United Church in Eston is welcoming new minister

By Joan Janzen
joanjanzen@yahoo.com

The congregation of St. Andrew’s United Church in Eston is looking forward to the arrival of their new minister, who will be arriving in mid-July. Doreen Hewitson and her husband Dave are moving to Eston from Port Lambton, Ontario, and Doreen will officially begin her ministerial duties at 318 Main Street on August 1. Doreen has been the United Church minister at Port Lambton for the past three years.

Doreen said the church and congregational life in Eston seemed to be exactly what she was searching for, and the time was perfect for her and her husband to make a move. She’s also no stranger to life in Saskatchewan, having taken her ministry training in Designated Lay Ministry at the Calling Lakes Centre from 2010 to 2013, where her group worshiped in Fort Qu’Appelle on Sundays. She loved both the people and the landscape and said, “one day, I would really like to find a church in Saskatchewan.” Now that day has arrived.

Doreen is also familiar with small-town life, having lived in several smaller communities in Ontario, including Wingham, Hensall, Blenheim, Wallaceburg, Tilbury and Port Lambton. “All of these are small towns, and it is where I am most comfortable,” she said. She also grew up in Chatham, Ontario, described as a small city masquerading as a big town.

Her husband Dave is also a licensed lay worship leader in Ontario, which means he fills in on Sundays when a minister is away. He is looking forward to being recognized in Saskatchewan so that he can help out in Eston. Dave sang tenor in a local choir and looks forward to being involved in community organizations.

Doreen is looking forward to meeting the members of her new congregation. Both she and her husband have been active in community theatre in the past and would enjoy being involved in that again. As for hobbies, Doreen enjoyed belonging to a quilting group and book clubs.

More than anything, she is anxious to be part of a very active congregation in the community. In the meantime, they have been purging furniture, knick-knacks and books as they get ready to move to Eston. “I think everyone should move every three to five years, so they learn not to accumulate so many things,” Doreen concluded.

Meanwhile, in Eston, the church manse is getting a make-over in preparation for its new occupants. After the cleaning and painting are all done and Doreen and Dave are settled into their new home, the congregation at St. Andrew’s United Church are probably hoping they will stay for quite a few years.