EXECUTIVE SECRETARY transitionSPRING, 2022
It is with both excitement for her, and sadness for us, that we announce the transition of Reverend Marijke Strong out of her role as the Executive Secretary of the Regional Synod of Canada, to pursue a career as a consultant. Marijke has been in her role with the Regional Synod since 2016. We are pleased to announce that after an extensive interview process, the Reverend John Kapteyn has agreed to take the position of Interim Executive Secretary for the period of one year while the Regional Synod reviews its purpose and structure in light of the changes that are taking place in the RCA. John was previously the Executive Secretary of the Regional Synod of Canada from 2007 to 2016, and brings to the job a wealth of experience, as well as many gifts of strategic planning, leadership, and pastoral care. We are so blessed to have him back! And we are excited to have someone of John’s experience and proven skill to help us navigate the coming season. The Regional Synod Board of Directors has created a transition plan in which Marijke will reduce her hours at the end of June, after General Synod. At that point John Kapteyn will join her and they will work together for three weeks, until July 15, at which point Marijke will complete her work with the RSC. After July 15, please contact John with Regional Synod inquiries:
The board is deeply grateful for Marijke’s strong leadership of the synod and wishes her well in her future endeavors. She has been a blessing to so many of our churches and to our Classes as well. She has served with authenticity and integrity; always with love and compassion. Thank- you so much, Marijke. - Rev. Al Plat, on behalf of the board Marijke says: “I am so grateful for your love and encouragement over the past six years. I love the Canadian RCA churches, and have been deeply honoured to work with the Classes to support the churches in mission and ministry. You have blessed me and enriched my life beyond measure. I’ll miss you all, and will be praying for you in the coming season. May God bless you and keep you.” |
ABOUT the new INTERIM
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Above all, John’s desire is that we glorify God and show respect to those we disagree with and that we are a vibrant witness to the world as we reach out in word and deed.
John and Margaret have been married for over 48 years and they have three children and five grandchildren. Margaret and John enjoy travelling all over the world and hiking (Camino, Bruce Trail). Margaret’s hobbies include knitting, crocheting, and card-making. John enjoys reading, making puzzles and connecting with friends and neighbours.
John and Margaret are chaplains to retired pastors and surviving spouses in Ontario and cherish their annual visits with them. In retirement John has been active in leadership positions in his condo complex and local church.
John covets your prayers for him in the coming year as he seeks to serve God and His people.
John and Margaret have been married for over 48 years and they have three children and five grandchildren. Margaret and John enjoy travelling all over the world and hiking (Camino, Bruce Trail). Margaret’s hobbies include knitting, crocheting, and card-making. John enjoys reading, making puzzles and connecting with friends and neighbours.
John and Margaret are chaplains to retired pastors and surviving spouses in Ontario and cherish their annual visits with them. In retirement John has been active in leadership positions in his condo complex and local church.
John covets your prayers for him in the coming year as he seeks to serve God and His people.
If you have questions about the transition plan
or the work of the Regional Synod of Canada,
please contact our board president, Rev. Al Plat at arcminis@telus.net.
or the work of the Regional Synod of Canada,
please contact our board president, Rev. Al Plat at arcminis@telus.net.