Rev. Doug Martindale, Minister
Doug received his Master of Divinity from Victoria University and the ecumenical Toronto School of Theology so is also a graduate of U of T.
After ordination by Toronto Conference he was transferred to SK Conference and settled on Prairie Neighbours Pastoral Charge where he served five congregations.
Called to North End Community Ministry, an Outreach Ministry of Winnipeg Presbytery, he spent ten years working on social issues in the hardscrabble North End. A highlight was working on the conversion of St. John’s United Church into 20 suites of co-op housing.
After changing careers twice and retiring, Doug was appointed the minister of Hamiota Pastoral Charge and Kenton-Shiloh Pastoral Charge.
With the exciting prospect of redeveloping Westminster UC properties, Doug agreed to be appointed here half-time from October 1st to the end of December. Since he wants to continue to accompany you on your journey of faith, regardless of where it leads, Doug asked to be reappointed and if approved the position would last from February 16th to the end of June. Doug has a son & daughter and two grandchildren in Winnipeg. He loves chocolate, biking to work and being invited for coffee!
Dr. Stuart Sladden, Director of Music in Worship
Stuart was born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area and moved to Winnipeg in 2010. He holds music performance degrees from the University of Toronto and the University of Manitoba and most recently completed his Doctor of Music degree from the University of Alberta. He has been a professional musician for over twenty-five years and has been responsible for running church music programs in the Anglican, Presbyterian, and United Church traditions, for churches in Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba since 1996. He began working at Westminster United Church in March of 2022 as the Interim Director of Music and formally took on the role and joined the staff team in September of 2022. Stuart is heavily involved in the choral community here in Winnipeg, both as a conductor and professional singer, and is an active guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician appearing with and providing workshops and clinics for choirs across Canada.
Lynne Mavins, Organist
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Lynne has been involved in musical activities in the United Church since she was in junior high school, playing piano for Sunday school, and singing in the choir. In 1991 she took on the organist’s role at Transcona Memorial United Church which she held until 2022. In the fall of 2022 Lynne became the organist at Westminster Church.
Lynne began organ lessons with Don Menzies at Westminster Church in 1993. During that time she completed her Associate Diploma, and Licentiate Diploma through Western Board of Music, as well as the Fellow of Trinity College, London (UK) diploma in organ performance. `
Lynne is actively involved in the Winnipeg Centre of the Royal Canadian College of Organists. She is past president of the Centre and is currently the treasurer.
Lynne retired in 2019 as Director of Schools’ Finance Branch after a 37 year career with the Manitoba Department of Education.
Sonia Campbell, Soprano Soloist
Originally from Edmonton, AB, Sonia holds a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Alberta. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Music at the University of Manitoba. She is excited to represent Manitoba at the 2023 CFMTA National Voice Competition after having won the MRMTA Advanced Performance Scholarship Competition in Voice. Sonia has been the Alto Soloist at Westminster United since October of 2023.
Joanna Loepp Thiessen, Alto Soloist
Contralto Joanna Loepp Thiessen (she/her) has loved sacred music since she was a child growing up in the Mennonite church. Her love of singing led her to pursue music studies at Wilfrid Laurier University in her hometown of Kitchener-Waterloo. After taking two years off to pursue volunteer opportunities with refugees in San Antonio, Texas, Joanna moved to Winnipeg where she finished her Bachelor of Music degree at Canadian Mennonite University. She is currently finishing her Master of Music in vocal performance at the University of Manitoba.
Selenna Wolfe, Office Administrator
Selenna was raised in Steinbach and moved to Winnipeg for University to study Bible and Theology. Upon graduation, she worked as an administrative assistant at the Mennonite Heritage Archives and MHC Gallery. As well as being Westminster’s Office Administrator, she is a Pastor at Hope Mennonite Church, where she works primarily with children and youth. Selenna enjoys working in both churches and embraces the diversity as it deepens her understanding of who God is and what it means to be Church.
Dan Beauvais, Head Caretaker
Dan has worked for Westminster Church for more than a decade. In addition to caring for the grounds and building, you can also find him helping out with virtually every function that happens at the church. From Bell Tower to Sunday morning, he’s there! Dan also acts as liaison between our administration and staff, and the several arts groups that use our sanctuary. Thanks to Dan’s hard work, concerts, talks, and other events come off without a hitch. You can find Dan at any time by following your ears- he sings while he works!
