The Reverend Murray Rounding
In November of 2018 Trinity welcomed The Rev. Murray Rounding.
Jen Nicholson had the opportunity to meet Murray over lunch and she writes:
…A few things stood out for me, as “first impressions” walking into Murray’s office. Foremost, his warm welcome was evident. His office had the impression of simplicity and decluttering that can come at the start of journey. Also – catching my eye around his office were classic wooden snowshoes, a beautiful pottery communion set, a picture of beloved black dog and an unidentified large musical instrument in the corner. All of these items would be reflected on, as I asked Murray a bit more about himself and we agreed this introduction would describe Murray beyond “the resume.”
Murray brings a wealth of experience and qualification in the ministerial as well as human support professions. He holds a Diploma in Social Services (Sheridan College) and a Degree in Social Development Studies (University of Waterloo) and finished his Master of Divinity Degree at the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax. Since then he has completed many certificates, trainings and retreats to help him grow and serve as a United Church minister.
Murray’s resume shows a consistent and yet diverse background in social work, youth work, pastoral / ministerial work and a healthy spattering of carpentry / renovation work interspersed throughout his journey. He has worked at schools, treatment centres, community centres, summer camps, and a variety of pastoral charges across the country. It is clear he has worked both “front line” as well as in leadership / supervisory roles in many of these settings.
Murray described how he got into the specific area of Transitional Ministry “out of curiosity” – it was after taking the initial training that he recalls “saying yes” to this vocation. Although he initially had some hesitation – “I didn’t know whether I wanted to go into a ministry that was so contractual and short term. It isn’t as long-term and relational as I was used to.“ - what drew him to Transitional ministry was the “clarity of goals” and being very intentional about using time to work as a team and congregation toward change, discernment and the future. Further, Murray reflected that he has been part of congregations that “had they had transitional ministry 10 years ago or so” they might have not had to close.
Returning to the objects and symbols in Murray’s office, the pottery communion set connects to how Murray sees himself as a minister – and that is, in large part, as an “Educator.” He and his wife Anne took on the Danube River five years ago where he befriended a Jewish rabbi who invited him to share in their Havdallah service. Participating in this worship service, Murray said he understood and recognized the Jewish roots of our communion service. As an Educator and Minister, Murray feels it is so important to share those connections and help congregations deepen their understanding of why we continue to do certain rituals and what new rituals, or more traditional rituals, we can experience.
In another corner of his office, are a pair of wooden snowshoes. Outside of church Murray feels most deeply connected to God in creation. Hiking, paddling, gardening are meaningful pursuits for Murray and his wife. The snowshoes (and a canoe paddle) are in fact symbols he has selected to represent this time of Transition Ministry with Trinity. Both paddles and snow shoes help us journey with joys and hardship along unknown paths, creating new routes and community in the wilderness.
The unidentified musical instrument in Murray’s office is a Euphonium. Murray plays the Euphonium and the piano; and he loves to sing. Music is a necessary part of his life. “I need it, I don’t just like it,” he reflected. Murray said he and his wife can tell what kind of mood he is by what music he plays. Murray commented that already, in the short time he has been at Trinity, he is excited and impressed by the musical talent evident in the choir and congregation as a whole.
There is a picture of a beloved dog, Samantha, on the wall in Murray’s office. Over 30 years ago, when Murray was anticipating moving into his first manse after completing his Master of Divinity – he was asked what he was going to do or buy first upon moving into the manse. Other peer classmates said that they might buy kitchen ware or furniture or other practical items – Murray said he knew he wanted a dog. “I am a dog lover.” Sadly, Samantha died a few years ago – yet her memory is forefront in Murray’s office.
And finally, there was one other symbol discussed. Murray commented on a simple pleasure in life: Dark Chocolate. “I was told by my doctor that it is good for my heart and blood pressure.” So with a “prescription” to enjoy Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa) Murray makes sure he enjoys the daily sweetness of life.
Welcome to Trinity, Murray Rounding!
In November of 2018 Trinity welcomed The Rev. Murray Rounding.
Jen Nicholson had the opportunity to meet Murray over lunch and she writes:
…A few things stood out for me, as “first impressions” walking into Murray’s office. Foremost, his warm welcome was evident. His office had the impression of simplicity and decluttering that can come at the start of journey. Also – catching my eye around his office were classic wooden snowshoes, a beautiful pottery communion set, a picture of beloved black dog and an unidentified large musical instrument in the corner. All of these items would be reflected on, as I asked Murray a bit more about himself and we agreed this introduction would describe Murray beyond “the resume.”
Murray brings a wealth of experience and qualification in the ministerial as well as human support professions. He holds a Diploma in Social Services (Sheridan College) and a Degree in Social Development Studies (University of Waterloo) and finished his Master of Divinity Degree at the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax. Since then he has completed many certificates, trainings and retreats to help him grow and serve as a United Church minister.
Murray’s resume shows a consistent and yet diverse background in social work, youth work, pastoral / ministerial work and a healthy spattering of carpentry / renovation work interspersed throughout his journey. He has worked at schools, treatment centres, community centres, summer camps, and a variety of pastoral charges across the country. It is clear he has worked both “front line” as well as in leadership / supervisory roles in many of these settings.
Murray described how he got into the specific area of Transitional Ministry “out of curiosity” – it was after taking the initial training that he recalls “saying yes” to this vocation. Although he initially had some hesitation – “I didn’t know whether I wanted to go into a ministry that was so contractual and short term. It isn’t as long-term and relational as I was used to.“ - what drew him to Transitional ministry was the “clarity of goals” and being very intentional about using time to work as a team and congregation toward change, discernment and the future. Further, Murray reflected that he has been part of congregations that “had they had transitional ministry 10 years ago or so” they might have not had to close.
Returning to the objects and symbols in Murray’s office, the pottery communion set connects to how Murray sees himself as a minister – and that is, in large part, as an “Educator.” He and his wife Anne took on the Danube River five years ago where he befriended a Jewish rabbi who invited him to share in their Havdallah service. Participating in this worship service, Murray said he understood and recognized the Jewish roots of our communion service. As an Educator and Minister, Murray feels it is so important to share those connections and help congregations deepen their understanding of why we continue to do certain rituals and what new rituals, or more traditional rituals, we can experience.
In another corner of his office, are a pair of wooden snowshoes. Outside of church Murray feels most deeply connected to God in creation. Hiking, paddling, gardening are meaningful pursuits for Murray and his wife. The snowshoes (and a canoe paddle) are in fact symbols he has selected to represent this time of Transition Ministry with Trinity. Both paddles and snow shoes help us journey with joys and hardship along unknown paths, creating new routes and community in the wilderness.
The unidentified musical instrument in Murray’s office is a Euphonium. Murray plays the Euphonium and the piano; and he loves to sing. Music is a necessary part of his life. “I need it, I don’t just like it,” he reflected. Murray said he and his wife can tell what kind of mood he is by what music he plays. Murray commented that already, in the short time he has been at Trinity, he is excited and impressed by the musical talent evident in the choir and congregation as a whole.
There is a picture of a beloved dog, Samantha, on the wall in Murray’s office. Over 30 years ago, when Murray was anticipating moving into his first manse after completing his Master of Divinity – he was asked what he was going to do or buy first upon moving into the manse. Other peer classmates said that they might buy kitchen ware or furniture or other practical items – Murray said he knew he wanted a dog. “I am a dog lover.” Sadly, Samantha died a few years ago – yet her memory is forefront in Murray’s office.
And finally, there was one other symbol discussed. Murray commented on a simple pleasure in life: Dark Chocolate. “I was told by my doctor that it is good for my heart and blood pressure.” So with a “prescription” to enjoy Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa) Murray makes sure he enjoys the daily sweetness of life.
Welcome to Trinity, Murray Rounding!
Our Church Administrator, Suzy Simson
Suzy has been back in Canada and living in the Huntsville area with her husband and children since the year 2000. She grew up in East Challow near Oxford, England and was only 17 years old when she met her future husband, Ray, in the pub where she worked. Ray grew up on Three Mile Lake near Windermere, and was in England visiting family at the time. Suzy and Ray moved to Canada together for 3 years, and then back to England for 10 years where they were married. Their first daughter, Molly, was born in England. When Molly was only 18 months old they moved back to Canada, and their second daughter Megan was born here in 2001.
Suzy has honed her secretarial and administrative skills over the years. She has been a stay-at-home Mom with her two girls, as well as helping to run her husband's drywall business "The Art of Drywall", which has been operating since 2004.
Suzy started her new job as Trinity United Church's Church Administrator in the spring of 2015. She brings to us a wealth of organizational and administrative skills. Some of her responsibilities include preparing the bulletin each week for the Sunday Service, booking and organizing all the rentals for the church, including regular users of our facilities. Suzy handles all inquiries coming into the church office. Her enthusiasm and pleasant personality is appreciated by all who come through Trinity’s doors.
Suzy has been back in Canada and living in the Huntsville area with her husband and children since the year 2000. She grew up in East Challow near Oxford, England and was only 17 years old when she met her future husband, Ray, in the pub where she worked. Ray grew up on Three Mile Lake near Windermere, and was in England visiting family at the time. Suzy and Ray moved to Canada together for 3 years, and then back to England for 10 years where they were married. Their first daughter, Molly, was born in England. When Molly was only 18 months old they moved back to Canada, and their second daughter Megan was born here in 2001.
Suzy has honed her secretarial and administrative skills over the years. She has been a stay-at-home Mom with her two girls, as well as helping to run her husband's drywall business "The Art of Drywall", which has been operating since 2004.
Suzy started her new job as Trinity United Church's Church Administrator in the spring of 2015. She brings to us a wealth of organizational and administrative skills. Some of her responsibilities include preparing the bulletin each week for the Sunday Service, booking and organizing all the rentals for the church, including regular users of our facilities. Suzy handles all inquiries coming into the church office. Her enthusiasm and pleasant personality is appreciated by all who come through Trinity’s doors.
Our Director of Music, John Langille
John Langille (Johnny to his friends) came to Huntsville in the fall of 1997 from his home in Nova Scotia. From a very musical family of strong Baptists, it was natural for Johnny to be very involved in music in the church. He grew up in the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia, enjoying competitive racket sports in high school, lawn bowling and playing clarinet in the band. He was a 5 time Nova Scotia swimming champion and the butterfly was his specialty. Graduating from Mount St. Vincent University in Nova Scotia with a Bachelor of Arts in history and an honours degree, he substituted in the elementary system in music and worked also as a kitchen manager.
Largely self taught Johnny completed his formal piano training with the Toronto Conservatory of Music. His organ work began in 1983 and has taken him from Middleton, Nova Scotia to Dartmouth and Halifax, and finally to us in Huntsville. Working at the Deerhurst Resort as a fine-dining server, he also was the Supervisor of Staff Housing, overseeing young adults who come to work there from all over the world. Johnny’s musical talents are evident on a weekly basis at Trinity as he works with the choir of 30, presenting challenging cantatas and anthems. His organ and piano solos are always a treat and his love of music and sharing God’s message this way are meaningful and a blessing to all.
John Langille (Johnny to his friends) came to Huntsville in the fall of 1997 from his home in Nova Scotia. From a very musical family of strong Baptists, it was natural for Johnny to be very involved in music in the church. He grew up in the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia, enjoying competitive racket sports in high school, lawn bowling and playing clarinet in the band. He was a 5 time Nova Scotia swimming champion and the butterfly was his specialty. Graduating from Mount St. Vincent University in Nova Scotia with a Bachelor of Arts in history and an honours degree, he substituted in the elementary system in music and worked also as a kitchen manager.
Largely self taught Johnny completed his formal piano training with the Toronto Conservatory of Music. His organ work began in 1983 and has taken him from Middleton, Nova Scotia to Dartmouth and Halifax, and finally to us in Huntsville. Working at the Deerhurst Resort as a fine-dining server, he also was the Supervisor of Staff Housing, overseeing young adults who come to work there from all over the world. Johnny’s musical talents are evident on a weekly basis at Trinity as he works with the choir of 30, presenting challenging cantatas and anthems. His organ and piano solos are always a treat and his love of music and sharing God’s message this way are meaningful and a blessing to all.
Minister Emeritus, The Reverend John McTavish
Do you remember what you were doing on July 1, 1967? John McTavish certainly does. It was the first day of his life as a United Church minister in the community of Port Loring, a small village west of Trout Creek. John 'hit the heights' that day, sharing the back seat of a convertible with the late Stan Darling, long time member of parliament for Parry Sound - Muskoka in that town's Centennial celebration parade. As John so irreverently says, his career was all down hill from there! And what a career it was.
Following the path of most young ministers, John and Marion and their family moved to Richmond Hill for five years before arriving in Bracebridge in 1975. John and Marion have always had a love of theatre and together they have produced and directed dozens of plays and musicals over the years. It was in Bracebridge that John made mark as a person who wouldn't bow to pressure when their production of Godspell was picketed by a group of Christian fundamentalists. He says he has taken a few hits to the jaw but has never been knocked out. In fact, John went on to publish his own director's manual for Godspell which has been used by a number of other productions.
After several years in Bracebridge the McTavish family was off to Kitchener before arriving in Huntsville in 1988 and here John really blossomed as a minister and in his outreach to the community. For that is what John's efforts as director amounted to. He pulled people in from the entire community for an experience many would never forget. One of John's favourite playwrights is Alan Ayckburn and he and Marion have produced the Norman Conquests twice in their favourite format, Theatre in the Round. John even had the chance to play Norman himself in one of these productions. Musicals have also played a large role in John's directing career. Anne of Green Gables, Annie, Lil' Abner and Godspell have all graced the small stage in Trinity Hall.
John is also an accomplished playwright and the congregation at Trinity has been enriched by his stirring chancel plays, especially the one honouring Martin Luther King. For a number of years John had a regular column in the Weekender and has been a book reviewer for the Observer and the Presbyterian Record. Thankfully, although John has been retired for over five years, he is till contributing to the richness of life in Huntsville and especially to the enrichment of the congregation of Trinity. Late in 2009 John was honoured to be designated Minister Emeritus of Trinity United Church, an honour well deserved. Well done, John! Not such a downhill slide after all.
Do you remember what you were doing on July 1, 1967? John McTavish certainly does. It was the first day of his life as a United Church minister in the community of Port Loring, a small village west of Trout Creek. John 'hit the heights' that day, sharing the back seat of a convertible with the late Stan Darling, long time member of parliament for Parry Sound - Muskoka in that town's Centennial celebration parade. As John so irreverently says, his career was all down hill from there! And what a career it was.
Following the path of most young ministers, John and Marion and their family moved to Richmond Hill for five years before arriving in Bracebridge in 1975. John and Marion have always had a love of theatre and together they have produced and directed dozens of plays and musicals over the years. It was in Bracebridge that John made mark as a person who wouldn't bow to pressure when their production of Godspell was picketed by a group of Christian fundamentalists. He says he has taken a few hits to the jaw but has never been knocked out. In fact, John went on to publish his own director's manual for Godspell which has been used by a number of other productions.
After several years in Bracebridge the McTavish family was off to Kitchener before arriving in Huntsville in 1988 and here John really blossomed as a minister and in his outreach to the community. For that is what John's efforts as director amounted to. He pulled people in from the entire community for an experience many would never forget. One of John's favourite playwrights is Alan Ayckburn and he and Marion have produced the Norman Conquests twice in their favourite format, Theatre in the Round. John even had the chance to play Norman himself in one of these productions. Musicals have also played a large role in John's directing career. Anne of Green Gables, Annie, Lil' Abner and Godspell have all graced the small stage in Trinity Hall.
John is also an accomplished playwright and the congregation at Trinity has been enriched by his stirring chancel plays, especially the one honouring Martin Luther King. For a number of years John had a regular column in the Weekender and has been a book reviewer for the Observer and the Presbyterian Record. Thankfully, although John has been retired for over five years, he is till contributing to the richness of life in Huntsville and especially to the enrichment of the congregation of Trinity. Late in 2009 John was honoured to be designated Minister Emeritus of Trinity United Church, an honour well deserved. Well done, John! Not such a downhill slide after all.
Our Custodian, Wayne Stahls
Wayne Stahls was born and raised in Huntsville. He attended Huntsville High School taking technology courses. Over the years he has played on and coached Lacrosse teams at both the Ontario and Canadian levels of competition. In his youth he also enjoyed hockey as a goaltender, ice fishing and snowmobiling, all great sports in Muskoka! His working career started as a grocery store clerk for Dominion and then A&P. In 1983 he married Wendy and they have 3 children who are young adults now. Wayne began working for Trinity United as Custodian in 2000. The level of activity on a daily basis in the church building keeps Wayne very busy but he is always happy to stop and chat. He enjoys helping senior friends as a handyman and with demands of year round outdoor maintenance in Huntsville. Holidays are camping adventures and during hockey season you’ll find him at a nearby coffee shop where hockey is the topic and he has his own Coach’s Corner.
Wayne Stahls was born and raised in Huntsville. He attended Huntsville High School taking technology courses. Over the years he has played on and coached Lacrosse teams at both the Ontario and Canadian levels of competition. In his youth he also enjoyed hockey as a goaltender, ice fishing and snowmobiling, all great sports in Muskoka! His working career started as a grocery store clerk for Dominion and then A&P. In 1983 he married Wendy and they have 3 children who are young adults now. Wayne began working for Trinity United as Custodian in 2000. The level of activity on a daily basis in the church building keeps Wayne very busy but he is always happy to stop and chat. He enjoys helping senior friends as a handyman and with demands of year round outdoor maintenance in Huntsville. Holidays are camping adventures and during hockey season you’ll find him at a nearby coffee shop where hockey is the topic and he has his own Coach’s Corner.
