People at Spirit West
Minister's Biography
Let me introduce myself. My name is Rev. Garth Bogart and I am the Order
of Ministry person here at Spirit West United Church. Let me share with
you some of my personal story.
I was adopted into a loving family shortly after birth and spent my growing up years in Regina Saskatchewan and Calgary Alberta.
I graduated from Chemical Engineering at the University of Calgary and went to work for Imperial Oil Limited at their head offices in Toronto. I had a wonderful 10 year career with Imperial Oil, and in my last job was responsible for coordinating Esso’s five year strategic plan for our refineries across Canada.
During that time I met and fell in love with my wife Orilla. Some 27 years later Orilla and I are still married and going strong.
Orilla and I hoped to have a family. After a miscarriage, and grieving the loss, we thought we would be able to have another baby, but that was not possible. Oh, the things you can learn by walking a few miles of pain. It would be four years later when we would adopt our son, Stephen, of Korean heritage. He continues to be an exciting part of our lives.
Orilla and I both felt a call to ministry, and both of us went back to University to get our MDIv’s. We are both ordained ministers with the United Church of Canada, with myself currently serving at Spirit West, and Orilla at Avonmore United Church.
I have greatly enjoyed the pastoral portion of ministry, and have used my counselling degree (Master of Arts in Pastoral Counselling and Psychology) to support and care for people struggling with life issues. I also work at the Community Counselling Centre one night per week to see individuals, couples and families for longer term counselling.
I am thrilled to be working with the people of Spirit West United Church as we build a new United Church in West Edmonton. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a new kind of church for a new time. Come and try us out and be a part of the Spirit West Experience.
Through these and countless other experiences I have grown convinced of God’s love for us. At Spirit West we continue to work away at building community as we seek spiritual depth and social justice, and at the same time having a little fun along the way!
But enough about me, how are things with you? More importantly, how can we at Spirit West United Church be of service to you? Life can be tough, and I’m certain God does not intend for us to go it alone. Email me, give me a call sometime, or drop by the office as soon as the new building is open. I would enjoy a friendly chat about whatever is on your heart and mind.
May We Join You for This Next Mile of Your Journey?
Rev. Garth Bogart,
Minister, Spirit West United Church
Music Director
Bonnie
Bonnie is a vivacious person who inspires us all with her boundless energy. A former elementary teacher, Bonnie says she is retired, but we are all skeptical of that claim, as she puts in many hours guiding our music program. She is our choir director, as well as the leader of our drumming group and our Junior Music and Drama group.
Administrative Assistant
Anne
I began working as the Administrator for the church after retiring as the Payroll/Human Resources Administrator for a large manufacturing company, in May of 2003. I am the mother of three daughters and two sons, and now grandmother of thirteen grandchildren; three of whom attend Spirit West United.
I enjoy all the wonderful people at Spirit West United, who make my work fun and interesting, with something new happening each day.
Chair of the Board
Sheila
I have the delightful pleasure of being Chair of the Board. It’s been an extraordinarily exciting time to be in leadership as our first; our very own church building has been constructed and opened. While we’ve had a lot of work to do, it happened because we had a group of many devoted, committed members who each shouldered a part of the load. Rev. Bogart directed us and my job has been to coordinate and encourage.
Our family has been a part of this church for 25 years. I was raised an Anglican, but joined the United Church when I married my husband, Bob. We began to attend worship services when our children were 6 years (David) and 1 year old (Jennifer). I came to understand the United Church to a greater degree when I became the Presbytery Representative for the congregation. I did that for ten years, and sat on the official Board concurrently in order to give the Presbytery reports. I also taught Sunday School, and led the Youth Group, as I am a teacher and love to work with children. I continue to work part–time for Edmonton Public Schools as a Reading Recovery Teacher.
Music is another love of mine, so I sing in our church choir. I really enjoy it; because I love having the tunes run around in my head all week. Sports, travel and reading are my other interests.
I’m looking forward to the next year in our new building. It’s exciting to think that we have the space to worship God and also carry out the programs and the activities that we hope will bring people closer to God. We have much to learn about owning a church building, but we are so thrilled to be able to operate it to the glory of God.