New minister at helm of York Pines
By Bill Rea

Rev. Ross carson and his wife Ann Blackman.

People regularly attending York Pines United Church in Kettleby have undoubtedly noticed a new figure in the pulpit.

Rev. Ross Carson officially took over his new duties Oct. 1.

A Covenanting Service, which he described as a completion of the search process, is scheduled for this Sunday (Oct. 28) at 3 p.m. at the church.

Carson comes to the area after 10 years at the two-point Greenbank - Seagrave Pastoral Charge in Durham Region (between Uxbridge and Port Perry). Prior to that, he served for four years as associate minister at Cambridge United Church in Lindsay.

He organized the Presbytery Easter Youth Event in Lindsay for two years. As well, Carson has organized "outreach fairs" that highlighted on one occasion the social services available in the community and in another year the differing faiths of neighbours in the community.

He is originally from Sarnia, the son of a chemical engineer and grandson of a clergyman.

Carson has a bachelor of arts from Victoria College, University of Toronto; two accredited semesters of study at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, and a master of divinity degree from Emmanuel College, Toronto.

His favourite Bible verse is, "May the God of hope fill us with all joy and all peace in believing, that we may be overflowing with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

He is married to Ann Blackman, a public health nurse in York Region, and he has two daughters, two stepdaughters and one granddaughter.

Carson said he enjoyed his work in his former post, but "I felt it was just time for a change."

"I'm happy to be in Kettleby," he added.