On Sunday, June 16, we welcome Rev. Barry Doner to First.
Father's Day morning service with Rev. Barry Doner. AT 3:00 pm First will have a service of induction for Rev. Barry Doner to welcome him to First. All are welcome to come.
Rev. Barry Doner grew up in the Christian faith and has been involved with the Presbyterian church in various capacities throughout his life. He attended Sunday School at First Presbyterian Church Collingwood and was actively involved in the Youth Group during high school, a time which Rev. Barry describes as the most formative years of his life of faith. Barry and his wife Heather were involved in Youth Ministry for over 20 years. Heather was the Christian Educator and Youth Director at St. Andrew’s in Guelph for 9 years, and then held the same position at St. Andrew’s Orillia for another 9 years.
Rev. Barry has been preaching for over 20 years at many churches across southern Ontario before pursuing full-time ministry in 2010. He graduated from Tyndale University with a Bachelor of Religious Education (BRE), and then graduated from Knox College in 2013 with a Master of Divinity (M.Div.). He was ordained at First Presbyterian Church Collingwood in May of 2013. He has been the Minister at Wasaga Beach Community Presbyterian church for 14 years (3 as a Student Minister). Rev. Barry has a passion for preaching, and loves creativity in the worship service through drama/monologues, storytelling, and of course the Mystery Bag! His ministry style is collaborative and working with people to accomplish Christ’s work in the community. Rev. Barry always says, “I am not here to do ministry for you, but to do ministry with you.” Rev. Barry and his wife Heather were married at First Presbyterian Church in Collingwood in 1994. They have 3 children, Rachel, Alex, and Kendra, and a 6-year-old grand-daughter named Faith who brings them joy every day. Rev. Barry says, “Sometimes all it takes is a little faith!” Rev. Barry and his family look forward to the next part of their journey with First Presbyterian Penetanguishene.