PASTOR

Born and raised on a dairy farm in northern B.C., Pastor Loretta never expected to become a pastor, let alone of a church in the centre of a city. Yet Loretta thoroughly enjoys the diversity of people who live within the city’s core and is excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the work God is doing in the Alberta Avenue neighbourhood. She feels humbled and privileged to be able to walk alongside and minister to people at Avenue Church and beyond.

Pastor Loretta and her husband John are the parents of two young adults, Nicole and Evan, who enrich their lives and help them continue to grow and learn.

ADMINISTRATOR

Sam has been with Avenue Church since its early years and has served in different staff and leadership roles over the years as her family has grown. She was initially drawn to Avenue because of its authentic relationships and connection within the community. She values the way folks from different walks of life can come together at Avenue and find belonging and connection.

Outside her work at Avenue, Sam is a full time child wrangler/mom to her four neurodiverse kids who keep her on her toes. Her family’s rural routes makes city living an interesting choice but, for now, they are happy living on their “urban homestead” in NE Edmonton complete with a greenhouse, permaculture garden beds, and chickens.

Julianne and her husband, Jon, have called Edmonton home for over 20 years. Here she has served as a campus minister, spiritual director, and an instructor for The Studion School of Spiritual Direction. Together, they are raising three kids and can often be found walking in the river valley with their dog or paddling the North Saskatchewan in the summer months.

Julianne first got to know Avenue through facilitating leadership retreats, and is thrilled to serve the community as an associate pastor this year. She loves creating spaces where people can slow down and encounter God. She particularly loves facilitating small groups, preaching, and listening to the stories of others.