Rev. Joyce Yanishewski, Minister
Joyce loves to sing and has a music background. Part of her work at the church includes teaching a music program for families with children ages 0-4 years. This program brings close to forty young families to the church on a weekly basis and is one of the ways that the congregation is able to connect with the community. It feeds her love of music and, with no family in the area, is one of the ways she gets much needed hugs from little ones.
Whether at church, in The Music Class, or in community, Rev. Joyce is known for her love for people. Along with all members of the church, her hope and purpose is to provide a welcoming, safe, and compassionate environment for anyone who needs a place to feel a sense of belonging.
Joyce serves the broader Presbyterian Church in Canada in various capacities, is Chaplain with the Thunder Bay and Area St. John’s Ambulance, and is often called upon to lead funerals or celebrations of life for those with no church affiliation.
Joyce and Ken’s family include their three adult children with their spouses and a beloved granddaughter. Summer vacations take Ken and Joyce traveling throughout Canada with their 5th wheel holiday trailer, and they enjoy traveling to other destinations when the opportunity arises.
Maybe one day she will also make it a priority to learn how to play the guitar, ukelele, and accordion that sit in her home office. Until then, spending time getting to be a part of the community and making connections is the joy she finds in being the minister of this truly dedicated and amazing community of faith.
Rebecca Gillies, Organist and Choir Director
After graduating with the Gold Medal in the Master of Music program and a Certificate in Business Administration from Brandon University, Rebecca returned to her hometown of Thunder Bay to pursue freelance opportunities, including performances with the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, Thunderbrass quintet, and with various churches and community groups in the region. She is also a contract lecturer for trumpet performance at Lakehead University and the Business Operations Manager for the Lakehead Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic. Although her primary instrument is trumpet, Rebecca has always had an interest in keyboard instruments and began her music studies at a young age on piano. In 2008 she was awarded the Royal Canadian College of Organists scholarship to receive one year of pipe organ lessons. Since then she has kept up playing on all three instruments and is thrilled to lead the Music Ministry of St. Andrew’s.
J
ordan Lehto, Office Administrator
Jordan is a graduate of Lakehead University, having obtained a Master’s Degree in History, as well as an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. He enjoys creative writing, running, and spending time at his family camp.
Barb Silvey, Bookkeeper
Sheila Berry, Caretaker