Dear Editor,
The Church at Nairn in Nairn/Alisa Criag has welcomed a new pastor. Pastor Bruce Keown began serving the church community in February. While Bruce and his wife Edna were already members of the congregation, being called to be pastor by the congregation confirmed Bruce’s own sense of calling.
Even though he is new, Bruce is already involved in activities in the Nairn/Ailsa Craig community. He enjoys good coffee and conversation. He is known to make friends with everyone present in the room.
In his first academic career, Bruce studied at the University of Guelph where he received his M.Sc. in Microbiology. While working for several years in the business world, his passion for the church pulled him in a different direction into full time study for his Master of Divinity degree. While his Master of Divinity is from the Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, Keown participated in the Mennonite Church of Eastern Canada’s pastoral leadership training program. As part of that program, Bruce also studied at the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and Conrad Grebel University College. With this background, Bruce’s style tends to be somewhat ecumenical. Keown also pastored Nith Valley Mennonite Church in New Hamburg
Bruce and his wife Edna enjoy small town living and are great sailing enthusiasts. Edna is also an accomplished quilter. In the summer months, they can be found on their sailboat in Bayfield.
