Ministry
Ministerial Staff
Jim Ball, Minister
Jim is a graduate in science and theology, receiving both degrees at the University of Toronto. He was ordained in 1981, and served four years in team ministry in his initial posting at Richmond Hill United Church. Following academic work in Europe, and again at the U. of T. where he also served as a T.A. (1985-87), he returned to full time parish ministry, serving first at Caledon East United Church (1987-99) and then at St. John's U.C. in Georgetown & Glen Williams (1999-2008). He has served on several national and ecumenical church committees. He is married to Anne, a teacher. They have two children, Michael and Sarah.
Wendy Brown, Minister
Wendy was an English and Drama teacher in her first career, having completed her B.A. at Carleton University and her B.Ed. at Queen's. In 1990, she left the classroom behind and joined the team ministry at Central United in Sarnia, serving there until 2000. Wendy then returned to student life at Queen's to study theology. She received her Master of Divinity from Queen's Theological College and was ordained by London Conference in 2003, following which she served at Wellington Street United in London until 2009. Wendy is committed to ministry that is fully inclusive, to worship that is joyful, faithful and creative, and to helping congregations discover the best in themselves so that they might be and do their best for the world. Wendy is married to Tim and they consider themselves fortunate to be the parents of their daughter, Robyn.
Kyla Riach, Children, Youth & Family Minister
Kyla is first and foremost blessed to be a mother of four amazing children; Kathryn (18), John (15), Jacob (11), and Joshua (9). Kyla is married to Chris, who is a Dairy farmer. Kyla’s first career was in banking, and she has a diploma in Business: Finance. Kyla has been active within Presbytery, Conference and has been a commissioner to General Council both in 2003 and 2009. Kyla has been in paid accountable ministry over the last 7 years serving Central UC (Woodstock) as Youth Associate, Oxford Presbytery as Coordinator of Youth Ministries, St Paul’s UC (Tillsonburg) as DLM focussing on Family Ministries, and now Harcourt Memorial as Child, Youth and Family Minister. Kyla dreams of ministry that is fully engaged by all persons in every age and stage of life.
Alison MacNeill, Director of Music Ministry
Alison has held this position at Harcourt since 1988. She is also an independent music teacher, accompanist, and chamber musician. She has a son, Blair.