Dear New Friends,

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Eph. 3:20).

These words of Paul to the church in Ephesus have been a tremendous source of inspiration for me over the years and consequently they quite naturally find their way into this message of introduction. I say naturally because growing God's kingdom in our lives and community demands that our focus be on the one responsible for making that growth a reality. Of course we are required to "participate" with God in this endeavour, but in the end it is He that shows us "the way" and enables us to walk in it. My journey began in Kirkland Lake where I was born and raised by parents who provided for me a lens through which I began to discover and explore the wonder of God within the context of the Anglican Church. My eventual call to ministry found its expression initially in the Church Army in Canada which is best known for its emphasis on Evangelism and Social Outreach. After 16 years of active service I discerned a further call into Ordained ministry which has included time spent on Manitoulin Island, Espanola, and at St. George's Barrie. This of course brings me to the newest leg of the journey in which I find myself in the initial stages of an exciting new ministry here at St. Margaret's with my wife Beth and two sons Matthew and Nathan.

Together with you, we find ourselves in the midst of transition wondering just how exactly our collective ministry will unfold. While we don't know exactly what shape the future will take, we can be assured that as we continue to fix our gaze on Christ and walk faithfully with him, we will indeed be blessed in ways that surpass our wildest dreams. May God enable us to embrace the full measure of his goodness as we faithfully walk this journey together.

Yours Faithfully
The Rev. Capt. Stephen Pessah Incumbent

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