Our Minister
The Reverend Dr. John Pentland
John Pentland has been the minister at Hillhurst since September of 2005.
He is originally from Ontario, and studied at Queen's University, the University of Toronto, Princeton University, and the University of Chicago, earning his D.Min. in 2002.
John is married to Anna Martin. Together they parent four children: Jesse, Josh, Allie, and Charlotte.
He is passionate about making connections between religion or spirituality and living a meaningful life. With one foot in the church, and one in the community, he believes that what we do at Hillhurst United should impact and support all areas of our life.
He explores crossover theology with topics like wine and spirituality, "reel" theology, and issues of lived hospitality.
When John is not at Hillhurst, or volunteering with the United Way of Calgary and Area, he can be found riding his bike, running in the neighborhood with his dog, coaching or playing soccer, or driving his kids to soccer and hockey.
He is excited to be working in a community that seeks relevance, connection and the living of a passionate life.
Rev. Sheena Trotter-Dennis, Congregational Care
We are thrilled to have Sheena with us in Congregational Care. She is an ordained United Methodist pastor who has pastored churches in Southern California and in Texas. Her most recent appointment was at Belmont Heights United Methodist Church in Long Beach, California. Sheena, and her husband Pete, moved to Calgary in September 2010. Together, Pete and Sheena parent Katherine (5 years) and Lauren (2 years).
Joanne Anquist, Worship Animator
Joanne has been the Worship Animator at Hillhurst since 2007. She is responsible for worship planning and integrating audio, visual, and arts into our Sunday morning services, as well as various creative and logistical tasks. Joanne is passionate about digital culture worship and finding ways to bring the biblical story alive in our time. She has taken training in Digital Culture Ministry.
She is also the Director of our Annual Spring Musical, which brings together people from all backgrounds and talents, and creates an engaged community. Past shows at Hillhurst include: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Sound of Music, Seussical the Musical, and most recently, Narnia: The Musical.
Joanne's major accomplishment is her 22 year marriage to her long-suffering husband, David, and parenting their three children, Naomi, Jacob, and Adam.
Contact Joanne here.
Justin Macosky, Director of Music Ministry
Justin was formerly the Music Director at Forest Lawn United Church, where he began his church life and appreciation of choral music at a very young age. The children's choir that he started there recorded a song with him on his album, Past, Present & Future (2007).
He spent eleven years in the Mount Royal Family of Choirs, touring across Canada and to Mexico. Justin has sung with the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus Chamber Choir, and directed the Women's Chorus for the performance of Holst's "Planets" in 2009. Justin is also the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Ismaili Muslim Youth Choir of Calgary.
Justin directs an annual cantata at Hillhurst, featuring our choir and special guests from the community. Most recently he directed Singin' in the Spirit!, a celebration of African-American spirituals.
Contact Justin here.
Marsha Mah Poy, Office Administrator
Marsha has been our amazing office administrator since 2008. She has been a life-long member of the United Church of Canada, and is proud of the progressive strides the church has made. She looks forward to the continuing challenges at Hillhurst and hopes to meet, greet, and help you find answers to your questions.
Marsha and Bill France have been married for 30 years and have shared the joy of raising their daughter, Elizabeth, who is a clerk for the Supreme Court.
Contact Marsha here.
Pam Rocker, Media and Communications Coordinator
Pam has been our Media and Communications Coordinator since 2010, and has been actively planning, dreaming, and working to further engage Hillhurst in our ever-changing culture.
She is an award-winning writer, artist, activist, and advocate. She has trained in playwrighting and screenwriting in Canada and Los Angeles. She has always sought to entertain with a purpose, and challenge prejudice in non-prescript ways. Dozens of her scripts have been seen on stage and screen.
An active member of Calgary's GLBTTQQ community, she is honoured to be a part of an Affirming Ministry. She is currently (slowly but surely) working on her collection of non-fiction darkly comedic essays, and a new project that just may solve overpopulation!
Contact Pam here.
Kelley Warner, Coordinator of Faith Formation (Children & Youth)
Kelley has been actively involved within the United Church since 2000. She is starting the second year of her Diaconal Ministry program.
Her interests are varied - on some days you'll find her attempting hip hop or salsa dancing, and others days painting or immersed in contemplative prayer. She has a passion for storytelling and social justice. Her partner, Jeff, has decided there are more important things than wealth, and perhaps he can retire by the time he is 75.
Contact Kelley here.
Nancy Watts, Finance Administrator
Nancy joined the Hillhurst team in 2009. Her roots are in the Maritimes (NB), though she and her husband, Bob, and three children, Alec, Jillan, and Deanne, really enjoys the challenges of western outdoor pursuits, such as backcountry camping, canoeing, and hiking. Nancy is very involved with many events and initiatives at Hillhurst, and enjoys working with the many committees and volunteers here.
Contact Nancy here.
Bethanie Tillet-Wair, Nursery Leader
Bethanie is in charge of our nursery (ages 0-3). She and her husband, Edward, moved from Belize to Canada in 2009. In Belize, Bethanie was a Sunday School teacher for 3-5 year olds.
She started out as a volunteer in our nursery, where her calm and friendly presence was a gift to the littlest of our community of faith.
Contact Bethanie here.
Bridgett Sutherland, KidSpace Leader
Bridgett is our KidSpace leader for children from age 4 to Grade 2. She is a gentle soul who enjoys children's energy and laughter. She and her husband, John, enjoy raising their twins, Arran and Zoie, and niece Tia. Bridgett worked for many years in daycare and is a happy person with a sunny smile.
Contact Bridgett here.
Marc Rajotte, Organist and Accompianist
Marc is excited, enthused, and grateful for his contract at Hillhurst. His wish is to glorify God and return his gift of music so generously given.
He has worked as organist and pianist in area churches, and been the accompanist with the Alberta Ballet, Professional Division. Marc brings a passion for expression, and promises this congregation his most heartfelt work.
Contact Marc here.
Fasco Teariri, Custodian
Fasco was born in a big family in southern Sudan. Because of the civil war in Sudan, he wasn't able to go to school until he was 9 years old, and his family had to move from village to village. Fasco thanks God his parents, brothers, and sisters were not killed. His grandfather raised him and paid his expenses until he finished high school.
He studied engineering in Libya, and in 2000 he got the chance to come to Canada. He spoke no Eglish when he arrived, but has since finished an ESL program, Grade 12, and an electrical engineering program. He is sure that one day he'll get a job in his field, as Canada is a country of opportunity and safety. Fasco is active in the Sudanese New Born Church.
Contact Fasco here.