Reverend Cynthia Stretton
By Marian Martin
A new spiritual home closer to home and getting to know members of her congregation are what Rev. Cynthia Stretton has most looked forward to as she begins a new journey of ministry at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church.
Rev. Stretton, a Beacher, came to the church, located in Birch Cliff at Kingston Rd. and Warden Ave just over five months ago.
“In my first year I look forward to meeting and getting to know my new congregation,” she says. “I try to have home visits with anyone who wants one.”
And in a few short months she has done that.
Birchcliff Bluffs United Church
“Being close to my new church is a dream. I’m home for dinner and, when needed, being at the church on a Saturday is not difficult,” she says.
A native of Dunnville, Ont., in the Niagara region, Rev. Stretton has lived in the Beach with her family, including two dogs and one cat, for 13 years. Gardening, reading and golfing are favourite recreational pastimes.
With a Master’s of Divinity from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont., Rev. Stretton was ordained in 1986. Her ministries have been predominately spread across the GTA, with her most recent church located in Mississauga.
Impressed by the Food Bank
Arriving at BBUC in September 2013, Rev. Stretton says she was impressed that her new congregation had offered its building years ago as the physical home for the Churches By the Bluffs Community Services Food Bank. “This is a huge witness to the community that they (congregation members) think more outside themselves.”
Another attraction that appeals to Rev. Stretton’s plans for future creativity is the flexible sanctuary space of the church. An open community gathering space, stage area and moveable chairs can accommodate innovative worship, drama and special events, she says. PowerPoint technology also allows for experimenting with different types of worship.
“Every congregation has a persona”
As with any meeting of a new minister and her congregation, there is discovery. “Every congregation has a persona,” says Rev. Stretton. “BBUC is an open and welcoming congregation. We welcome all ages and stages of life. This is part of the United Church ethos, but here we put it into practice—come as you are.”
What does Rev. Stretton bring to this new calling herself? “I offer a sense of enjoying God and seeing God in everything and everyone and I want to communicate that to the congregation.” That happens through sermons and media offerings. Power Point displays of photos offered by congregation members “are a chance to stop in our busy lives and see God in creation and God in action,” says Rev. Stretton. ”I entitle them “Godmoments.” These presentations are multigenerational because children are an important part of our congregation.”
Expectations high on both sides
As well as the creativity there are the practical adjustments of getting used to a new administration, says Rev. Stretton. As a “called” minister, “I bring a different ministry format to what had been in place,” she says. “When a new minister comes to a new congregation expectations are high on both sides. There is a period of transition. This is my first smaller congregation and so there is a bit of culture shock, but I love it!”
As settling in occurs Rev. Stretton says she is looking forward to continued visioning with the congregation. “Visioning now is in its infancy. There are exciting plans around expanding inclusiveness, spiritual groups and innovative sermons,” she says. “Stay tuned for what’s to come.”
Marian Martin is a Sunday School leader and choir member at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church.