Staff

 

Rev. Dr. Garry van Bruchem  - bruchem@vaxxine.com

Garry was called and settled as the minister of Fonthill United Church in January of 2006.  Garry came from Welland Avenue United Church, a congregation he served for 8 years. In addition to his congregational ministry, Garry has been involved with Niagara Presbytery serving as chairperson in 2003-2004, teaching in the Learn and Lead program for lay theological education.  He is currently convenor of the Faith and Order Committee of Niagara Presbytery, and chairperson of the Brock University Ecumenical Chaplaincy Committee.

Garry has spent all of his adult life in Christian ministry, having been ordained in 1979.  He was educated at the University of Toronto (B.A.) and earned the Master of Sacred Theology degree and the Diploma in Ministry at McGill University.  He studied at St. Paul University/University of Ottawa graduating with a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (Individual Counselling concentration) and at Queen’s Theological College in Kingston where in 1993, he earned the Doctor of Ministry degree awarded by the Toronto School of Theology.  Since then he has taken advantage of many continuing education events as part of his ongoing preparation for ministry.

Garry’s emphasis in his preaching and teaching ministry has been on Biblical and theological literacy and he is interested in inter-faith relations.  In the summer of 2011 Garry took a sabbatical to do research in environmental theology (also called ecotheology).  One of the results of this is that we now observe the liturgical Season of Creation in September - October. 

Garry lives in Fonthill.  His adult son Andrew is active in the United Church in Waterloo. Garry enjoys the outdoors: camping, hiking and kayaking.  And if you see a motorcycle parked outside the church, that may be Garry’s. 

 

William Outred  - weoutred@hotmail.com

William recently joined the staff as music director.  He brings with him 28 years experience working in many area churches and of all denominations. His love of music began at four years of age, when he sat at the organ and began to play. 
William currently directs the Port Colborne Chorale, a community choir of forty-five singers.  When he’s not at the console, you may find him in your neighbourhood tuning a piano or painting a living room. Fonthill United has a true love of music and should you stop in for worship, you will hear the rafters shake with the heartfelt singing of a well-trained choir and a congregation that loves to sing.

 

Patrice Walker - fonthilu@vaxxine.com

Patrice has been the secretary/bookkeeper at Fonthill United since 2003.  Patrice has had many years in the bookkeeping field, including 16 years in the automotive industry in Burlington and St. Catharines, and is delighted to be a part of the friendly Fonthill United church family.  She has one son, Dan, who is enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce program at Queen's University in Kingston.