The Reverend Janet Bisset

Janet’s first career was in education, as an elementary school teacher.  She has also had training and experience in special education.

God’s call to ministry led Janet to complete a Bachelor of Theology from McGill University, then go on to obtain a Master of Divinity from United Theological College (UTC).  She was ordained in 1996 (at the same time as Shannon Tennant; Shannon grew up in our congregation and is still fondly remembered by many of our members).  Clearly, Janet was an exemplary student; she won UTC prizes for Preaching, Academic Achievement, Leadership, International Experience, and Mission Work.

Since ordination, Janet has had rich and varied experience in ministry.  She has given leadership to several congregations in and around Montreal, and visited community groups in Mexico, Guatemala and Cuba.  Her most recent pastoral relationship before coming to us was as Minister to Mount Bruno-Chambly Pastoral Charge, in St. Bruno, from 1999 to 2008.  She has also gained considerable experience serving on Boards and communities at the Presbytery level and for Montreal and Ottawa Conference.

Janet brings many skills and talents to this community of faith. Her greatest strengths are preaching and pastoral care.  Indeed, Janet’s formal training in Pastoral Care (at the Royal Victoria Hospital) is greatly enhanced by her nature gifts of empathy, compassion and tact.  She brings imagination and innovation to her ministry, offering opportunities for learning and deep spiritual growth.  For example, her Faith and Film study groups have, in her words, “been as exciting place to watch folk come alive with insights and wisdom”

Janet is a people person, warm and intuitive.  She’s a straight talker, but in the most caring and respectful way.

Of course, there is more to Janet than ordained ministry.  She continues to express God’s love in many ways.  She is a wife and mother, dedicated to her family.  She has many interests, among them music, especially choral music, and the theatre.

It is a joy to have Janet among us, and we will take much delight in getting to know her better in the coming months and years.

Welcome, Janet.

                                 ~  Joslyn Schultz, Chair, Official Board

Reverend Bisset's full time ministry at Montreal West United Church began on July 1st, 2009.