The Reverend Gary Paterson

Gary Paterson's roots run deep in Vancouver - early ancestors helped clear the land in present day Richmond 135 years ago.  Since 1979 he has lived in Vancouver, serving first as minister in Marpole, then as a Provincial Staff Person, responsible for Congregational Growth, local social justice issues and for Youth and Young Adult Ministry.  In 1989 Gary accepted a call to serve at First United Church in the Downtown Eastside. From 1993 until 2004 he ministered at Ryerson United Church in Kerrisdale. In February 2005 Gary came to us at St.Andrew's-Wesley United Church and with his thoughtful, spiritual sermons, compassionate pastoral care and inspiring leadership is leading us into new and exciting areas of personal and congregational growth.  

But Vancouver wasn't always home - Gary is an "army brat"; he was born in the Yukon, and has lived in Vancouver, Victoria, Germany (for three years), Toronto, Kingston (Ontario), Boston, and the Okanagan.  Since 1996 he has called the West End home, with his spouse Tim Stevenson.  By that time two of their daughters were "launched", but the third, looking out of the 10th floor window, said, "Even the rain is beautiful from here."

Before entering theological studies, Gary had done his Masters in English Literature and spent two years on staff at U.B.C. as a Sessional Lecturer, teaching first and second year English.   But then it was a couple years of study in Boston, struggling to figure out faith and a sense of call into ministry.  Finally he was ordained in 1977, here in B.C.

Gary is committed to a theology that is progressive, inclusive, and relevant; where worship is experienced as welcoming, nurturing and challenging.  Church is a place where everyone should feel invited, where people can discover what it might mean for them, as individuals and as community, to be followers of the Christ, with all their questions, passions and commitments.  Faith needs to help people make sense of their daily lives...their work, their relationships and family life, their ethical response to what is happening in the world around us, their sense of purpose. 

Some of Gary's passions include the dialogue between Science and Religion; the ongoing search for fresh imagery and metaphor - new language - to talk about God; the Biblical demand for justice and loving neighbour (every neighbour!).  He dreams about a church where kids and seniors, families and singles, heterosexuals and gays and lesbians, dot.com explorers and retirees, seekers and long-time worshippers , new and 2nd and 3rd generation Canadians,  people of all colours and ethnicities  -- where everyone can come together to worship, to learn and grow and to find new energy to love God and serve their neighbours.

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