Phyllis Thompson
Born, raised, and educated in the States, Phyllis and her husband moved to Canada in 1970. Both became Canadians in 1975. Phyllis taught English at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon for sixteen years, then shifted to an affiliated Benedictine college for another six. There she both taught English and served as campus minister until retirement and a move to Nanaimo, BC in 1998. Her additional background in theology and pastoral ministry also permitted her to serve her diocese in Saskatoon for fifteen years as volunteer coordinator of pastoral care for the Catholic residents at a 238-bed, level-4 care provincial nursing facility.
Phyllis’ interest in singing goes back to her childhood. Membership in high school and college glee clubs was followed by over a decade of involvement in the University of Saskatchewan’s choral society which often performed with the local symphony. Since the move to Vancouver Island and the discovery of Knox United Church, she has become a member of the senior choir there.
Because good liturgy matters so much to her, and because music should be an integral part of any worship service, Phyllis is happiest when she experiences good hymnody – where the music’s texture and the poetic text mesh to challenge and console, where they stir the heart and soul, and entice one not only to join in, but to give thanks ‘n praise.