2006 Companions of the Centre

(left: Betty Marlin; right: Bessie Lane)

The 2006 Companions of the Centre award recipients:

Betty Marlin (United Church Training School Graduate 1961)

Betty is a Diaconal Minister in The United Church of Canada. She has served in ministries in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. A good deal of her life in ministry has been devoted to the development of others through Christian Development work, Church in Society and World Outreach. In every situation she has demonstrated a commitment to a gospel of social justice, to mutuality, and collegiality. Betty always strives to see that everyone's gifts and abilities are honoured and expressed. She has been particularly instrumental in raising up the ministries of women as well as advocating for the many voiceless minorities in our society. She seeks to find ways of being with others in community that is a true expression of right relation between ourselves and with God.

Over the years Betty has supported and upheld diaconal ministry and persistently promoted it within the structures of The United Church of Canada. In the early 80's she played a significant role in the formation of DUCC (Diakonia of The United Church of Canada). In the later 80's and early 90's she was instrumental in the development of the Western Field based program. She was on staff of CCS during the transition from Toronto to Winnipeg.

In 2000, Betty continued in ministry as retired overseas personnel with the UCC in Zambia for four years. Along with teaching at the Zambia Theological College, she was instrumental in gathering together the diaconal ministers and the women who were spouses of the theological students, leading them in feminist and justice oriented Bible study.

Betty Marlin, advocate of diaconal ministry, educator and tireless justice seeker, was conferred at the 2006 Annual General Meeting Thursday, February 23, 2006, at 6:15 p.m. CST in Edmonton (details to follow) and across the country via telephone link-up.

Bessie Lane (United Church Training School Graduate 1960)

The Centre for Christian Studies has been foundational for Bessie Lane's life in ministry, one marked by a deep commitment to empowering others for service. Through her studies at CCS, she was grounded in a theology of service, education and social justice. Her connection with the school extends beyond her days as a student. Prior to studying, Bessie was on the secretarial staff. After graduation, she was the Dean of Residence and the Director of Field Education. She celebrates her connections with an educational institution that has contributed much to the ongoing story of the United Church in Canada.

Bessie is both a Diaconal and an Ordained Minister of The United Church of Canada. Commissioned in 1966 and ordained in 1976, Bessie has demonstrated her commitment to the ministry of Jesus Christ through faithful service to the church and its people for 40 years.

Bessie has been an inspiration to women, men, youth and children as educator, pastoral care provider, preacher, colleague, social activist, hospitality giver and friend. Her high energy and exceptional leadership have been dedicated to innovative and diverse programs in both Canada and abroad.

Bessie has served congregations in Lindsay, Sudbury, Whitby and Oshawa, Ontario. Under her leadership, such diverse activities as a lay leadership development program and the building of a new church structure flourished. Bessie has shared in team ministry, emphasizing Leadership Development, World Mission, Bible Study, Confirmation and Chaplaincy. She has filled many leadership roles in Presbytery and Conference. In wider service, Bessie has worked with Habitat for Humanity in Central America since 2001. In 1996, Laurentian University in Sudbury recognized Bessie's contributions with an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.

Bessie Lane, faith-filled educator, pastor and compassionate friend to many, was conferred at the 2006 Annual Service of Celebration Sunday, March 26, 2006, 3:00 p.m. CST at St. Matthew's Anglican Church, Winnipeg and across the country via telephone link-up.