Karen Millard

I began serving as the ordained minister of Squamish United Church in June of 2009. In meeting the people of this congregation I was drawn to the openness, warmth and vision of the church community. The mission of Squamish United Church is “to be an inclusive community serving God’s world.” This mission fits well with who I am as minister and child of God. As a person with a background in youth ministry, social work, and counselling I believe the church is called to share God’s love, grace and justice with all. I see this same desire within the hearts of many here at Squamish United.

My passions in ministry are dynamic, authentic, engaging and creative worship, spiritual formation through education and counselling, service and outreach within and outside of the church community. The hope is that as we worship and learn together in faith we will be transformed into people more fully alive. And that through our spiritual transformation we will be blessed to be a blessing.’

If you have come to this web site looking for a new church community, or with questions of life and faith I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to contact me anytime at minister@squamishunitedchurch.org or give me a call at the office 604-892-5727.

Background:

In addition to her Masters of Divinity, Karen completed a degree in counselling, focusing on Bowen Family Systems. After graduating from the Vancouver School of Theology in 2007, Karen was ordained and settled in Smithers, British Columbia. She served there for two years before she was called to Squamish.

Karen spent her growing up years in Richmond. She received her B.A. in Social Sciences (With majors in Psychology and History along with a diploma in Human Services). After graduation Karen spent a summer teaching in Hungary and then worked in a B&B in Switzerland for a year. She returned home and settled down as a group home worker and foster parent for teens in care. Karen eventually became a full-time community youth worker and in 1997 she was hired as a youth consultant for North Lonsdale United Church. In this church community she began her journey towards ministry. While spending several years discerning a call to ministry Karen used and toned her skills in Social Work and Counselling working as a Women’s Support Worker at Monarch Place women’s shelter. All of this background in inner city youth work and shelters has enhanced Karen's ministry skills. She has also learned beyond a shadow of a doubt that all are fully loved and welcomed by God and feels as Christians we are to embody this truth to all the world.

After moving to Squamish in 2009 Karen met Macario Sumalileng. They fell in love and were married in September 2011. Macky and Karen have two girls Amihan and Malaya. As a family they love spending time together in the outdoors as much as time allows. When not working and parenting Macky and Karen can be found living out their passion for dragon boat. Macky as coach and Karen as paddler. Kaen also loves skiing, sailing, martial arts, hiking, traveling, reading, watching hockey and spending as much time as possible with friends and family.