Staff

Rev. Jennifer (Jen) Power (B.A., M.Div.) is delighted to be serving with Barrhaven United Church. A minister in The United Church of Canada since 1997, Jen brings extensive experience working with children and families and deep commitment to peace with justice, radical inclusivity, and spiritual integrity. She is especially passionate about accompanying congregations through times of transition: helping communities clarify their core values, discern their identity and purpose, and engage change with courage, hope, and faith.

Originally from New Brunswick, over the years, Jen served four communities of faith in Nova Scotia until relocating to Ottawa in 2021 with her spouse, Mike and 3 of their sons.

Jen is in the office Monday through Thursday but encourages you to call or email before stopping in just in case she has a prior commitment. Feel free to reach out any time minister@barrhavenunited.org 613-825-1707

Barbara Ackison

Music has always been an important part of Barbara’s life. As a girl growing up in the village of Baltimore, Ontario, she sang in the choir at Baltimore United Church. While attending High School in the nearby town of Cobourg, she played clarinet in the school band, sang in the school choir and sang with a small folk group. As a nursing student at Kingston General Hospital, she began to gain experience as a choir leader by directing the student nursing choir.

Barbara joined the BUC Choir in 1983 and has been directing the choir since 2000. Before that she directed the Junior choir, helped found and lead the CGIT group, directed the Intermediate Girls Choir, and directed two musicals at BUC.

Barbara studied voice for several years and has sung in a variety of choirs. At present she sings with Cantata Singers of Ottawa and Ewashko Singers.

She very much enjoys spending time with and making worshipful music with the BUC choir family. Music feeds her soul.

New Senior Choir members are always welcome. Barbara can be reached by contacting the Church office.

Marlene Basarab

Marlene began playing the organ at her church.. St Andrew’s United in Lachine Qc when she was 16.
She studied piano performance with Charles Reiner at McGill and received a Bachelors degree in Music.

Marlene spent a year in Paris where she studied with renowned pianist France Clidat. She has performed as soloist in Montreal, Paris and Atlanta.

Ottawa has been her home since 1994. She is a member of the Ontario Music Teachers and the Musical Arts Club and has had a very active career as teacher and accompanist… performing at the Kiwanis Festival
NATs (Ottawa U vocal competition), Canterbury High School, Cantata Singers and the Concert series at Glebe St James and St Marks. She has attended BUC since 1994 and became a member in 2001.

Natalie Narezny

Natalie, a dedicated mother of two, grew up in the vibrant community of Barrhaven, where she attended Barrhaven United Church throughout her childhood.

For the past nine years, Natalie has served as the office administrator at the church, bringing her warmth and organizational skills to the congregation. Outside of work, she finds joy in dancing and baking, sharing her creativity and passion with those around her.