Staff at Kirk

Kirk's Staff

Rev. Stuart Jackson

Rev. Stuart Jackson
came to Kirk in January 2016.
He previously served at Chalmers-Castledowns.

Minister Emeritus

Rev. Sydney Bell was born in England in 1924 and received his early education there. After a short spell in business, he joined the Royal Air Force in which he served for five years mostly in North Africa, Italy and Israel. Following the war he studied for the ministry. He received his MA from Cambridge University and took his theology at Westminster College, the Seminary for the Presbyterian Church of England. Prior to coming to Canada in 1956, Mr. Bell was minister at an historic Presbyterian Church in Warrington, England. During his years in Canada he has served the United Church in rural, suburban, and city charges. Mr. Bell has two married daughters and four grandchildren.

Music Director

Zigmund Lorencs or Ziggy for short was born and raised in Riga, Latvia before arriving in Canada 9 years ago. Having been an active musician since youth, he brings with him an extensive background as both a musician and a composer. Along with live performances Ziggy has composed several pieces for the theater, radio and television shows as well as personal projects.
From lively fiesta to the ultimate relaxation of the mind through music and sound, Zigmund has a wide range of tastes and looks forward to bringing his lifelong passion to share with our congregation.

Church Secretary

Linda Steffen joined the staff as part-time church secretary in March 2012. She
was born in Melville, Saskatchewan; the Steffen family moved to Edmonton in the
50's. Linda joined the Royal Canadian Air Force when she turned 18 and was
trained as an Admin Clerk. After 33 years she retired but soon took a part-time
job at Walmart and experienced an entirely new working environment for 3 years
before finding the position at Kirk. Linda has three grown children, and four grandsons (two musicians and two athletes), as well as two brothers and a sister living in the Edmonton area. Her aunt and uncle, David and Vi Cook, were married in the newly built Kirk United Church in 1959.

Church and Office Support

Dave, a long-time member of Kirk, is a volunteer who assists wherever needed in the church and in the office. Dave is at the office most days of the week and is busy answering phones, photocopying, and helping the secretary with general office duties. He's a member of the Worship, Music & Christian Development Committee. Dave operates the sound system at all of Kirk's worship services, and, as well, coordinates the Sunday morning coffee time. He ensures coffee is ready and also schedules people to help in the kitchen and with serving coffee. Dave also shares custodian duties with Darrel (M&P Committee). As custodians they take care of the behind-the-scenes extra work that happens before and after the Sunday worship services, weddings, memorial services and funerals. On top of all of this, if any of the other committee members need help or something done during the week, they call on Dave. He is a very valued member of Kirk United Church.