Staff
Ministerial and Administrative Staff
 Rev. Coral Prebble is our Coordinating Minister since November 2003. She came to St. James United Church in January 1991 as Minister of Christian Development and loved the warm-hearted, open-minded and willing spirit of this community so much that she has stayed ever since. She passionately enjoys teaching, learning, visiting, gardening and the healing ministries. It is her firm conviction that everyone is made in the image of God and that God’s Spirit dwells within us and works through us. Coral leads by inspiring, facilitating, equipping and freeing people to discover and use their God-given gifts to make a positive difference in the lives of others. When our purpose and God’s purpose unite, our lives overflow with joy and fulfillment. She treasures the opportunity to nurture and celebrate this reality as we live out our vision of being “a Spirit-filled, connected, transformational church”.
Personal History and Background
Coral grew up in an ecumenical family of Roman Catholics, Anglicans and agnostics, and was introduced to Jesus Christ by Baptists while studying at Acadia University in Nova Scotia. This was a life-changing turning point for her. After an initial career as a Community Recreation Director in Saskatchewan, she pursued theological studies at Acadia Divinity College and earned a Master of Divinity degree. This was followed by a year of specialized training in urban ministry in Chicago, and then a second Master degree in Religious Education through Emmanuel College in Toronto. Her ministry within The United Church of Canada began in 1986.
 Rev. Norm Hennig-Pereira is responsible for Family Ministry and Pastoral Care at St. James since August 2005. He brings an enthusiasm for study and pastoral care which he communicates to everyone he meets. It didn’t take long for the people of St. James to have a special place in his heart, as their warm reception has been, and continues to be, a blessing to him and his family. The people of St. James have created an environment where people can grow and flourish – body, mind and soul. Norm hopes to help them strengthen that environment, and share it with the rest of the community through educational opportunities and supporting the use of new technologies.
Personal History and Background
Norm was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, where he completed studies in Education and first worked as a school teacher. His experiences leading a youth group and occasional worship services inspired him to complete a Master of Divinity Degree at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkley, California. While brought up in the Lutheran tradition, he has been immersed in the many rich traditions that Christianity has to offer. After ordination, Norm served in a two-point rural charge in central Ontario for five years. In 1994 he was called to serve a German speaking congregation in Ville ST. Laurent, Quebec, a suburb of Montreal. With the move to Toronto and St. James, Norm begins a new journey as a minister with The United Church of Canada.
 Ann Linton is our Office Administrator since January 1993. She grew up in the church attending Sunday School as a child, was confirmed as a teenager, met and married Rev. David Walker, and sings with the Chancel and Senior Choirs. Monday through Fridays from 9:00 – 12:00 and 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. she receives your calls, responds to inquiries, prepares the weekly calendar, coordinates the bulletin boards, keeps track of all registrations and incoming receipts, maintains computerized records of our membership and donations, prepares the Annual Report, and ensures the smooth operation of the office. Ann is also the person you turn to when you need a name tag, want to book the use of a room, request offering envelopes or wish to donate on a monthly basis through Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR). If you want to know about someone or something in the church, Ann will likely know the answer or will know who to ask. She is a wealth of wisdom when it comes to St. James.
Music Ministry Staff
 Clive Dunstan
is our Organist and Choir Director since 1977, bringing passion, excellence, commitment and creativity to the music ministry of St. James. He introduces a wide variety of music styles from different eras and genres, from quiet and reflective pieces to upbeat and celebrative works. At times the choir anthems are enhanced with diverse instrumentation from trumpets, flutes and violins to rhythm instruments. He seeks to build on or complement the theme of the day by creating an integrated worship experience that enriches our faith and inspires our praise.
Personal Background and History
Clive began playing the piano at 4 years and the organ at 10 years as an Anglican choirboy in Toronto. He has an A.R.C.T. (Associate of Royal Conservatory of Toronto) in organ, a C.R.C.C.O. (Colleague of the Royal Canadian College of Organists) degree in organ playing (Canadian gold medal), and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto (top student and scholarship winner). He was a secondary school music department head for 34 years before retiring in 1996. In this role he conducted orchestras, bands, choirs and numerous Broadway shows, touring the U.S.A. and Mexico. Clive was the founder and professional conductor of “The Toronto Concert Singers” from 1970-1982. He met his wife, Pat, at the Faculty of Music. They married in 1967 and have two children, Darcie, a Physical Education teacher, and Darren, a musician-entertainer in New York.
 Patricia (Pat) Dunstan is our brilliant and dedicated Accompanist on the piano since 1977. She enables the vocalists to shine, plays moving duets with her husband, Clive on the organ, and brings a heart-felt interpretation to the music. It is a joy for Pat to accompany the St. James’ choirs, working with husband, Clive, and Anne Tipler.
Background and Personal History
Pat grew up in Woodbridge and Schomberg, Ontario, where music was always a big part of her life. She began piano lessons at age 9 and obtained her A.R.C.T. at age 16. She met Clive at the University of Toronto in the Faculty of Music where she completed the Artist and Licentiate Diplomas in piano performance and teaching. Pat taught elementary school for 7 years before staying home to raise their two children. She is an active volunteer at church, schools and hospitals, and still teaches piano students at home
 Anne Tipler has been the
Junior and Youth Choirs Director since 1989. The 2 choirs sing regularly at Sunday morning worship services throughout the school year, and participate in special events as the opportunity arises. Working with the children in an educational and social atmosphere, Anne’s goal is to foster a love of music while providing the children and youth with an opportunity to contribute in a tangible way to the worship experience of the congregation.
Personal History and Background
Prior to coming to St. James, Anne sang in United Church choirs in Halifax, Moncton, Montreal, and Mississauga. She has a Bachelor of Music Education from Dalhousie University, and is a Certified Orff Teacher. She has been an elementary music specialist with the Peel Board of Education since 1990 and is currently the music teacher at Kindree Public School in Mississauga. She also teaches at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, in the Orff teacher training program, where she teaches Level 1 Basic Orff Pedagogy. Anne recently retired from 18 years as alto soloist/section leader in the St James Chancel and Senior Choir. She and her husband Grant have been married since 1977 and have two daughters: Kelly, who is a grade three teacher; and Allison, who is currently finishing her B.Ed.
 Kelly Tipler is
Assistant Conductor of the Junior and Youth Choirs since September 2005. She conducts rehearsals every second Thursday night, in alternation with Anne.
Personal History and Background
Kelly began singing in choirs at St. James at the age of 8. For many years, she was a member of the Toronto Children’s Chorus, and toured with the TCC to Florida, Washington D.C., New York, and Italy. In 1994, Kelly had the thrill of singing with the Toronto Children’s Chorus at Carnegie Hall, and at the Vatican in 1995. She graduated from Cawthra Park Secondary School, an auditioned Regional Arts school in Mississauga, in 1999. Kelly has a Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto, and earned her Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa. She has been a music specialist with the Peel Board of Education and is currently teaching Grade Three at Kindree Public School in Mississauga.
Building Maintenance & Custodial Staff
Don Wade is our handyman since 2009.
He can repair almost anything related to plumbing, electrical and
woodwork. Don also serves as our Wednesday evening custodian.
In addition to Don, members of the Property Committee maintain our
facility and grounds and contract out work as needed.
Personal History and Background
Don was born in Newfoundland and grew up helping his father in the
construction trade. Beyond doing all his own car maintenance his favourite
activities are storytelling and talking with family and friends on his cell
phone.
Financial Accountant
 Danuta
Zawierucha began serving as our accountant in October 2009. She
prepares monthly financial reports that combine the volunteer services of our
bookkeeper, Karen Munday and the cheques written by Richard Lindsay and Shirley
Kozel for our expenses. Danuta attends the monthly meetings of our Finance
Committee, prepares the year end financial statement and forecasted budget for
the upcoming year, and completes the financial portion of annual reports
required by The United Church of Canada, and the Canada Revenue Agency.
Personal History
and Background
Nursery Care Coordinator
Colby Takhar
has been providing professional, loving care for infants and
toddlers, birth
through age two since October 2011. Colby reads books, draw pictures, does
puzzles and play games with the children each Sunday morning from 10:00 a.m. to
12:00 noon. She loves coming on Sunday mornings and does not like to leave.
Personal Background:
Colby was born in
Birmingham, England and came to Canada in 1994. She has been working in daycare
since 1991. She earned a diploma in Childcare in England and is certified in
Early Childhood Education. During the week she provides childcare in her home
and provides private care for a child with Downs Syndrome. Colby has also
completed a nine-week course with Children’s Aid with a view to Fostering and/or
Adoption. Her hobbies include: yoga, meditation and spirituality. She
favourite activities are reading and helping people.
Contextual Education Student Minister
 Lawrence
Nyarko came to St. James in September 2012 as a second year Master of
Divinity student at Emmanuel College in Toronto training for ministry with The
United Church of Canada. Lawrence chose this congregation as his
Contextual Education learning site from September 2012 to April 2013. He
hopes to be nurtured, groomed and supported in a variety of ministry experiences
while he shares his gifts with our church.
Personal History
and Background:
Lawrence was born and grew up in Ghana, West Africa in the Methodist Church,
which is one of the founding denominations of The United Church of Canada.
He was introduced to Christ by an ecumenical, non-denominational Christian
fellowship in Ghana known as Scripture Union (SU) in 1993 while attending High
School at Osei Tut Secondary School. Lawrence was a member of the African
Traditional Religion (ATR) before becoming a Christian. He attended
Teachers' College after High School and became a classroom teacher for four
years in the Juaboso Bia District of Western Ghana.
Lawrence is an accredited lay preacher of the Methodist Church, Ghana since 2002
and a member of Ghana Calvary Methodist United Church, Toronto. He holds a
Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto and is currently
pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at Emmanuel College. He is happily
married to Helen and they have been blessed with two beautiful daughters,
Geovanna and Shalom.
lawrence.nyarko@mail.utoronto.ca
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