The Rev. Dr. Heather Vais
The Rev. Dr. Heather J. Vais was inducted into the Ministry at TPC in July 2007 along with her husband, the late, Rev. Tom Vais. She has been practicing ministry for 30 years serving in rural, downtown and suburban settings. While her passion is for ministry in the church, Heather has also taught a modular course in communication at Tyndale University. Her service to the broader church includes positions on boards and committees of the denomination, as well as serving as the moderator of the Presbytery of Oak Ridges and the chair of the Business Committee. On the national church level, Heather serves on the Church Doctrine Committee. Heather also spent many years as a member of the Board of Governors for Knox College as the chair of the Multiculturalism committee and on the executive. In May 2017 Heather received her degree of Doctor of Ministry from Knox College and University of Toronto. The title of her dissertation is Beyond Cordiality: Interpreting Practices of Mutual Hospitality toward Building Intercultural Competence at Thornhill Presbyterian Church.
Heather has two children, Brett and Elizabeth, one adorable dog and two playful cats. In her spare time Heather enjoys cycling (particularly in preparation for The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer), long walks with the dog, photography, reading, and time spent at the cottage with family. Heather has a B.A. in English and Philosophy from Western University and a Master of Divinity degree from Knox College at the University of Toronto, and a doctoral degree from Knox College and the University of Toronto.
You can reach Rev. Heather directly at heather.vais@tpchurch.net or 905-889-5391.
Jones Peterson
Jones Peterson is a passionate Church organist and Director of Music, bringing a harmonious blend of musicality and spirituality to his role.
Growing up in India, Jones started on the Piano and the Keyboard and then the Organ. He discovered the organ as a way to enhance the worship experience in the church and to contribute meaningfully to the faith community. He works full-time as a Software professional. Music has always been his passion. This led him to acquire private training on the Organ from a few eminent Organists in Manchester, Connecticut and Memphis, Tennessee, USA. While in the USA, Jones had the opportunity to play the Organ in various denominations – Catholic, Episcopal, United Methodist, Presbyterian and Lutheran.
Jones’ repertoire includes a diverse selection of hymn-based settings for Organ and contemplative music by the great composers of the past – Bach, Mendelssohn, Guilmant, César Franck, Théodore Dubois, Handel, just to name a few and many modern-day composers and arrangers. Jones started a private choir back in India – “The Kingdom’s Singers”, a small community of volunteer singers who enjoy a time of great fellowship, fun and singing. In his absence, another gentleman helps in leading the choir. With nearly 20 years of experience as Church Organist and nearly 14 years of experience as Director of Music, Jones brings with him a wealth of experience building choirs from scratch (Adult and Youth choirs) and helping each chorister enjoy singing the Master’s praise.
Feel free to reach out to Jones at jones.peterson@gmail.com (Mobile: 289-698-9665) if you’re interested to join the church choir.
Nadine Calfa
Nadine Calfa has been an administrator in various settings for over 30 years. She lives in Stouffville and has 3 children, who are now adults. She has started working with TPC the week of October 18th, 2021 and looks forward to meeting and working with all of you. She loves to dance and do art in her spare time.
You can reach Nadine directly at admin@tpchurch.net or 905-889-5391.
Shadrack Obodai
Shadrack Obodai is our new Custodian.
Shadrack and his wife Juliet joined our church family recently.
Shadrack started in August to allow some overlap and to provide a smooth transition before the busy fall season starts. Welcome to TPC Shadrack!