Team Leader: Gordon Taylor
Gordon is an Albertan by birth, a "nomad" by experience, and a "Proud 'toban" for the last 23 years! He grew up all over Western Canada, in the USA, and briefly in Japan. He has traveled widely, but has grown deep roots here at FGUC in Winnipeg since 1987.
Gordon studied Economics (B.A., 1975) at Queen's University, Kingston, was accepted to the Law School there, but opted instead for Seminary (M.Div., 1978). He has served a parish in Northern Ontario (Red Lake) for 3 years, and in Red Deer, Alberta (Gaetz Memorial UC) for 6 years before moving to Winnipeg. Gordon earned his doctorate at the University of Alberta, researching and writing on the theme "The Role of Shame in Evangelization."
If you were to ask him to talk about his faith, or parish priorities, or family, the word "welcome" would feature highly in all of these - a word that describes the amazing love of God and an attitude that makes local congregations the hope of the world. His buttons are all popped off - over his wife and two daughters.
Gordon often leads one of the basic Disciple 1 small groups, loves to tell the "Children's Story" in worship, occasionally coaches basketball, tinkers with things digital, and is currently learning to play the bagpipes. Really.
Don't hesitate to call or knock on his door.
Pastoral Minister: Lori Stewart
Lori is our most recent staff leader who comes to us with exotic experience - having ministered in Bermuda, and served as Conference Staff in Hamilton Conference.
Lori brings a most wonderful sense of humor and compassion and intellegence to pastoral caring.
She is finishing up her Doctorate of Education in England.
Young People's Minister: Kristie Grimmer
Kristie Grimmer serves as Young People’s Ministry Program Coordinator. She has called Winnipeg home since 2005 and previously lived in Illinois, Wisconsin and West Virginia, which can be detected after a few moments of listening to her talk. Kristie joined FGUC in 2005 and became program coordinator in August 2010.
Kristie earned a BFA in Elementary Education from Carroll College in Wisconsin and an MS Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from Southern Illinois University. She had a 14 year career in Early Years classrooms, including pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and grade one. During that time she became a National Board Certified Teacher in Early Years and worked at Illinois State University as a teacher mentor. After leaving the States in 2005, Kristie worked in the home full-time and over-time for four years until this current position at FGUC.
Kristie can be found in her office gathering resources and writing curriculum for Sunday morning programming, The Zone, a workshop rotation model approach for ages 5-11. Or you may find her in the supply room pulling together the latest game equipment for TGIF, a drop-in program for grades K-5 on the third Friday night of the month. Look for her in The Loft, arranging materials for the two youth groups that meet on Sunday mornings or taking to the road for fun and fellowship at the ski hill or corn maze. Or try the Nursery/Playroom where toys, books, and open spaces welcome the 0-4 year olds. Kristie dedicates her time at FGUC to the 0-18 year olds and has an amazing team of volunteers to make it all happen. If you can’t find her in any of these places, check Gord’s or Lori’s office where she often looks for advice, resources, and answers to questions big and small. She is energized by the mystery that is God and “the not always knowing, yet always learning” that occurs through the development of faith.
Kristie looks forward to finding the right places and spaces for the kids and youth that come to FGUC. FGUC has become her home away from home, her new family, a passionate community of people on the journey to build relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Music Director: Helen Bergen
Helen was born and raised in Abbotsford, BC. When asked, "how did you get to Winnipeg?", she answered, "which time? I came by bus, train, airplane ...!" Clearly, Helen has a sense of humour! (Another example: she's still trying to figure out how to register the Bell Choir as "Hell's Bells"!)
Helen earned her degree in Piano Performance from Canadian Mennonite Bible College (now CMU), and her degree in Organ Performance from the University of Manitoba! Her musical passions all start with "E" - eclectic, energetic, electric, enthusiastic, exciting! She summarizes her preferences as "anything wonderful! Even strange and wonderful, but wonderful!" So, we might sometimes add the word "eccentric" to this list of "E"s!
The Senior Choir, one of the musical responsibilities Helen carries, each year becomes a new community of friends. They welcome everyone, and know how to throw a good party! And she says: "You're invited! Come with a love of singing!"
Office Administrator: Susan Hope
Susan has been the FGUC Office Administrator since April 2003. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Susan, her husband and children lived in Calgary, Alberta for 14 years, before returning home to “The ‘Peg.” Susan happily confesses to being addicted to scrapbooking and cardmaking.
She also enjoys clogging, walking, attending live theatre, travelling (somewhere! anywhere!), trying out new recipes (you should try her killer crab cakes with homemade tartar sauce!) and reading (murder mysteries are a favorite), but spending time with her family tops the list. Susan’s ‘happy place’ is at the end of the pier at the family cottage, where she revels in the early morning stillness with a cup of coffee in hand.
Custodian: Norm Jost
Norm was born and raised in Liverpool, England. No wonder then that he is a staunch supporter of Liverpool FC (Football Club). He was persuaded to come to Canada in 1972, after a chance meeting with a Winnipeger, while both were travelling Europe. Norm moved first to Minaki, ON, where he earned a mention in Jake MacDonald's "Houseboat Chronicles." He has been called by various nicknames, including "Jostie" and "The Hat"!
Norman started working at FGUC in November 1998 - a job he says has been a pleasure because of the people and how well he has been treated.
He likes to read mysteries and history, listen to the "Blues," and tease kids (in a good way!) coming into the church. He lives in the neighbourhood with his wife, Christine.
