McCLURE

Heather felt called to diaconal ministry as a 'tween, when she spent time visiting next to her dad at nursing homes in Montreal. She took detours on her way through academia, working in community corrections with people involved in courts and Corrections systems, with women (and some men) involved in violent relationships, in anti-poverty work and in LGBTQ+ rights. In 2000, she began her ministry formation at the Centre for Christian Studies. She has served since 2002 in general congregational ministry in rural communities (some as small as Pop. 40), and with families and youth.

Heather's spiritual journey is a long and winding road, taking her through mainstream and evangelical churches, Jewish Reform and Baha'i communities, and humanist spirituality. She comes from a progressive and intentional inter-spiritual approach to finding how our faith and our life choices inform each other, as we work to create a compassionate and inclusive society. She is a Certified Spiritual Director, and teaches meditation and yoga. But mostly, she likes to dance.

Beginning her piano studies in her hometown of Russell, Manitoba, Charmaine is classically trained in piano, organ, and flute, and holds a Master of Music deg ree following studies at the Universities of Manitoba, Toronto and the Glenn Gould School. She has studied organ with Helen Bergen, Lottie Enns-Braun, and studied at the RCCO Summer Academy in 2023. Charmaine is currently pianist for Margaret’s Choir, Joie de Vivre, and the 'Ladies' choir, and has been organist at McClure United Church since 2021.

Prior to her posting at McClure, Charmaine held posts as music director and organist at churches in Toronto, Thunder Bay, and Winnipeg, including Anglican, Catholic, and United denominations. She is on call as one of the organists with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, her favourite performances include Handel's Messiah, and she is looking forward to upcoming performances of Zimmer's "Interstellar". Charmaine is currently the president of the Royal Canadian College of Organists, Winnipeg Centre, and incoming Chair of the Editorial Committee for 'Organ Canada', RCCO's quarterly publication.

Charmaine is also an avid flutist, working with students of all ages, and performing in solo and chamber concerts around Winnipeg. She has enjoyed performing with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and as a substitute with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. Charmaine's family has a history of church musicians, and she is glad to contribute to worship at McClure United Church.

Edith began working at McClure United Church as the Office Administrator in September, 2004. She can be found in the office Wednesday to Friday mornings between September and June and during the summer months on Wednesday mornings. Edith is very active in her faith community and can be found accompanying the congregation on the piano during many Sunday morning worship services.  Edith has turned into an avid reader and enjoys spending her free time on the golf course during the golf season.