Staff

Mervin Gallant

As of July 2019, Rev. Mervin Gallant has entered his 35th year of ordained ministry and his 8th year at St Albert United Church (SAUC). Originally from the Miramichi of New Brunswick, Mervin received his Master of Divinity degree from the Atlantic School of Theology in 1985 and has ministered in communities in Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Mervin has experienced many changes in the structure, theology and practices of ministry over his career and is excited to be part of a faith community with SAUC folks who embrace these changes. Incorporating change not just for the sake of change
but as a faithful response to Jesus and the Gospel’s call to bring God’s love and justice in meaningful and relevant ways into the context of the real situations of life that surround us today.

Mervin has just finished a three-month sabbatical in August of 2019 in which he met with numerous members of community partners that SAUC seeks to stand in solidarity with. Members of the LGBTQ2S+; First Nations/Metis; Community Village/Food Bank; and Muslim communities have shared ideas of how we might grow in relationship and supportive living out of our SAUC motto to be a place: “Where EVERYONE has
room to grow.”
Mervin is committed to living out these learnings within our Christian context as a part of his ministry in worship leadership, educational opportunities, community partnerships, and pastoral care opportunities with children, youth and seniors of all ages
and backgrounds.

Rev Deborah Hoekstra

Margaret Ward-Jack

Our Music Director, Margaret Ward-Jack, is an experienced music teacher, choir director and performer. She holds an Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto in Vocal Performance, Bachelor of Education and Arts degrees (music major), and a Diploma in Vocal Performance from Vancouver Community College. She has performed with the Vancouver Opera Chorus, Vancouver Chamber Chorale and Theatre Royal at Barkerville, B.C.

Margaret is currently in her second year as director of music at St. Albert United Church. She coordinates all of the music programs offered and directs the Senior Choir.

Donna Graham

Donna Graham is an Elementary School teacher in the inner city of Edmonton. She has a passion for children, music, and sharing her faith with others. Donna is on staff as our organist/pianist. She has extensive experience in the United Church as a music leader for workshops and conferences.

Donna works with our Music Director, Margaret Ward-Jack, accompanies the Senior Choir, and provides music leadership for Sunday morning worship. Donna also plays for weddings and funerals as time in her schedule allows.

Sandy Skogstad – Treasurer