b'have a way to support each other. Online church services are more interactive, she said. Its like visiting peoples homes, and there is more con-versation. She recorded a video of the pianist playing some favourite hymns, so everyone can sing along as part of the Zoom service. Her congregation numbers around 30. About half of them have learned the technology and tune in to the vir-tual church.Wearesmallbutmighty,Angelicadescribed. Everyone is keen and eager to learn. Everyone is gra-cious and patient. When I was Preaching for the Call, I preached about small beginnings. God likes small things.Traditional hymns and contemporary songs of wor-ship are both included in her services. People say that my strength is my ability to talk about the Bible in a way that seems accessible or fresh, said the \x1f\x1e\x1d\x1e\x1c\x1e\x1b\x1a\x19 new minister.Most of her congregation is grandparents, she noted. AngelicaThere are widows and widowers who live alone, part of the most vulnerable population. Some lived through the war, and their positive attitude is that they can live Atkins through anything. Rev. Angelica Atkins is looking forward to the future whenthepubliciswelcometoenterthe160-year-old \x18\x17\x16\x16\x1e\x1a\x19\x15\x14\x13\x1e\x19 white church at 319 Queen Street again, so they can enjoy a social time with tea and cookies, and a chance to chat and mingle together, after the service.\x12\x14\x19\x11\x14\x1c\x12\x19\x11\x1e\x1c\x1c\x10 By Lynn Campbell, Focus on ScugogRev. Angelica Atkins in the ministers study at St. Johns Presbyterian Church, Port Perry.Gbecauseofthat,com- so family and friends from the Unitedwhich took her to the U.S. Then she od is on the move. We can have hopeStates and the UK could watch.wenttoBritishColumbiatoattend mentedRev.AngelicaAtkins,whoMy parents were so proud, saida program in Art Therapy. She also wasrecentlywelcomedasthenewAngelica.HermomanddadwerehasaMastersdegreeinTheology MinisteratSt.JohnsPresbyterianforeign missionaries.andSpiritualCare.Everythingshe Church in Port Perry. Theyinspiredmetohelpthelearnedwouldbevaluableinher Despite all the fear and negativ- poor and spread the word of GodsroleasaMinister,shepointedout, ity in the world due to the pandemic,lovetoothers,shecommented.Iespecially with the new Oak Ridges good things are still happening. Itssaid I would never be a pastor, butHospice being built in Port Perry. encouraging.Godisstillatworkhere I am! WhenCOVID-19healthdepart-among us, assured the enthusiasticAngelicafollowedawindingment restrictions are lifted, Angelica young Minister. path before making the decision tolooksforwardtoreachingoutand Newly ordained on December 13,devoteherlifetohelpingtohealmeeting new people in the communi-2020, the Reverend Angelica Atkinspeoplefromthespiritualside.Itty, including getting to know the hos-returned to Scugog Township to taketook four years of study at the semi- pice sta , the small business owners, on herrst church post.nary in Toronto to earn her Master ofthe schools, and more neighbours.ImgladthatGodbroughtmeDivinity and the title Reverend.Weneedto outwhatthend back to my hometown to serve, sheAfter attending Scugog Christianneeds are, she added.added. Sadly, her father Andy passedSchool, Angelica went to Port PerryDuringthepandemic,Angelica away from leukemia. Angelica pres- HighSchool.Shegrewupinthehasfacedthechallengeofholding entlyresideswithhermotherJudyBaptistChurch,butherfamilyZoom meetings for her congregation. AtkinsinherhometownofPrinceswitched to Presbyterian. Always one to see the silver lining, she Albert, where she was born and raised. Herpost-secondarychoiceofcommented that, During this season She was ordained via live stream,studywasBiologyandPre-med,of grief, I am grateful to God that we 14 FOCUS - MARCH 2021'