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Gwen is a graduate of McMaster University, Hamilton (B.A.) and Knox College at the University of Toronto (M.Div.). She has ministered to congregations in Thunder Bay and Stittsville, Ontario, and most recently at St. Andrew’s Church, Saskatoon, as part of a Team Ministry.

Prior to ordination in June of 1999, Gwen was a Katimavik Group Leader and held several positions in the area of youth care, including nine years as a Youth Care Worker in Waterloo. While preparing for ministry, she provided church leadership in Stoney Creek and Erindale. She also has training in business management, and in mediation and conflict resolution.

During her ministry, Gwen has been involved in hospital chaplaincy, long-range planning, refugee sponsorship, and work with native ministries. She has also trained for interim ministry.

Gwen views her role in the church “as a facilitator, enabler, community builder and bearer of God’s light of love and hope.” She continues: “I strive to work in conjunction with others as a team to create dynamic worship and congregational life that will stimulate each of us to travel further along on our spiritual faith journey both as individuals and as the body of Christ.” She sees herself as a life-long learner.

Brian Emery has been Director of Music at St. Marys Presbyterian Church since 1990. He holds degrees from the University of Guelph (1976) and the University of Western Ontario (1980). Brian is a long standing member of The Elora Festival Singers and the St. Marys Children's Choir. He considers it a privilege to serve God's people here in this congregation.

After much thought and prayer, I took over the role of Clerk of Session of St. Marys Presbyterian Church on January 5^th, 2009. I have a long history at this church, having attended since my youth. I became a member by profession of faith shortly before my marriage here in 1982. Our four children, now grown, were all baptized here too. My husband and I run a dairy and cash crop farm about 16 km west of St. Marys. I grew up in the small village of Prospect Hill, not far from where we now reside.

I have been an elder since 1997 and have just recently “retired” from teaching Sunday school, something I began when our kids were little. I have also been involved in helping to lead several workshops for elders, and did a few services out at the Wildwood Campground when our church was responsible for that ministry. I enjoy the fellowship that comes from working with others, such as helping to serve dinners, cleaning the yard or painting the walls. For the past two years I have gone on a mission trip with a group known as “Hope for Haiti”. I have been to Uganda and to Honduras and have found this to be a most rewarding and meaningful experience in the areas of personal and spiritual growth. This is something I definitely hope to continue.

The role of clerk will certainly be a challenge for me. I am looking forward to working with the people of our church and being a part of the leadership team that takes us along the path that God has planned for us.

After attending church for several years and realizing this was my church family I became a member of St.Marys Presbyterian Church 8 years ago. Although this is my second term on board I am still amazed how much I can learn about the operation of the church. The board has always had a group of hard working, creative volunteers who are fun to work with. We are also very blessed to have so many of the congregation who pitch in to help with dinners or spring clean-ups. My decision to be chair was not without a lot of prayer as we have had many excellent chairpersons who have set a very high standard for people to follow.

I have been married to Margaret for almost 38 years. We have a daughter and son who are both married and live in Ottawa. Becky and Andrew have 3 children: Anne, Sam and Clara May. Andy and Amy are expecting their first child in August. We are very proud of our family.

I worked as a mechanic on trucks and buses and now am semi-retired. I drive a school bus and perform other tasks around the bus depot. I enjoy my job very much and it allows me to have some free time throughout the day to help out the seniors in our lives as well as upkeep at the church and manse.

Judy Newman has been our dedicated custodian for two years. She also holds a position at Stonetown Foodland. Judy and her husband David have four children, Andrew, Dan, Roy and Joann and three grandchildren, Theo, Michael, and Brooklyn. Judy has a keen interest in music through solo handbell ringing, and has recently taken up the oboe. She is unbeatable with a vacuum and scrub brush and keeps the secretary on her toes (somebody has to). As well as music in her spare time, Judy quilts, reads, and loves gardening.

Kris is holding down the fort in the office. She is fairly new to the area, only a five year resident and can be seen around town being walked by her three dogs, Jaelle, Keo and Madigan.

Deb has been working with our youth for a couple of years now and we are very lucky to have her. From ropes courses to bible study she keeps our young people engaged and involved. Go Deb!!

St. Marys Presbyterian Church
P.O. Box 247,147 Widder Street East, St. Marys, Ontario N4X 1B1 (519)284-2620;(519)284-0367 (fax) stmaryspreschurch@on.aibn.com
Calendar of Events Church School History Home Music Ladies Groups Newsletter Pictures Programs Staff Worship Youth Groups Connect to Town of St. Marys Connect to St. Marys Churches Connect to Presbyterian Church in Canada	Minister: The Rev. Gwen Ament B. A, M. Div Gwen is a graduate of McMaster University, Hamilton (B.A.) and Knox College at the University of Toronto (M.Div.). She has ministered to congregations in Thunder Bay and Stittsville, Ontario, and most recently at St. Andrew’s Church, Saskatoon, as part of a Team Ministry. Prior to ordination in June of 1999, Gwen was a Katimavik Group Leader and held several positions in the area of youth care, including nine years as a Youth Care Worker in Waterloo. While preparing for ministry, she provided church leadership in Stoney Creek and Erindale. She also has training in business management, and in mediation and conflict resolution. During her ministry, Gwen has been involved in hospital chaplaincy, long-range planning, refugee sponsorship, and work with native ministries. She has also trained for interim ministry. Gwen views her role in the church “as a facilitator, enabler, community builder and bearer of God’s light of love and hope.” She continues: “I strive to work in conjunction with others as a team to create dynamic worship and congregational life that will stimulate each of us to travel further along on our spiritual faith journey both as individuals and as the body of Christ.” She sees herself as a life-long learner. Director of Music: Mr. Brian Emery B.Sc., B.Mus., A.R.C.T. Brian Emery has been Director of Music at St. Marys Presbyterian Church since 1990. He holds degrees from the University of Guelph (1976) and the University of Western Ontario (1980). Brian is a long standing member of The Elora Festival Singers and the St. Marys Children's Choir. He considers it a privilege to serve God's people here in this congregation. Clerk of Session: Val Thomson After much thought and prayer, I took over the role of Clerk of Session of St. Marys Presbyterian Church on January 5^th, 2009. I have a long history at this church, having attended since my youth. I became a member by profession of faith shortly before my marriage here in 1982. Our four children, now grown, were all baptized here too. My husband and I run a dairy and cash crop farm about 16 km west of St. Marys. I grew up in the small village of Prospect Hill, not far from where we now reside. I have been an elder since 1997 and have just recently “retired” from teaching Sunday school, something I began when our kids were little. I have also been involved in helping to lead several workshops for elders, and did a few services out at the Wildwood Campground when our church was responsible for that ministry. I enjoy the fellowship that comes from working with others, such as helping to serve dinners, cleaning the yard or painting the walls. For the past two years I have gone on a mission trip with a group known as “Hope for Haiti”. I have been to Uganda and to Honduras and have found this to be a most rewarding and meaningful experience in the areas of personal and spiritual growth. This is something I definitely hope to continue. The role of clerk will certainly be a challenge for me. I am looking forward to working with the people of our church and being a part of the leadership team that takes us along the path that God has planned for us. Board of Managers Chairperson: Mr. Gary Martin F.ac., I.litat After attending church for several years and realizing this was my church family I became a member of St.Marys Presbyterian Church 8 years ago. Although this is my second term on board I am still amazed how much I can learn about the operation of the church. The board has always had a group of hard working, creative volunteers who are fun to work with. We are also very blessed to have so many of the congregation who pitch in to help with dinners or spring clean-ups. My decision to be chair was not without a lot of prayer as we have had many excellent chairpersons who have set a very high standard for people to follow. I have been married to Margaret for almost 38 years. We have a daughter and son who are both married and live in Ottawa. Becky and Andrew have 3 children: Anne, Sam and Clara May. Andy and Amy are expecting their first child in August. We are very proud of our family. I worked as a mechanic on trucks and buses and now am semi-retired. I drive a school bus and perform other tasks around the bus depot. I enjoy my job very much and it allows me to have some free time throughout the day to help out the seniors in our lives as well as upkeep at the church and manse. Custodian: Mrs. Judy Newman K.leen S.weep Judy Newman has been our dedicated custodian for two years. She also holds a position at Stonetown Foodland. Judy and her husband David have four children, Andrew, Dan, Roy and Joann and three grandchildren, Theo, Michael, and Brooklyn. Judy has a keen interest in music through solo handbell ringing, and has recently taken up the oboe. She is unbeatable with a vacuum and scrub brush and keeps the secretary on her toes (somebody has to). As well as music in her spare time, Judy quilts, reads, and loves gardening. Treasurer & Office Administrator: Kris Skjellerup Kris is holding down the fort in the office. She is fairly new to the area, only a five year resident and can be seen around town being walked by her three dogs, Jaelle, Keo and Madigan. Youth Leader: Deb Tate Deb has been working with our youth for a couple of years now and we are very lucky to have her. From ropes courses to bible study she keeps our young people engaged and involved. Go Deb!!