Credentials

The Clergy Support Memorial Church Board was in full agreement to appoint Rev. Karen Chalmers to the office of Designated Minister- Youth Ministry in March of 2025. Rev Karen brings a deep understanding of inclusivity and unconditional love to her ministry and creates sacred spaces where all feel welcomed and valued. Her extensive experience as a public speaker and her genuine passion for connecting people to spirituality, without fear or shame, make her an ideal addition to our church.

Academic Credentials

• Canadian Ministers Institute, April 2025
• York University 2015, Schulich School of Business
• George Brown College 2002, Digital Media Post Diploma
• Fanshawe College 1997, Television Broadcasting Diploma

Pastoral Care

You might first meet Rev. Karen to officiate at your wedding ceremony; a ritual she finds joy in performing for couples beginning their new life together. After your time with her, you’ll leave knowing that she will be there for other significant events in your life if needed. She provides comfort and peace to those mourning the loss of friends and loved ones, as well as celebrating the introduction of a new family member to the world.

Her commitment to community service runs deep through her volunteer work with multiple organizations that reflect her values of inclusivity and support. As an active volunteer for Strathroy Pride, she works tirelessly to celebrate diversity and support the rural 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Middlesex County, providing resources, education, and advocacy. Her dedication extends to the arts community through her volunteer work with the Wright Family Performing Arts & Entertainment Centre Foundation, where she helps bring cultural opportunities to her community and supports developing artists.

Happily married since 2000 and mother of two, Karen brings understanding and deep trust to the community she serves. Her accomplished speaking background includes presentations at the 2019 JUNOS, guest lectures at Western University’s Ivey Executive Program, and serving as keynote speaker for the 2022 International Women’s Day through the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce.

Spirituality

Karen has dedicated herself to daily meditation, emotional healing, and discovering self-love and spirituality. She describes 2024 as transformative, particularly influenced by “The Pivot Year,” a

collection of 365 daily meditations that inspired courage for authentic living. She participates in a monthly spiritual journey group where individuals explore their unique paths to growth in a supportive, home-based environment that fosters vulnerability, openness, and connection.

She finds peace through backcountry camping, both with family and on solo trips, using these moments in nature to reconnect and find grounding away from life’s noise

Closing words

Karen’s core values center on unconditional love, authenticity, and the belief that spirituality connects, heals, and inspires us to live with open hearts. She sees spirituality as a powerful force that transcends physical and emotional boundaries, teaching us to give without expecting, forgive without hesitation, and recognize the shared humanity that binds us all together.