We are pleased to announce that on October 1st, 2017, we will be welcoming Rev. Alan Claassen to St. John's.
Alan is a United Church of Christ minister, who has served churches in California, Oregon and Washington. From the Observer article ‘Called to Resist’ (March 2017), our United Church of Canada and the United Church of Christ are “deeply and spiritually compatible thanks to their shared theology and commitment to social justice. For that reason, in 2015, the churches entered into a full communion partnership.”
As an Interim Minister Alan has helped facilitate many congregations move through a re-visioning process that often begins in chaos and moves into creativity. Alan is also a Courage & Renewal facilitator and has been the song leader for several of their national programs including: Habits of the Heart Retreat for Clergy and Congregational Leaders, the Geography of Grace and the Soul of Aging. He is a singer/songwriter, guitarist and concert organizer. He also worked as an Event Coordinator with several San Francisco Bay Area non-profit performing art organizations.
Alan and Betsy met while attending the American School in London from 1967-1970. Betsy is a former modern dancer whose latest interests are in puppetry and yoga. Betsy has been a public school dance teacher for 17 years and now substitute teaches K-5. They have two children, Lauryn, 31, and Cody, 28.
Alan and Betsy's desire to serve a church in British Columbia comes from having attended the Vancouver Island Music Festival in Courtenay for the past five years. They both look forward to kayaking the waters, hiking the trails, and meeting the people of the Sunshine Coast.
We are excited to welcome them to our community and to our family of faith here at St. John's!