Parkdale United Church
about us
mission and vision
Here at Parkdale United Church, we have a vision to be a Christian community recognized for our commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, social justice and environmental responsibility. We accomplish our vision by living out our three core practices: building connections, living faith, and acting for justice.
We endeavor to make our church community a place of safety. We welcome everyone as full and valued participants in the life and work of our church, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, and social and economic circumstances. We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of God’s creation, respecting each other and all of life. We invite all members and adherents to participate in our ministry as they are called and are able. We extend to everyone the opportunity for baptism, marriage, communion, pastoral care, and participation in all other programs that are part of our congregational life.
As an Affirming Ministry, we are committed to inclusion and justice for all people. We are continually growing and changing as we seek to live more fully into God’s way of welcome, love, and justice for all creation.
land acknowledgement
In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
our staff
The staff at Parkdale United Church includes the following people:
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Rev. Kim Holmes-Younger – Minister
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Antonina Cox – Director of Music
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Colin Redekop – Office Administration
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Letitia Berger – Children’s Ministry Coordinator
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Emily Flood – Nursery Care Worker
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Hector Renderos – Facilities Staff
Kim Holmes-Younger graduated in May 2021 with her Master of Divinity from Vancouver School of Theology. She has been working at a variety of United churches over the past 10 years in various positions including Community Engagement, Youth Ministry, Communication, and various Ministry positions. Kim was ordained into the United Church and formally called to a ministry of Sacrament, Word and Pastoral Care on May 8, 2022.
Kim has a passion for pastoral care, teaching, social justice and preaching. In her spare time she enjoys walking, watching soccer, cooking, travelling and reading. She has been married to her husband Neil and they have a daughter, Kaie.
Kim is super excited to be called to ministry at Parkdale United Church and loves working together with each of you.
Antonina is known in the community as a gifted accompanist and devoted teacher to many piano and theory students. She received her early training at the Special Music School in Minsk (Belarus) and was awarded the Golden medal of Honors. She earned a Bachelor of Musicology at the Conservatory in St. Petersburg (Russia), studying piano and many other musical disciplines, including composition and score-reading. She worked as an accompanist at the community centre and the State Opera and Ballet Theatre in Minsk.
Antonina has pursued her career in Canada as a collaborative accompanist and teacher. She studied organ performance at Mount Royal Organ Academy and received a Diploma of an Associate of the Royal Canadian College of Organists in 2001.
Antonina has worked as an accompanist for many choirs, such as Calgary Bach Choir, Calgary Women’s Chorus, Cantaré Children’s Choir, Revv 52, the Dutch Canadian Choir and other groups and soloists in the city. In her spare time, she enjoys to travel, garden and be with her family and dog Kingsley.
Colin Redekop
Office Administrator
parkdaleuc@telus.net
Colin was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Thus far, his life’s journey has taken him to Kentucky for seminary, Florida for his first full-time church job, then back to his hometown. In 2007, he moved to Calgary to pursue a Master of Music degree at the University of Calgary. During this time, he was also the music director at Grace Presbyterian Church. He graduated in 2011.
His current musical endeavours include serving as an assistant organist of Christ Church Elbow Park, and the accompanist of both the Spiritus Chamber Choir and the Calgary Renaissance Singers & Players. His hobbies include reading, working out at the gym, and running.
Colin is not a stranger to the Parkdale community, having served as Interim Music Director in the fall of 2018.
Colin’s office hours are Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm; Friday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Letitia moved to Calgary from Medicine Hat to pursue a long career in being a hairstylist. This is where she met her wife Shauna and has been married for 12 years. About seven years ago Letitia became a member of the United Church and found a calling to Diaconal Ministry. She became a student at the Centre for Christian Studies and is now pursuing her call. While being a student she has had the opportunity to be part of many different roles within a church and has found a true calling towards Family Ministry and Pastoral Care.
Letitia has been working in Children’s Ministry in many different ways. She had started out volunteering to then put curriculums together for children and youth of all ages. Letitia has a strong belief that there is a place for all family members at church, from grandparents down to the newborns. She is looking forward to working with the families at Parkdale and being part of this growing congregation.
Emily Flood was born and raised in West Hillhurst and has been attending Parkdale United Church since she was a child. She has been working in the Nursery at Parkdale on Sunday mornings since 2012 and is currently serving on Council. Emily has a Bachelor of Education from Mount Royal University and is currently teaching grade 2. Her hobbies include photography, painting, and reading
Hector was born in El Salvador and moved to Canada in 1993. Hector has been married to Imelda for 46 years. Hector has 3 children and 12 grandchildren. In his spare time Hector serves as a volunteer pastor with the Church of God Seventh Day. Hector loves fishing, watching soccer and spending time with his family. Hector has been working as our caretaker for over four years and he loves the people at Parkdale.
governance
Church Council
The Council of Parkdale United Church is responsible for governing and administering the work of the church. Council facilitates the growth, vision and mission of the congregation. Council is accountable to the congregation and derives its authority from the congregation. Members of Council include the Chairperson or Co-Chairpersons, the Past Chairperson, Secretary and representatives from Standing and Acting Committees. Read more about the worship and work of the church in our 2022 Annual Report.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is the legal body that holds the title to all the real and personal property of Parkdale United Church (Calgary). It does this in the name of the United Church of Canada, for the use and benefit of the Parkdale congregation. It is the liaison between the congregation and Calgary Presbytery in all property matters.
Parkdale United Church (Calgary) Foundation
The Foundation, formed by the Parkdale United Church congregation in 1995, is registered under the Societies Act of Alberta and is also registered as a charitable organization by Canada Revenue Agency.
Although the Foundation is a separate legal entity from Parkdale United Church, it is closely associated with the Church. The Foundation supports the work of the Church and members of the Foundation must also be members of the Church.
The Foundation raises capital through private and public donations and accumulates assets for the purpose of investment so that income from the investments can be used to fund:
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Outreach in keeping with the mission of Parkdale United Church,
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The partial or total cost of major maintenance or extensive renovations to the Church,
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Short term educational courses for laity and clergy of Parkdale United Church,
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The purchase of materials to be placed in the Church libraries,
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Projects designed to carry out wishes of donors, if compatible with the above four items.
Requests for funding by the Foundation are considered by the Church Council which then makes recommendations to the Foundation.