Our Staff | St. Andrew's United Church in Cochrane, AB

Our Minister

Rev. Matthew Heesing

Matthew Heesing is filled with joy to join St. Andrew’s United Church (SAUC) on their journey of faith. For as long as he can remember, he has been actively involved in the United Church of Canada, and brings with him a surprising array of experience and education: from joining his local church Board as a young teenager, to serving as a United Church General Council Commissioner, to living in Bogota, Colombia as a United Church Overseas Mission Personnel, and completing a Masters of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies from St. Mary’s in Halifax.

Matthew’s passions for ministry include preaching and teaching, leading contemplative services in the style of Taizé, pointing out connections between popular culture and the Divine, and accompanying people through the most ordinary and profound moments of their lives.

Matthew lives in Cochrane with his spouse Marlee and two kids.

Office Administrator: Terri Nelson

Have lived and worked in 3 provinces and 2 US states over the years – but this is home!

Administrative support full time with AB health services for 13 years, most recently with palliative & end of life care the past 8 years. (I tease my parents that I’ve got their palliative care physicians and nurses all picked out for them.) I am a daughter, sister, mother, grandma, & aunt. Hobbies include some crocheting/knitting, and going for a nice drive in/around southern AB in the sunshine. Enjoy sitting around a big bonfire when weather allows and meeting with friends for dinner occasionally. Recent travels included a 4 week trip to Europe fall 2023 and an upcoming road-trip to Whitehorse, YK.

Music Leader: Marlee Heesing

Marlee is so delighted to join St Andrews United Church as the Music Leader! In addition to working as a United Church accompanist since 2011, Marlee also has her ARCT Piano Performance Diploma from The Royal Conservatory of Music.

From learning the fiddle from her dad, to classical lessons at the piano, and leading sing-a-longs with the ukulele, music has always been an important and meaningful part of her life. As an active member of The Alberta Society of Fiddlers, Marlee also enjoys many opportunities to play and teach keyboard at various camps and old-time dances.