Rev. Juanita L. Austin and Jim McConnell

Rev. Juanita L. Austin, is a retired United Church minister with 35 years of experience in pastoral ministry, and has a passion for honest and creative liturgy, music, and social justice. She is a former Naramata Winter Session participant and is delighted to be offering her gifts to this sacred place that has been such a blessing to her. Juanita recently self-published a book of some of her songs, prayers and dramatic readings. They are now available in a beautiful coil-bound book called “Cup of Wine and a Piece of Bread.” She lives in Salmon Arm, BC, with her husband Jim McConnell and together they continue to offer gifts of music and worship.

Jim McConnell is a retired secondary school teachers, whose daughters both attended Winter Session at Naramata Centre. He has participated in numerous Good Work weeks, offering his carpentry skills and enjoying several courses at the Centre. Jim’s love of music came early when, at age 15, he was part of a family trio with his sister and brother. He has been playing saxophone in numerous bands ever since. Jim says, “My biggest delight is doing sax backup for Juanita’s vocals and collaborating with her on new songs.”