Northlea United Leadership Team
Staff
Minister: Reverend Jim McKnight
Jim was ordained as a minister in The United Church of Canada in 1992 and came to Northlea in 2006 after serving congregations in Kitchener and Oakville. Before ministry, Jim was a branch manager at CIBC and a teacher at elementary and secondary schools in Toronto. His science background came in very handy when he showed Cool Church kids how to turn water into wine! Jim likes to read, sing, dance, debate theology, and answer questions at the Cool Church "Breakfast with Jim." Jim and his wife Babs have two adult children, Jenny and Jamie, and McTavish the Scottish Terrier. Email Jim.
Music Director: Marc McNamara
Marc is originally from Edmonton, Alberta, and now lives in Leaside. He completed his CRCCO with Ian Sadler and has a music degree from the University of Windsor. He has sung in operas, oratorios and musicals throughout Canada and the United States, was a founding member of Pro Coro Canada (Edmonton), and is a former member of l’Opéra de Montréal, The Stratford Festival and the Elora Festival Singers. When you look for Marc in the Music Office, you’ll also usually find his two friendly Yorkshire Terriers, Mitzi and Zoey! Email Marc.
Office Administrator: Barb Ferguson
Barb and her family live in Leaside and have been active members of Northlea for over 10 years. Barb always has a warm greeting for members and visitors, and makes sure everything runs smoothly. Her office is the central hub of the church, and is always busy. Barb fills many roles – secretary, computer expert, website updater, bookkeeper — and many others that are greatly appreciated. She works with the other staff, the Board and committee members to produce the weekly worship bulletins, events calendar and newsletters, and many other reports and notices throughout the year. Email Barb.
Building Manager: Robert Pringle
Robert is the longest-serving staff member, having been our Building Manager since 1985. He works with the Property Committee and looks after the day-to-day operation of the church’s physical property. He also coordinates the use of the church facilities. Robert’s expert renovation and cabinetry skills can be spotted all over the church. Robert and his wife, Heather have two children, and Robert’s really big pickup truck can often be seen in front of the church. Email Robert.
Church Board
Northlea United is governed by the Church Board which is comprised of:
- Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Clerk of Rolls
- One representative from each of the following:
- Board of Trustees
- Presbytery
- United Church Women (UCW)
- One representative from each of the following committees:
- Adult Education
- Children and Youth
- Congregational Life
- Finance
- Ministry and Personnel
- Outreach
- Pastoral Care
- Property
- Stewardship
- Worship and Music
These committees serve to bring programs, enhance the worship service, and keep the church running – it is through these committees that people contribute to the leadership of Northlea United and make Northlea what it is!