John Helps has recently relocated to Osoyoos, BC from Edmonton, Alberta where he was born and raised. For the past two decades John has worked with families and youth involved with the child protection system in Edmonton area not-for-profit organizations. It was during that work that John became exposed to the systemic injustices that happen every day and this has helped to shape him into an advocate for the underdog. “There always seemed to be enough people who wanted to tell folks what they were doing wrong, I decided I’d rather help folks see what they are doing well.”
After many years working in both leadership and front-line sectors providing both community and residential support to individuals John began to experience a stirring inside and was called to the church.
His home congregation of Robertson-Wesley United Church recommended John as a Candidate for Ministry and he is currently working toward completing his training as a Diaconal Student-Minister at the Centre for Christian Studies located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He returns to Winnipeg in the spring and fall for on-site learning with other students in theme years related to Social Ministry, Education & Liturgical Ministry and Pastoral Care.
After completing student placements at the Edmonton Inner-City Pastoral Ministry and McClure United Church John left his previous career behind to begin a pastoral relationship with the congregation of Osoyoos United Church.
John describes himself as a bit of a sci-fi nerd and he can’t wait for the next Star Wars movie to come out!
“I feel very blessed to have found myself here in beautiful Osoyoos, BC among such a kind and supportive congregation. I’m looking forward to living in a quiet rural setting and hope to learn how to kayak as well as how to talk about wine like I know something. The future is like an empty book and I’m excited to find out how the Spirit moves us to write the next piece of our story”
