Our parish leadership team
Rev. Val From, Incumbent
Val was ordained a pastor in the Lutheran Church (ELCIC) in 1996 and worked in parishes, healthcare chaplaincy and in ministry in the core of Saskatoon before coming to St. Mary Magdalene. Everywhere Val has worked she's enjoyed people with their diverse cultures, ages and interests. She joins her parishioners in looking for God’s presence in the ordinary places of life, and trying to serve the community around us any way we can. In her spare time, Val enjoys yoga, music, walking and camping with her husband, Paul, and getting together with their two grown kids. 
Yvonne van Dam, Administration
Yvonne has worn many hats over the years: as a sales person, restaurant manager, travel agent and office administrator. The role that has given her the most pleasure though, besides being wife to Harry and mother to Aaron, has been working as a church administrator. During her time off, Yvonne enjoys the family cottage in Gull Lake, tending her garden or relaxing with a good book. 
Judy Asker, Administration (Finance)
Judy’s background is in community development, management, health promotion, injury prevention,music, recreation and wellness. She holds degrees in Commerce, and Community Development and Recreation Management with a minor in Geriatrics. Judy, who now works primarily remotely, is a champion of increasing the quality of life and independence for everyone! |
2023 Vestry
Vestry is the church's version of a board. It's an elected body of eligible church members who assist in the operation of the parish. Serving on Vestry this year are Heather Birtles, Chima Chira, Dawn Hillstrom, Carey Isaac, Barbara Jalibat, Cherryl Lenton, Carol McPhaden, Cathy Mondor and Caroline Olagbuji. 
Nancy Aasland, Music Director
Nancy has a B.A. in Music and Religious Studies. She has been active as a church music and choir director since 1992, and has held the position at St. Mary Magdalene since 2008. She is a lifelong musician with classical training in piano and voice as well as choral conducting. She also plays guitar, djembe, ukulele, recorder and more. Nancy also owns Canada’s most successful Kindermusik studio, running 60 classes a week for children birth to age 7, including several at the church! www.kindermusikdiscovery.com 204-453-1222 
Rev. Canon Brian Bjerring,
Honourary Assistant Brian has served the Anglican Church of Canada in various positions across Western Canada for over 40 years. He also contributed to the report on the Restoration of the Permanent Diaconate in the ACC, and participated in diocesan and national church assessment processes for persons seeking ordination. Brian is a member of the Henteleff Park Foundation board, a longtime amateur winemaker, and a proud grandfather and afi of five. |