We’re fortunate at Blackwood to have two ministers and a minister in training:
Rev Leanne Jenski, Rev Coral Cogs Smith and “Rev-to-be” Robyn Caldicott!
You can reach anyone via our Contact page.
Rev Leanne Jenski will be away on long-service leave from Friday the 24th of February and back on the 1st of May. While Leanne is gone, Rev Christine Garner will join the Ministry Team as the supply minister and of course Rev Cogs and Rev-to-be Robyn will be floating around as well.
Rev Leanne Jenski
Rev Leanne Jenski
In 2006, our congregation welcomed Rev Leanne Jenski as the new full time minister of Blackwood Uniting Church. Leanne came to us as a minister of the Word experienced in working in aged care as well as with congregations in the West Australian Synod. Her ability in leading worship has inspired many of us and caused us to think more deeply about our faith and how we can live out our mission statement which says:
The people of Blackwood Uniting Church are called by God to be an inclusive Christian community committed to justice, learning, service and care.
Open minded, approachable, creative, enthusiastic, level headed as well as with the ability to think outside the square are just some of the attributes Leanne brings to her ministry. Her IT expertise is also much appreciated and she has extended many members’ skills through her involvement and input. She works as a team member with our other minister who is employed part time at Blackwood. She relates easily to people of all ages and is well able to discuss joys and sadnesses, needs and ideas with those who come seeking counselling or conversation
Her own faith story reveals the importance of family and extended family as well as a deep sense of calling to the ministry and a fervent desire to enable the gospel to be relevant in the 21st century to those both within and outside the established church family. In her relationships with all those with whom she deals, Leanne believes in building bridges as well as courageously striving to break down any barriers which may prevent the furthering or establishment of true Christian community.
Leanne lives with her partner Rev Susan Wickham and they have three adult children and one grand-daughter.
Rev Coral Cogs Smith
Rev Coral Cogs Smith (Deacon) was welcomed to Blackwood Uniting Church as our 0.5 mission Outreach Minister on 22nd May 2011.
Coral is enjoying meeting the many varied groups at Blackwood and being involved in our community life. Warm-hearted and conscientious, she works with determination to establish harmony around her. As a Uniting Church Deacon Minister, her interests lie not only within the church but also with the wider community.
She believes that true community is life giving in our day-to-day world. And can provide a safe place that helps to us deal with the constant changes that are happening around us – a space to work out what we think and feel about life and to assist in deciding what is important in this time and place.
Coral is married to Dave and they have three adult children and a grandchild.
Robyn Caldicott – Minister in Training
Rev-to-be Robyn Caldicott is joining us until June 2012 to do her student field education as part of her training for the ministry.
