REV. JOHN YOUNG-JUNG LEE

Telephone: (W) 416 694 2095     E-mail address: johnleeucc@sympatico.ca 

 

WORK EXPERIENCE

  

CONGREGATIONAL INVOLVEMENT

1996 – Present  

Minister, Dentonia Park United Church, Toronto Don Valley Presbytery, Toronto Conference.

It is a vibrant, friendly family size church which is committed to witness to the good news of Christ through reaching out to the neighbouring community. During the last few decades, it has experienced declination of membership while sustaining high energy level for challenging new ways in ministry.  

Thoughts in ministry are: being open to God, people, and nature; striving for justice, healing, and reconciliation; promoting mutual respect, recognizing differences, discovering gifts in others, and valuing them. I helped the congregation maintain the church’s mission with integrity while promoting the trusting relationship.

Examples of inspiring programs and events: Wednesday Healing Prayer Service; Dentonia Park Community Children’s Choir; Women's Study Group; Study on “Mending the World”; Interfaith Study with Muslim friends; visiting Synagogue and Jewish Holocaust Museum and engaging in Jewish-Christian Dialogue; Study Group on "Water"; Multicultural Sunday services; Story Telling and Communion with Liturgical Dance; Meditative Service with Dr. Chung Hyun Kyung; Presentation at Ethnic Rally; movie nights. Examples of adoption of new technology: Support developing websites (local, organizational and Conference-related); multimedia projections in Sunday worship and other events; utilize slide shows with laptop computer in pastoral visits for shut-ins.

1999 – Present  

On-Call Chaplain, North York General Hospital, Toronto.

1997 – Present

On-Call Chaplain, Toronto East General Hospital, Toronto.

1994

Internship at Wesley Centre, A United Church Outreach Center, Hamilton Conference.

Experiences with street people in Hamilton area and developing understanding of ministry ‘to be with’ rather than simply giving help to the needed; and discerning my call to God's mission for the pains of the world.

1993

Internship at Cawthra Park United Church, Halton Presbytery, Hamilton Conference.

Develop lectionary-based Sunday sermons while reflecting the lectionary on pastoral visits. Experience the pastoral care oriented ministry by setting the pastoral visit a first priority in ministry. Discover the ways to manage the Vacation Bible School by recruiting part-time volunteers by designing the units of works for volunteers such as class room setting, photographer, formatting evaluation letters, skit writing/proof reading, cleaning and organizing, etc. One of the highlights in this event is daily evaluation letters of children to parents with encouraging words.

 

PRESBYTERY INVOLVEMENT

2004 – Present

Member, Missions Committee, Toronto Don Valley Presbytery, Toronto Conference.

Work for reconsidering the mission statement and mandate of the committee.

2004 – 2005

Chair, Toronto Don Valley Presbytery, Toronto Conference.

Focus on leading the dynamics of the presbytery more on positive development so as to serve the local congregations with better efficiency; by focusing on mission statement of the presbytery, Try to help the presbytery work effectively for mission and ministry with awareness of boundaries of presbytery works; support developing electronic communication within the presbytery.

2004

Panelist, on Multicultural Ministry, Toronto Don Valley Presbytery, Toronto Conference.

Bring the question, "What does it mean to speak of a multicultural congregation in the context of a culturally diverse neighbourhood?"; emphasize to be genuinely multicultural through inclusive structure of the church in terms of decision making process.

1997 – 2002

Member, Ministry, Personnel and Education Committee, Toronto Don Valley   

Presbytery, Toronto Conference.  

One of my discoveries, in supporting the joint need assessment and search process by bringing ethno specific perspectives, is the importance of application of the manual and guidelines in the context of complex ethno specific situation.

1997 – 1999

Member, Joint Committee for Multicultural Ministry, Toronto South Presbytery and   

Toronto Don Valley Presbytery, Toronto Conference.

Involve extensively in the discussions of “What is the difference of ethnic ministry and multicultural ministry on the conference level? What is the definition of ‘ethnic’ when we say ‘ethnic ministries’?”

 

CONFERENCE INVOLVEMENT

2006 – 2007

Chair, Committee for Racial Justice, Toronto Conference.

Seek the racial justice work with embracing the faults rather than discipline. Bring the questions of “What is the final goal of anti-racist ministry? How can we move from ‘you are dark but lovely’ to ‘you are dark and lovely’” (see Song of Songs ch 1:5 in NRSV and other versions and reflect on differences)

2001 – 2007

Member, Conference Sub-Executive, Toronto Conference.

2006

Facilitator, workshop on ’Intercultural Ministry as a denominational priority’ at the Fall Rally of AOTS Toronto Conference.

2001 – 2004

Chair, Anti-Racism Task Group, Toronto Conference.

Involve in study, reflections and sharing the ways to be an anti-racist church. With the members of the task group, prepare the conference wide workshop on racial justice and racial harassment policy. It focused on the foundation work for forming a standing committee for racial justice in Toronto Conference.

2002 – 2003

President, Toronto Conference.

Invite the executives to revisit the mission statement of Toronto Conference by bringing the question “What is the vision of Toronto Conference?”. Focus on how to sustain and escalate the energy of the local congregation and the whole of the conference. Develop the web-directory of the Conference as preparation of web oriented communication. Suggest the theme of the Conference Annual meeting as "Breathing together: You are beautiful!"  Adopt the discerning moment before voting. Have positive feedbacks that appreciated the experiencing the Spirit moving with great energy at the annual meeting.

2003

Pine Tree Healing Circle for Dialogue with First Nations People at Brantford Native Reserve.

2003

Vision Sharer, on the Residential School Issue, Great Water Lakes Presbytery, ANCC.

Emphasize that healing begins with correct naming of injustice. Bring the question of “What is the correct naming of residential school issue rather than ‘white supremacy’?”  

2003

Theological Reflector for the Anti Racism Workshop in Toronto Conference.

Reflect on the question of “What is the resolution of racism in an embracing way rather than judgmental and disciplinary way?”

1999 – 2001

Co-Chair, Ethnic Ministries Committee, Toronto Conference.

Encourage the Committee to shift the monthly gathering from business oriented meeting to education focused meeting. The meetings began with reflections on "Mission Theme" of the United Church in the opening worship. The continuing challenge for the Committee was “How can the ethnic congregation promote visibility and contribute to the whole of the United Church with its diverse gifts?”

1999 – 2001

Planning team, Ethnic Rally, Toronto Conference.

Suggest to adopt the flexibilities throughout the planning stage and to promote the professional quality in presentation of photo slides and music.

2000

Planning team, 75th Anniversary Celebration Service by Toronto Conference.

Adopt the monitoring system in the process of planning with ensuring who is responsibility for what. Also promote to include the components of ethnic and cultural aspect in worship and help recruit volunteers from ethnic community.

1998 - 1999

Co-Chair, Worship and Liturgy Sub Committee, Toronto Conference.

Suggest the planning team for the conference worship to promote the ethnic visibility at the worship of the Conference Annual meeting.

 

GENERAL COUNCIL INVOLVEMENT

1997 – Present

Member, Mission Theme Task Group.

Develop close contact of the United Church people’s concerns and the future church’s  

direction that meets the needs and change of the society. Bring global scope and concerns in mission of the Church as well as ethnic minority’s perspective.  

2006 – 2009  

Commissioner, 39th General Council  

Highlights: Emerging Spirit, Intercultural Ministry, Ethical Investment, Isolation in Ministry, etc. Speak for supporting intercultural ministry to be the priority of the Church’s ministry at the plenary gathering.  

2003

Planning team and Panelist, Consultation on Ministry, Mission, Leadership and Congregational Development/Redevelopment in a Diverse and Changing Canada, by SLM, FFE and EM. To see more click here.

Emphasis on the inclusivity of perspectives by encouraging participation of newly ordained minister, guest from other conference and invite a reflector from the secular profession. Promote pre-discussion through the website on the theme. Adopt the flexibility in managing the workshop.

2003 – 2006  

Commissioner, 38th General Council.

Candidate for Moderator.

For bio and vision statement click here

Intend to promote an experience of broadening vision for the future of the United Church and deepening the conviction for the mission of Christ's church.

1997 – 2001

Member, Education for Church Leadership Coordinating Committee.

Bring ethno-specific perspective and different ways of thinking and working in the work of the Committee. Develop the ways of communication with mutual respect and understanding.

2000 – 2003  

Commissioner, 37th General Council.

Make a motion to monitor the enactment of the Anti-Racism Policy which was approved by the GC 37.  

1999

Worship planner, Global Consultation on Education for Church Leadership by DWO and ECL-CC.  

1999

Participant, Canadian Contextual Theology Conference, by ECL-CC.

Share and present different theological experiences and understandings across the country and recognize the commonalities of them. 

1998 

Facilitator, Workshop on Reconciliation and Make New at EMC AGM and Con-Ed.

1996 – 1997

Theological Reflector, Executive meetings of the Ethnic Ministries Council.

Reflect the gatherings with an analogy of a new born baby that is full of hopes and dreams and searched for the theological meanings in the faith journey as one of the six divisions within the United Church.  

 

ETHNIC MINISTRY INVOLVEMENT

1996 – 2003

Planning team, Korean Association AGM and Con-Ed.

Plan with flexibility and daily evaluation and adjustment of following day's agenda. Focus on harmony by respecting diverse theological perspectives of ministers who are from different denominations in Korea.

2002

Lecturer, Lay Leadership Education Centre in East Division of the Korean Association.

2002

Panelist, on Religious Pluralism at Korean Association Con-Ed.

2000 – 2001

Chair, Korean Association of The United Church of Canada.

1998

Facilitator, Workshop on Reconciliation and Make New at Korean Association AGM and Con-Ed.

 

THEOLOGICAL SCHOOL INVOLVEMENT

2001 – Present  

Member, Advisory Committee for the Centre for Asian Theology in Emmanuel College.

1999 – 2006

Executive, Emmanuel College Alumni, Emmanuel College.

2001 – 2002

Advisor, Internationalization Planning Advisory Group, Queen’s Theological College.

2002

Panelist, Multicultural Ministry course, at Emmanuel College.

2001                  

Resource person, Ecumenism Course, Queen’s Theological College.

 

ECUMENICAL/MULTICULTURAL/INTERFAITH/SECULAR INVOLVEMENT

2004 – Present

Member, Board of Directors, Canada-Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Association.

2003, 2004  

Worship Leader, Ecumenical Service in GTA by Canadian Council of Churches.

2002      

Participant/Worship Presider, Second International Network Forum on Multicultural Ministry in Thailand, sponsored by WCC. 

Have learned the different and emerging issues within the global village and share the different perspectives of diverse cultures and races.

Speaker, Peace Rally in Toronto; 

Make a speech by incorporating the Creation narrative and the United Church’s New Creed

at the gathering in Toronto as part of global movement of “Against the War.”  

Guest speaker, Multicultural and Interfaith Service by the City of Toronto;  

Worship Leadership, Ecumenical Service in GTA by Canadian Council of Churches; Participant, Ecumenical Anti Racism Consultation by Canadian Council of Churches.

2000      

Participant, Theological Conference on Jubilee, by Canadian Ecumenical Jubilee Initiative.

1977 – 1990    

Architect and Construction Engineer. Work as an architect in Korean for domestic and overseas projects. Work in Canada from 1978 for Ontario Housing, Architect offices. Experience of working with the complicated process of the construction site helps me to manage and monitor the work or events in an organic and dynamic way.  

 

EDUCATION:  

 

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND COURSES TAKEN IN ADVANCED STUDY  

2008

2007

2006

2003

 

2003

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1999

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1996

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1995

1993

Theology of Wandering at Emmanuel College. (Con Ed)

History and Faith of the Korean Church at Emmanuel College. (Con Ed)

Widening the Circle of Belonging in the United Church at Emmanuel College. (Con Ed)

Pine Tree Healing Circle for Dialogue with First Nations People at Brantford Native Reserve. (Con Ed)

Conflict Management in Asian North American Perspective (II) at Emm. College. (Con Ed)

Anti-Racist Ministry, Prof. Wenh-In Ng at Emmanuel College. (Audit)

Multicultural Ministry, Prof. Wenh-In Ng at Emmanuel College. (Audit)

Conflict Management in Ethnic Congregation by Ethnic Ministries Council. (Con Ed)

Conflict Management in Asian North American Perspective (I) at Emm. College. (Con Ed)

Gospel and Culture, Prof. Chung Hyun Kyung, Emmanuel College. (Audit)

Ecological Justice, Prof. Steve Dunn, St. Michael’s College. (Audit)

Christology, Prof. John Egan, Regis College.

Primitive Religion, Prof. Karl Stockholoff, Regis College.

Theology of Mission, Prof. Karl Stockholoff, Regis College.

Barth’s Political Thinking, Prof. David Demson, Emmanuel College.

Eastern Thoughts and Western Religion, Prof. Muhamad Obey, Regis College.

Methods of Liberation Theology, Prof. Herald Wells, Emmanuel College.  

Global Justice, Prof. Lee Cormie, St. Michael’s College.

Moltmann, Prof. Herald Wells, Emmanuel College.

 

WRITINGS

2008

2006

2005

Empire and Racial Power, Mandate, 2008 Special Edition.

From Multicultural Ministry to Intercultural Ministry, Workshop material on ’Intercultural Ministry as a denominational priority’

New Wine in a New Wineskin: The Future of Our Church, Workshop material for church leaders.

1998      

Liturgy for a Year 2000 Bulletin Cover, The United Church of Canada.

1998 

Translation, Reconciliation and Making New, Resource by Theology and Faith Committee, The United Church of Canada.

1998

Worship Resource for Centennial Celebration of Canadian Mission in Korea for The United Church of Canada and Presbyterian Church in Canada.

1997

Worship Resource for Multicultural Pulpit Exchange in Toronto South Presbytery and  Toronto Don Valley Presbytery, Toronto Conference.

 

DEGREES IN ACADEMIA  

1995

Master of Divinity, Emmanuel College, Toronto School of Theology.

1977

Bachelor of Science, Seoul National University, Korea.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

1996

Ordination: Toronto Conference, The United Church of Canada.

1977  

Architect: Licensed by the Architect’s Association of Korea.

1977

Construction Engineer: Licensed by the Korean Government.

 

AWARDS

1996

The Bloor Lands In-Course Scholarship for 1995-96, awarded to Th.D. or Ph.D. students who have demonstrated academic excellence in the course of the programme.

1994

The John W. Billes In-Course Scholarship awarded on the basis of achievement in homiletics during 1993-1994.

1993

The Albert Wallace Scholarship for session 1992-1993.

 

SKILLS: