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Who Is the Emerging Spirit Team?

Rev. Dr. Keith Howard, Executive Director
Victoria, British Columbia

Keith has a long history in the field of communication and has ministered for the last 14 years in a congregation that has undergone radical redevelopment. Keith is on leave from his position as Communications Officer for British Columbia Conference.

Rev. Lesley Harrison, Coordinator of Welcoming Ministries
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Lesley was settled in the Maryfield/Fairlight Pastoral Charges in 1993. In 1997 she was assigned as an overseas partner with the Moravian church in Pearl Lagoon, Nicaragua. From 2001 to 2005 has worked with the congregations and outreach ministries of Winnipeg Presbytery in transformative mission development.

Aaron McCarroll Gallegos, Executive Producer
Toronto, Ontario

Aaron is responsible for Emerging Spirit's resource and web development. Aaron brings more than 15 years of publishing experience in the faith-based sector. He worked for eight years as a writer, editor, and organizer for Sojourners magazine in Washington, D.C. After that he served a number of years as the managing editor for The United Church of Canada. After a brief assignment working with the Alban Institute, Aaron returns to the United Church and joins the Emerging Spirit team.

Shirley Welch, Program Associate
Toronto, Ontario

Shirley has worked in the General Council Offices of the United Church since 1985. She worked for 18 years with Stewardship Services, and then in the Mission through Finance cluster in the Support for Local Ministries unit, before starting with Emerging Spirit. Through her work Shirley has maintained extensive connection with congregations, presbyteries, and Conferences.

Sharon Buttrey, Program Assistant
Toronto, Ontario

Sharon worked part time for the General Council Offices for four years in the Support to Local Ministries unit, offering Canadian Census demographic reports to congregations, as well as general administrative support. She is an active member of North Bramalea United Church in Brampton, Ontario where she works with the youth and young adult ministries. After graduating from university and taking a year off to live abroad and travel in Asia, she has returned to work with Emerging Spirit.