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Children, Youth & Family Leader Appointed
The Search Team is delighted to share that the Executive of Norval United Church has approved the appointment of Daena Hinshelwood as our new Children, Youth and Families Leader.
This appointment marks the culmination of more than a year of prayerful discernment. Following congregational approval of the position description and authorization from Horseshoe Falls Regional Council, the Search Team undertook an extensive recruitment process, reviewing hundreds of applications before conducting multiple rounds of interviews, practical assessments, and reference checks.
Rev. Heather Power is Daena's cousin. This relationship was disclosed to the search team at the outset when Daena applied for the position. Given Heather is Daena’s cousin, Heather recused herself from the selection, evaluation, and recommendation of candidates. The Search Team completed the process independently and unanimously recommended Daena for the position. That recommendation was unanimously approved by the Executive on August 4.
Throughout the search, the team sought someone who demonstrated warmth, creativity, leadership potential, and a clear sense of call to working with children and youth. We believe Daena brings these gifts, along with a deep enthusiasm for helping children, youth, and families grow in faith and community. This lay ministry role differs from previous ministry personnel positions and reflects the direction our congregation has chosen for children, youth, and families’ ministry. We look forward to supporting Daena’s growth through mentorship, continuing education, and the many gifts and wisdom already present within our Norval community.
Daena will officially begin her position with us on September 8, 2026, and we look forward to introducing her to the Norval community in the weeks ahead.
The Search Team extends its gratitude to everyone who supported this process through prayer, encouragement, and participation, especially the members of the Search Team, past and present, whose dedication made this appointment possible. We also thank the many volunteers and staff who faithfully supported our children, youth, and family ministries throughout this time of transition. Together, your dedication, creativity, generosity, and commitment ensured these ministries continued to flourish, and we are deeply grateful for all you have shared.
We believe God has been faithfully guiding this journey, and we look forward with hope and excitement to this new chapter in the life of Norval United Church.
If you have any questions, please contact
John Eastwood: chair-executive@norvalunited.ca
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