It’s not just about going to church. It’s about being church.
As a community, we acknowledge that each individual plays an important role in the ministry of the church. Whether we succeed or fail as a community is not up to one individual or one small group of people. It’s about the power of God working through his church, the body of Christ.
We are a community of people constantly being challenged by God to find the places where our greatest passions meet the world’s greatest needs, extending God’s grace and mercy to all.
At St. Albans, we endeavour to engage and involve everyone, regardless of racial identity, ethnic origin, age, socioeconomic status, gender expression/identity, or sexual orientation. We value the voices and ministry (both lay and ordained) of women and non-binary people.
Church Leadership
The Rev. Simone Hurkmans
St. Albans Church is thrilled to announce that the Rev. Simone Hurkmans has been appointed by Bishop Shane Parker as our new Incumbent. Rev. Simone will also serve as Incumbent of St-Bernard. She will start at St. Alban’s on August 3.
Simone grew up in Embrun, Ontario and moved to southern Ontario to study mechanical engineering at the University of Waterloo. After graduation, she spent 10 years working as a professional engineer and manager in the automotive and renewable energy fields. Simone and her husband John met as engineering students at Waterloo. They live in Westboro with their two daughters and their son.
While an active parishioner at All Saints’, Simone was surprised by a calling to ordained ministry, and began to respond to it in 2012. She completed a Master of Divinity in Anglican Studies at St. Paul University in early 2017. Her formation also included chaplaincy training at the Ottawa Hospital and parish internships, including: St. Luke’s in downtown Ottawa, the parish of Metcalfe, Greely and Vernon in south Ottawa and St. Paul’s Kanata. She was ordained to the transitional diaconate and to the priesthood in 2017.
Simone enjoys crossword puzzles, coaching ringette, and coffee shops.
Chad Cecil, Music Director & Young Adult Pastor
Chad Cecil is a pastor, musician, and songwriter who has worked in live performance, liturgical design and various church ministries for over 14 years. He is very grateful for the opportunity to serve the wonderful communities of St. Albans and St-Bernard. He has a B.A. in Worship Arts Leadership from Spring Arbor University. As an indigenous man, Chad is on a journey backwards to discover his roots, which is a journey forward.
Chad and his exquisite partner, Jennifer, immigrated from the U.S.A. in 2013 and now enjoy life in Ottawa with their little girl, Julie, and baby Margot.
He spends much of his time ensuring nobody forgets they are loved and walking alongside the discouraged; believing a little tenderness goes a long way.
Annie MacTavish, Administration
After study at the Ontario College of Art, and many years as a graphic designer, in 2007 Annie MacTavish settled contentedly into her real job: working for churches, which she has been doing ever since.
Lila Ibrahim, Children & Youth Faith Leader
Lila is our Children and Youth Faith Leader working on bringing the love of Christ to children and their parents. She is Ukrainian and Lebanese, and is passionate about travelling, spending time with loved ones, scrapbooking, and cooking. She is a student teacher in pursuit of her teaching degree, and she is also a community developer and mentor.
Lila is responsible for delivering bible school programming to the children on Sunday mornings, as well as supporting and encouraging faith formation in the home throughout the week. She does this through a weekly bible study for high-school-aged girls, checking in with families within their homes, and planning outings to build relationships outside of church.
Nicholas Busch, Online Church Coordinator
Ron Chaplin, People’s Warden