Renewing Faith Across Generations

^{Photo by Neil Gaikwad}

By Samantha Chater

Church life in Napanee had faded into memory for many families. A Monday night kids’ program changed that. What began with 10 children around games and Bible stories became a ministry that drew grandparents, parents and kids back together in worship. Its founding member, Rebecca Stacey, is now preparing for ministry at Emmanuel College. 

Her calling to train for ministry grew directly from that experience. Over seven years, the program she launched at Trinity United Church in 2018 became a vibrant intergenerational community with more than 50 children registered. 

“The growth has been incredible—not just in numbers, but in faith,” Stacey said. “We saw kids volunteering to pray, parents and grandparents showing up together and a church that was rediscovering itself.” 

Building on the success of the kids’ program, Stacey launched new initiatives, supported capital campaigns and preached for neighbouring congregations. In 2024 she delivered a full sermon series at Selby United Church. The experience showed her this was the work she was meant to do. 

“I didn’t have formal training, but each week I grew more confident,” she said. “I realized this was what I was being called to do.” 

Recognizing her call to ministry, Stacey turned to Emmanuel College for training. Its hybrid MDiv program combines online and in-person classes, making it possible for her to study while raising four children and staying rooted in her rural community.  

“I wasn’t expecting to feel such a strong sense of belonging so quickly,” Stacey said. “The community at Emmanuel is diverse — everyone’s on different paths — but the support and excitement for each other is phenomenal.” 

Stacey sees her future in congregational ministry with a focus on intergenerational worship. She wants to create spaces where people of all ages grow in faith together. 

“I want to keep creating opportunities for people of all ages to grow together in faith,” she said. “That’s where real community and renewal happen.”