Lent & Advent Meditations

Jaylynn has newly joined St. Andrew’s Church as Associate Minister. With over 20 years of experience, Jaylynn has served churches of all sizes across North Carolina, Chicago, Vancouver, and Toronto. She is delighted to be serving alongside the St.Andrew’s community as a beacon of hope for the city.

Jaylynn has a deep passion for the missional church both local and global. She has served on the board of directors of Kinbrace Refugee Society in Vancouver and has actively learned about the different support agencies in Toronto for our most vulnerable in need.

She received her MDiv degree from Duke Divinity School in 2001, and she’s currently studying for a doctorate in contextual theology in Chicago. Jaylynn thrives in contexts of multi-cultural environments where God brings together folks from all different walks of life. In Canada, she has felt a strong sense of call to ministry in the heart of the city—beginning in Vancouver, and now in Toronto!

Jaylynn and her husband, Jason have 3 sons (Jack, Sam and Will) and one chocolate lab puppy, Maple.

Please feel free to connect with Jaylynn at jbyassee@standrewstoronto.org

In addition to holding certificates in Teaching Skills, Child Psychology and Child Care Health & Safety, Cindy Chang has many years of volunteer experience in churches, long-term care facilities and community groups. Her other interests are learning new languages, travel, photography, building architectural models and fitness.

Cindy is enthusiastic, creative and excited to engage with the children, their parents and other members of the congregation. She would love to meet you, so please stop by the Sunday School room (#207) and say hi to Cindy!

Please feel free to connect with Cindy at Cchang@standrewstoronto.org

Will was inducted as the Senior Minister at St. Andrew’s in September 2007. Prior to serving at St. Andrew’s, he served as the minister of Morningside-High Park (MHP), Toronto, after graduating from Knox College with a Master’s of Divinity degree in 1996. He subsequently completed a Master’s of Theology degree from the University of Toronto in Biblical Studies; and completed his Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree, in 2017, at McCormick Theological Seminary at the University of Chicago.

His greatest joy, however, is the time that he spends with his three kids — Kate, Madeline and Spencer.

In addition to his congregational responsibilities, Will has been active in a variety of ministries and organizations, including the Boards of Directors of Evangel Hall and Portland Place; the PCC Evangelism Advisory Group; the PCC Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Committee; the Governing Board of the Canadian Council of Churches; the Interfaith Committee on Chaplaincy for Corrections Services Canada; and the planning committee for the annual Ontario Prayer Breakfast. From 2004-2005, he served as the Moderator of the Presbytery of West Toronto; in 2011, he served as the Moderator of the Presbytery of East Toronto; and from 2006 – 2013, he served as a member of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches.

Aside from his work in the church, his interests include reading, playing guitar, cooking, motorcycle riding, travelling, enjoying time with his kids, marathon running, sailing, and spending time camping and canoeing.

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Diana joined St. Andrew’s in August of 2019 as our Church Manager.  She was a Senior Administrator at Presbyterian Church Head Office where her responsibilities included working directly with The Trustee Board, Investment Advisory Committee, Audit & Finance Committee as well as assisting the CFO on various projects, including managing various properties owned by the Church.  From 2010 -2016 she was the Church Manager at St. Andrew & St. Paul in Montreal with similar responsibilities as required at St. Andrew’s.

Please feel free to connect with Diana Veenstra at dveenstra@standrewstoronto.org

Daniel Bickle holds an undergraduate degree in Music Education from the University of Toronto where he studied organ with Douglas Bodle, Music Director Emeritus at St. Andrew’s Church. He also has a graduate degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Illinois. For many years he was Head of Music at Branksome Hall where his choirs won numerous awards in festivals and competitions, performing widely in the United States and in England.

Following eighteen years at Branksome Hall, he moved into administration in the Toronto District School Board, retiring as a Principal in June 2010. He is presently Director of Music at St. Andrew’s Church where he plays for public services, conducts two choirs, and oversees the Life & Music Program. He is also pursuing his musical interests as a choral accompanist and as a collaborative pianist.

Please feel free to connect with Dan at dbickle@standrewstoronto.org

Maggie is our part-time Administrative Assistant at St. Andrew’s.  She has a background in communications and event planning as well as administrative work.

A member of the congregation and a volunteer she supports the St. Andrew’s community efforts in many capacities.

Please feel free to connect with Maggie McGregor at mmcgregor@standrewstoronto.org

Marcela joined the staff of St. Andrew’s in 2023, and provides administrative assistance to our ministers, the Director of Music, the Clerk of Session and the Convener of the Board of Managers. She also works closely with our Church Manager, Diana Veenstra, and assists with a variety of projects and events. She is also a key liaison for weddings, baptisms and funerals. She brings to her position at St. Andrew’s an extensive background in administration and non-profits.

Please don’t hesitate to call her if you have any questions about our services or events 416-593-5600 ext. 220

Please feel free to connect with Marcela at mvillalobos@standrewstoronto.org