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.
Dan Werning
Dan is an accomplished organist, choir director, and educator who has been with us at TPC since early 2023. His degrees include a Masters of Church Music from Concordia University Chicago, a university of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, and a Master of Arts in Religion from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne IN. As an ordained Lutheran pastor, organist, and choir director, Dan has led the ministries of a number of Lutheran and Episcopalian churches in the United States, most recently in Hawai’i. There, he also created a community choir, the Hawai’i Sacred Choir. Under his leadership, this group of children and adults sang as choir in residence at Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire, England, in July 2014. Music has always played an important role in the worship that is offered at Thornhill Presbyterian Church. Historically we have had two choirs, an adult choir and a children’s youth choir, as well as a contemporary praise band. Dan has made a great start in what we pray will be many years of fruitful music ministry at TPC as he continues to teach us more about the role of music in our Christian lives and worship and helps us rebuild our music program.
You can reach Dan at danieljwerning@gmail.com or 905-889-5391.
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.
