Book Club
The Book Club will meet on Monday, January 21 at 7:00 pm to discuss Tell by Frances Itani.
The Southminster Book Club meets several times a year in someone’s home, to discuss a selected, non-scripture work with a spiritual theme or message. All are welcome! If you are new to the group, please contact the church office for the location.
Parenting, Attachment, and the Collaborative Problem Solving Method
A free four-week training series for parents and guardians of children and youth in Old Ottawa South.
February, 2019. Full details here.
Work Party
Every Tuesday from 9:30 am 12 noon a group meets and tackles odd jobs around the building. They do anything from painting, laying tile, refinishing wooden surfaces, repairing concrete, to hanging pictures and running errands. They can always use another helping hand or two. For more information, contact the church office.
Tim Chin Photography + Design
Southminster United Church
Ottawa, Ontario
Since 1932... "a caring community that brings people together to explore faith and express it in action."
MEET OUR STAFF
Minister: Reverend Susan Toller
Rev. Susan Toller was called to Southminster United Church in November 2025. Susan is a diaconal minister with experience in Christian education (adult, youth and children), pastoral care and social justice. She received her Diploma in Diaconal Ministries from the Centre for Christian Studies in Winnipeg. Susan felt drawn to ministry after a previous consulting and government career in environmental assessment of resource development projects. Susan has a Masters in Resource Management and Environmental Studies and a Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Geography. Her interest in environmental sustainability and working with Indigenous people led her to explore her spirituality. She enjoys helping people seek their faith and discover God’s world.
Susan grew up in the Presbyterian Church in Ottawa, and later discovered the United Church while studying in Vancouver and working in St. John's, Newfoundland. She has led Sunday school and youth groups, worked on reconciliation initiatives and participated in a collaborative effort to bring five churches together in western Quebec. Susan most recently served as Minister of Christian Development and Pastoral Care at Glebe St. James United Church from 2022 - 2025. She and her husband like to hike, ski and paddle and enjoy visits with their daughter.
Susan's office hours at Southminster will be:
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
You will be able to reach her via email address: stoller@southminsterunitedchurch.com
and by calling the church office.
Director of Music: Sarah Westbrook
We are pleased to welcome Sarah Westbrook, B Mus, A.R.C.T. as Southminster's new Director of Music, effective August 28, 2023. Sarah is an accomplished career pianist and music teacher with 20 years experience in music performance, as a church musician, choir director and accompanist and school music teacher. She has worked as guest organist and pianist in churches in Toronto and Ottawa and has led and developed both adult and children's choirs. Sarah obtained her music degree from Carleton University (2007) and her A.R.C.T. Performer's Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music (2000).
Currently a resident of the Glebe, Sarah has an extensive network of contacts in the Ottawa music scene across many genres of music, including classical, jazz and rock. We look forward to Sarah’s leadership in the next chapter of Southminster’s ministry of music!
Office Administrator: Irina Ozbey
Originally from Ukraine and arrived in Ottawa with her family in 2022. She has a Masters in Economics (2008) and certification in graphic design (2018). Since settling in Ottawa, she has worked in customer service for Canadian North Airlines and as a part-time church office administrator at Church of the Ascension and All Saints' Westboro Anglican church.
