And the New Principal Is…

And the New Principal Is…

The Centre for Christian Studies is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Owens as its new principal.

Michelle Owens, the new principal of the Centre for Christian Studies

Michelle Owens is a United Church diaconal minister and a graduate of the Centre for Christian Studies (2007).  For the past four years she has been the Personnel Minister for London Conference of The United Church of Canada.  She brings keen skills in administration and policy, as well as a commitment to adult education and lifelong learning.

When Michelle came to Winnipeg for interviews last month, it was the first time she’d been back to the city since her graduation from the Centre. Having only recently returned from a pilgrimage, she came with what she calls “a spirit of discernment” – and with advice from her spiritual director: “Look for bends in the river.”

Lori Stewart, who was on the search committee looking for a new principal, remembers being a resource person for a CCS learning circle when Michelle was a student.  “It was a very large learning circle, with lots of people,” Lori recalls, “but Michelle stood out as a bright light.  She has lots of energy and is very creative.”

Michelle will assume her duties as Principal starting August 1, 2017, which will allow a couple of weeks overlap with current Principal Maylanne Maybee who will be retiring at the end of summer.

“It feels very good to know that Michelle is the person to whom I will be ‘passing the baton,’” says Maylanne.

“I am looking forward to re-joining the circle at CCS in a new role,” says Michelle, “bringing my gifts and experience in administrative ministry to support the life of the community.”