Our Worship Team
Rev Mark Hammond
Minister
To know Community, is to know God.
Rev. Mark is known for sermons that approach scripture by seeking to understand the people of the times, and their challenges – which, he believes, are more often than not, very much like our own challenges today. Weaving real life anecdotes within his teachings, Rev. Mark loves to use humour in his services, and believes that everything we do at church, including worship, should contribute to our sense of belonging and community. Not to be too lighthearted, this self proclaimed introvert loves history and books. Mark studied theology at Concordia University, where he went on to teach Christian Ethics. He studied ministry at the United Theological College, and completed a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (Chaplaincy) at the Royal Victoria Hospital. He was ordained by the United Church of Canada in 2012. After becoming ordained, Mark’s first ministry was in Roblin, Manitoba, where he served for almost five years, and learned all about living in a small-town. Mark helped lead the Affirming Ministry process for Northland Presbytery (Conference of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario), and then supported the process in Roblin and Tummel. He says that one of his favourite moments of worship is when he gets to say, “Everyone is welcome at this table.”
In January of 2017 Rev. Mark and his family moved back to Montreal and joined us at Montreal West United Church. On top of leading his congregation, Rev. Mark is on the board of Saint Columba House a United Church community outreach ministry and extends a helping hand or a listening ear whenever he is able.
“I truly believe that the most important way that God is revealed in our lives is through other people. We reveal God to one another, and that is why the way we treat one another is so important.”
Vicky Leprohon
Administrative Assistant
Linking people & worship together.
Vicky is the welcoming voice on the other end of the phone or a friendly email correspondence . She is the first you will talk to if you give us a call, or send us an email. Drawn to the church for the Sunday school and welcoming parishioners, Vicky and her family joined the Montreal West United Church family. She keeps everything running and we couldn’t do it all without her.
Samantha Borgal
Music Director - Choral Director
Meaningful music bringing us spiritually closer to God
Samantha Borgal began singing in churches in Nova Scotia from a very young age and has always felt spiritually connected to God through music. By 14 years old, she knew that music could help people and she chose to pursue a career in Music Therapy. In 2012 she completed a Bachelor of Music Therapy at the University of Windsor in Windsor, Ontario, including an emphasis on vocal performance. She completed her 1,000 hour music therapy internship in Montreal, specializing in palliative care. In 2013 she became the lead soprano for MWUC and this church became her home. She completed a master’s in Music therapy from Concordia University in 2015. She has worked as a music therapist at the Jewish General Hospital in Palliative Care as well as other community palliative care centres in both French and English for the past 9 years. In 2020 she became the MWUC music and choir director. She uses her spiritual intuition, her theological knowledge, and music therapy skills to choose music for weekly services and enjoys a variety of musical styles.
Merrie Hammond
Merrie Hammond is our director of the Sunday School program. She believes in the balance between spiritual teaching and development with fun and play.
Kevin Laramée
Online Producer
Creating meaningful online connections with God
Kevin Laramée has always had a passion for computers, cameras and video production. In 2020 he was able to use his skills when we needed it the most - to bring us together online during a global pandemic. Kevin was able to produce high quality virtual services, including a weekly virtual choral piece, graphics and recording Rev. Mark’s sermon. When we were able to return to the church again, we knew that we had to continue offering online services to our congregation and community at large. As usual, Kevin has been there, behind the scenes, ensuring that we are able to stay together online with quality, thoughtfulness and professionalism.
A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.
- Proverbs 27:9
Tracie Swim
With more than 20 years client service and project management experience Tracie works with dedicated volunteers to help break the isolation of many seniors within the Montreal West / N.D.G. area; Organizes annual Intergenerational Day events bringing together different generations to learn a little about each other, the past, the present and the future, an occasion to have fun and make new friends.; and Participates in various committees supporting seniors and volunteers within the community.