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On April 26, I shared the prayerful call I discerned to conclude my ministry at Northwood United Church. As I reflect on our time together, I find myself drawn back to our beginning. Our covenanted relationship began on Thanksgiving Sunday in 2016, and it feels deeply meaningful that our shared ministry was framed from the outset by gratitude. From that very first day, we entered into this relationship giving thanks: for one another, for the call to serve, and for the many ways God’s Spirit would move among us. Over these past ten years, it has been my profound privilege to walk alongside you as we followed God’s call together. We have worshipped, prayed, learned, and served. We have celebrated moments of grace and stood side by side in times of grief and challenge. Through it all, I have witnessed a community seeking to live out its faith with authenticity, compassion, and courage. For this, I am deeply grateful.
Time and again, I have seen Northwood embody Christ’s expansive love—a love that reaches beyond boundaries, honours the dignity of all people, and recognizes our deep connection with all of creation. This vision has not only shaped our ministry; it has shaped me as well. I carry with me a deep sense of gratitude for the ways you have been teachers, companions in ministry, and a community through which the presence of Christ has been made known.
As a leader in the church, I believe it is part of our calling to discern when our ministry continues to nurture new life and when it is time for new leadership to guide the community forward. While this discernment has not been easy, I trust that new leadership will build upon Northwood’s strong and faithful legacy in meaningful and life-giving ways. It has been a tremendous honour to be part of Northwood’s story. As I prepare to begin a new chapter of ministry with Trinity United in Vernon this August, I do so with deep thanksgiving for all we have shared, and with confidence that God will continue to guide and bless Northwood into the future. Seeds have been planted and will continue to grow, and the Spirit that has been so present among us will remain.
I encourage you to support the Board and the newly forming Search Team as they begin the important work of discerning the leadership needed for Northwood’s next chapter. Please hold them in your prayers, and consider offering your own gifts to this process—even if you have served in similar ways before. Your wisdom, your prayers, and your participation are deeply needed.
My final Sunday leading worship will be July 5th. In the weeks ahead, I welcome opportunities for meaningful conversation as we reflect on our shared ministry and say goodbye. It would be my deep honour to meet with you—whether in my study, in your home, or over coffee. These past ten years have been busy and blessed, and I am truly grateful for the ministry we have shared as we have sought to embrace all of creation with the love of Christ.
Thank you, Northwood. May the peace of Christ continue to guide us all into the future with hope and courage. 
Rev. Scott