Rev Gail Fricker MA, MDiv

Ordination 

The Rev. Gail Fricker was ordained by the United Church as clergy in 2020. Her past ordination was recognized by the Clergy Support Memorial Board, and she was accepted to the Office of Ordained Minister and Spiritual Director (Teaching Ministry) in February 2024. Her extensive experience in pastoral care, her strong faith and her dedication to supporting and uplifting diverse communities make her an empathetic and inspiring representative of our Clergy.  

Academic Credentials  

  • Canadian Minister’s Institute, March 2024 
  • Certificate of Ordination, The United Church of Canada, Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council, 2020 
  • Master of Divinity (Pastoral Care), Atlantic School of Theology, 2020 
  • Master of Arts: Story Arts in Education, East Tennessee State University, 1998 
  • Bachelor of Arts: Theatre Studies and Dramatic Arts, University of Warwick, England 
  • Post Graduate Teaching Certificate, London University, Goldsmith College, England 

Pastoral Care  

Rev. Gail has extensive experience in pastoral care, having worked full-time in ministry with the United Church of Canada for seven years. She has “walked” with people in their times of need and visited them regularly in their homes.  

In 2024, she retired from her role as a Spiritual Care Advisor at the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance, covering four hospitals, and at the Lanark Heights Long Term Care Facility. Her role involved providing daily spiritual care, creating end-of-life care kits, and working with the MAID team. Gail has also formed an organization called “Cross Walk Ministry”, where a group of 8-15 women conduct outreach community events and meet weekly for prayer and bible study sessions.   

Worship 

Gail tries her best to live her life according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. She feels she has been in ministry for much of her life in different ways – teaching Storytelling at Tyndale Bible College and Emmanuel Bible College; mission work with World Vision; even working as a teacher. She felt the call into accountable ministry in 2016 and attended Atlantic School of Theology as a part time summer student, while also working full time as a student minster in solo ministry at Knox United in Ayr. Gail led worship every week for seven years, and has presided over communion, baptisms, funerals and weddings (including same sex couples). She continues to provide an ecumenical service at Lanark Heights Long Term Care Facility every Monday. 

Gail’s faith is central to her identity. She believes in the Divine Spirit within everyone and strives to accept all faith traditions and non-faith agnostic beliefs. Her work and life reflect her ecumenical approach and love for all people. She has worked extensively with Indigenous and LGBTQ communities and begins each day with a grounding spiritual practice. 

Hobbies  

Gail enjoys gardening, especially relaxing beside the water feature she installed last year. She loves being outside in nature, attending theatre and live music performances, and traveling. Gail and her husband, an artist at the Stratford Festival, share a love for the arts, and their son is a musician.  

Memberships  

  • United Way (Funding Board)  
  • Stratford Active Seniors (Program Committee) 
  • Volunteer for Stratford Symphony 
  • Friends of Stratford Festival Theatre 

 Awards  

  • Volunteer Award for Stratford Community 
  • Katherine May Award: 1st Standing in Pastoral Theology and Field Education 
  • Hazel May Fraser Award: 1st Standing overall in M.Div degree 
  • Rebecca Star Award: 1st Standing in Old Testament Courses 
  • Fundy St Lawrence Award: 1st Standing in Systematic Theology 
  • Grant Memorial Award: 1st Standing New Testament Foundations 
  • Johnson Insurance Award: Greatest contribution to life of AST during years of study 
  • ASTFA Award: For highest overall academic standing in M.Div thesis 

Closing Words 

Gail feels called to continue serving God. She sought to be ordained with Clergy Support Memorial Church to continue her ministry work, including conducting weddings, funerals, and leading services. Gail is enthusiastic, friendly, and spiritual, with a deep commitment to sharing love and compassion through her ministry.