Name
Kathryn Smith
Current Position
Giving Advisor, Charitus (previously known as ELFEC), 2018 – current
Administrative Assistant, Kanata Centre for Worship and Global Song, 2017 – current
Previous Position(s)
Senior Premium Operations Analyst, Group Benefits, Manulife Financial, 2011-2013
Senior Collections Analyst, Client Financial Services, Group Benefits, Manulife Financial, 2009-2011
Senior Benefits Administrator and Team Leader, Benefits Administration, CIBC Mellon, 2005-2009
Other positions: Training Specialist, Retirement Specialist, Canadian Pension Operations; Claim Administrator, Savings and Retirement Services, Manulife Financial
Congregational Membership
All Saints Lutheran Anglican Church, Guelph
Education & Earned Degrees (with institutions and years, most recent first)
Canadian Association of Gift Planners, Original Canadian Gift Planning Course – 2023
Wilfrid Laurier University (Martin Luther University College), Master of Arts, Theology – 2017
Fanshawe College, London, Ontario, Certificate of Human Resource Management – 2004
Wilfrid Laurier University, Bachelor of Arts, Music – 1983
List up to three (3) current or past synod or churchwide experiences that would inform your service as vice-chairperson of this Synod.
Lutheran Anglican Moravian Commission (LAMC), beginning January 2024, previously Joint Anglican Lutheran Commission (JALC), 2019-2023
Program Committee for Worship, Eastern Synod Representative, 2017-2024
Professional Leadership Committee, Eastern Synod, Committee Member, 2009-2018
List up to three (3) current or past community activities that would inform your service as vice-chairperson of this Synod.
Inshallah, Community Singing Group, Member and Copyright Researchers since 2010
What gifts would you bring to the office of vice-chairperson of this Synod? (250 word maximum)
I have long demonstrated my passion for serving the Synod and the ELCIC, and I am optimistic about the future of the church. As a member of the worship planning team for three Synod Assemblies, I demonstrated my strength at collaborating with others. I used my organizational ability while serving on the local arrangements committee for two Synod Assemblies. I strive to listen to and learn from others, and I ensure that everyone has an opportunity to speak and be heard. I advocate for the role of lay people in the future of our church by participating in Lay Leadership events, leading workshops on prayer writing and worship, and bringing the voice of a layperson to the committees on which I serve. During my career in the financial services field, I gained knowledge of pensions and group benefits, and use that knowledge in my current position, assisting people who wish to leave planned gifts to the church. I practice a life of hospitality, making people feel welcome and included. I displayed my presentation skills while speaking to gatherings of all sizes. I use my music training and love of choral singing by leading songs that encourage people to participate in worship. As a member of a Lutheran Anglican Church, and having helped facilitate the amalgamation, I understand our shared history and beliefs, and understand that we are all working towards a common goal.
Describe your leadership style. (250 word maximum)
I strive to be a collaborative leader. I aim to provide a safe environment where all can share and recognize each other’s gifts. I encourage laypeople and others to reflect upon their baptismal call to missional living. I operate well within a structure and am learning when boundaries need to be questioned and adjusted. I know when I need to ask for help and can admit when I’ve made a mistake. As a leader, it is my role to continue learning and to support those with whom I am working, whether laity or rostered. I look to God for guidance and strength with prayers and a regular devotional practice.
What do you see as the principal challenge to this Synod in the next six (6) years, and how would you address it? (250 word maximum)
We are in the middle of a major shift, as congregations strive to re-identify their role in a culture where Christianity is no longer dominant. Membership is decreasing in many churches, and some churches will consider closing. There is a shortfall of rostered leaders to provide guidance during this challenging time. I believe the Eastern Synod has a vital role to play in supporting God’s people to share God’s love, and live into the mission of the church by upholding the needs of the most vulnerable. I aim to support the redevelopment of the church by supporting the Synod’s Congregational Redevelopment Services. In this changing landscape, I would encourage individual churches to discover what they offer the communities in which they live and worship. I would also support churches to recognize and lift up the gifts of other faith communities as we work towards a society of peace and equity for all.