating together the many challenges and delights of parish ministry.
What project or initiative in your ministry that has brought you the greatest sense of fulfillment thus far?
Most recently, I had the opportunity to develop a comprehensive food outreach for those in my parish location struggling with food insecurity during COVID-19. Together with many other community advocates, we amalgamated several programmes to become a full service “Meals-to-Go” for the region. We drew volunteers and finances from well beyond the church circle and were able to institute a programme that was practical (feeding people), accessible (self-enrollment was the only qualifier), and an opportunity to build sustainable relationships throughout the region (delivering meals offered opportunities for wellness checks and compassionate connections). It remains a thriving community outreach feeding, at its peak, over 800 meals per week (prepared, packaged, and delivered by community volunteers).
Hobbies? Interests? Passions?
What recharges my batteries and renews my faith when discouraged or waning are — not necessarily in order of preference — family, dogs, music, mosaics, knitting, and general hilarity!
