Friday, August 31, 2018 

Dear Friends, 

There is, as I am sure you are aware, an often used phrase that reminds us that we are never too old to learn something new. Learning, education, is perhaps one of the most important aspects of human life. As we learn we become increasingly aware of the world around us and of those with whom we share this life. Through learning we grow and developed as human beings. That learning comes in many different ways; formally and experientially. 

I am blessed with the opportunity to learn over the next eight months as I walk with Scott during his internship time with us. I am what is called an Educational Supervisor. I have received training for this role through a two week intensive course and following refresher courses. I will be meeting with Scott on a regular basis to offer feedback, encouragement, dialogue and sometimes, in all likelihood, constructive criticism, as he experiences ministry in all its forms on a day to day basis, with all its highs and lows, joys and struggles. 

During that eight month period, Scott and I will attend gatherings with other students and supervisors for learning opportunities and to share experiences of supervision. Both of us will be required to write assessments of our progress during this period that will be passed on to those who will be evaluating Scott’s learning. Scott has developed learning goals for his time here and I will also have the opportunity to determine my own learning goals for the supervision time. 

This will be one of those great opportunities for me to learn. My formal theological learning was a long time ago and I am certain that there is a great deal that I can learn from Scott. As a congregation, you too may be surprised that you will be learning during this time as well. 

As a congregation we are indeed blessed to have this opportunity to walk with Scott on his journey to professional ministry. May God be with as we travel together. 

Blessings, Rick 

My name is Scott Beckett. I am pleased to be doing my internship with you at Trinity United as part of my path to becoming an ordained minister with the United Church. I finished my Master of Divinity degree at Emmanuel College this past spring, which I preceded with my BA in History from the University of Western Ontario in London. 

I have been a lifelong member of First United Church in Mississauga, located near the shore of Lake Ontario. I come from a family of Welsh organists, my mother being the third following her father and grandfather. Growing up I found myself in church every Sunday, specifically sitting with the choir. I really valued that community through my young life, and over my time as a member I have had roles in worship planning, leadership, and administration. This internship will be a chance to integrate all of that together. 

I bring a couple of gifts and areas of interest with me into ministry, but maybe first and foremost is a love of learning. There is so much to explore in this world and a spiritual one, and I am always looking forward to new stories and new perspectives that can expand how all of it looks from where I am. I look forward to learning alongside all of you at Trinity and serving your community in this time.