New Officer Roundup: Majors Kent and Dena Hepditch, Sydney
Summer at The Salvation Army brings with it a number of new beginnings as officers around the country transfer to new appointments. Here at the Maritime Division we have eleven new officers starting in six locations. Here is our fifth instalment in a six-part series introducing you to them.
Originally from Newfoundland, Majors Kent and Dena Hepditch have been with The Salvation Army for 19 and 17 years, respectively. The Hepditch’s arrived in Sydney at the end of June in the role as Corps Officers, with their three teenage children, Laura, Sara and Ryan.
In their spare time the Hepditches enjoy going for walks with their dogs. Kent also enjoys playing the occasional round of golf, while Major Dena also cites shopping as one of her favourite activities. Luckily for the Sydney community they won’t have to shop for new Corps Officers for years to come, as the Hepditch’s look to make an immediate impact on their new home.
Tell us about your previous posting.
Kent Hepditch: It was in St. Catharines, Ont., where we served for five years.
Dena Hepditch: It wasn’t a lot different than the Corps we are at now, but one of the main differences is that we now have two Thrift Stores under our responsibility, whereas in Ontario we had only Corps and Family Services. Before we went to Ontario we were in Port aux Basques, NL, and we had Thrift Store and Family Services there, so we do have a little experience with Thrift Stores.
Do you have any previous experience – working or otherwise – with your new community?
KH: Not really, only when we were driving through or visiting friends in New Waterford.
DH: When we would go to visit them we would stop in to Sydney and go shopping. I had seen the church from the outside before we arrived, but other than that I only knew where the mall and stores were.
What are your first impressions of your new community?
KH: The people have been very friendly. Even if you go to Walmart, the cashier will talk to you like they’ve known you their whole lives.
DH: They don’t just mention the weather, they tell you their story. For instance they tell you about their pets, talk about their upcoming wedding, whatever is happening in their lives. Coming from Newfoundland and then going to Ontario we found a difference. I find Sydney is more of what we’re used to, it feels like we’re home.
Any specific hopes or goals for this appointment, either from early impressions or from what you know of the area?
DH: For now we just want to observe the way they do ministry here. Of course I already have a few ideas of things I might like to start in the future such as a seniors group, walk aerobics, and youth fellowship
My hope is to just be there for our people. To pastor and to love them and share in their joys and sorrows. Hopefully we can reach out and get more people into our fellowship, but most importantly to bring people to Jesus.
Is there anything else you would like to say to your new community?
KH: We just really like it so far and we’re looking forward to spending the next few years here and I’m sure we’ll enjoy it.
DH: I already feel like I fit like a hand in a glove! When we came here, right from the start I felt like this church and this community is my fit. I feel I’ve come home, and that this is where we belong.
