Right before Advent, Maritime Conference put out its latest edition of their e-newsletter.  I had an article in there.  I share it with you here.

Call or Settlement? 
By Ali Smith
 
We have all heard the stories of people about to begin their ministry, anxiously waiting by the phone to find out where in this vast country they will be sent.  Since the beginning of The United Church of Canada, committees have matched the gifts and skills of ordered ministry candidates with pastoral charges. 
 
On July 1, 2010, however, participation in Transfer and Settlement became optional.  When 60 out of 85 presbyteries voted in favour of a new process, candidates were given the option of being settled or seeking their own call or appointment.
 
Rev. Mary White chose settlement and was placed in Coldstream Pastoral Charge in Valley, Nova Scotia after she was ordained in May. "I had been on the Settlement Committee a couple of years ago as a student representative.  I just felt that there was so much discernment and thought.  It worked so well from what I saw." 
 
After offering summer supply there, Rev. Alison Etter was called to Baddeck and Middle River - Baddeck Forks Pastoral Charges in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.  "I was worried about being transferred out of the Maritimes.  That was my big concern."
 
While the changes will not be evaluated for five years, the feedback seems positive.  White said, "I thought it was a good change and still think it was.  It gives more people more choices and options." 
 
There still remain a few concerns.  It is unknown how this change will affect rural pastoral charges, and having to make the decision by February 1 can be stressful.  Etter noted, "It is added stress, added worry, around finishing school and your final year.  It did add a lot of anxiety because I had to make that decision."
 
As they enjoy their first months of clergy life, both White and Etter feel they made the right decisions.  "For me, I'm really happy where I am.  We trust in God to call people to ministries where there is need," Etter said.