Minister  |  Sunday School Co-ordinator  |  Music Director  |  Church Administrator

From left to right: Jaren McLeod, Rev Jennifer Palin, Daniel Rubinoff, Alcina Chiu

Under the leadership of our minister, the paid staff work as a team to plan and prepare for Sunday worship, including Sunday school, and to coordinate the use of space, the outreach and pastoral care programs, and the administrative tasks. The diversity of their experience and qualifications makes this a dynamic group.

Approximately fifty volunteers serve on the church Council and its various committees.  Other members and adherents volunteer regularly to maintain the buildings and the landscaping, prepare the sanctuary for worship, act as ushers, greeters and coffee hosts, and support events such as funeral receptions and the annual Fall Sale.

Rev. Jennifer Palin, M.A., M.Ed., M.Div.
Minister
For Rev. Jennifer Palin, ministry is a calling to allow herself to be inspired and re-inspired every day by God's Spirit. Since the Spirit "blows where it will", her life has been varied, with the Spirit leading her to work with many different peoples, but a common thread has been visioning and working towards justice, wholeness and integrity for all of God's people, especially lifting up for care those who have been oppressed and marginalized. Her vision for the church is a place and a people who allow themselves to be gathered together by the Spirit's call, to be a community of faith who dare to bear witness when there is hurt in the world, and who dare to testify on behalf of God's loving good news that hurts can be healed and abundant life for all people can be made real. Jesus showed us The Way. Our calling is to follow.  
More information: Rev. Jennifer Palin, 416-444-8444

Alcina Chiu, B.Mus.
Sunday School Co-ordinator
Alcina Chiu is our Sunday School Co-ordinator. Alcina has a background in music, theatre, and dance, having earned a Bachelor of Music, gained recognition as a dance and movement instructor, and working now towards a Master's degree in Dalcroze Eurhythmics.  She has many years of experience in children's education including working with children with various special needs, facilitating parent and child workshops, developing curriculum for Vacation Bible Schools, engaging at-risk youth in extracurricular programmes, and teaching in classrooms all over the Greater Toronto Area.

Alcina combines her knowledge of child development and Christian education in designing programs that encourage all children to grow emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually.  She enjoys using song, drama, dance, and visual arts to fully explore topics in a way that piques her students' interest.  She is looking forward to working with the children and families in the Donway community.
More information: Alcina Chiu, 416-444-8444

Daniel Rubinoff, B.A. (Hon.Music), A.R.C.T., B.Ed., M.A. Music Composition
Music Director
Daniel Rubinoff is a versatile director, performer and composer who began his career as a church musician in 1983 at Bridgenorth United Church.  He is an accomplished concert saxophonist, keyboardist and educator who has performed in France, the United States and throughout Canada.  Daniel performs sacred, classical, jazz, popular and world music and has composed music in all of these media.  His four CD recordings have been broadcast on CBC radio programs that include Jurgen Gothe's "Disc Drive" and Tom Allen's "Music & Company."  He has performed with many of Canada's finest musicians including Christopher Dawes, Erica Goodman, Joe Macerollo, and Gloria Saarinen. Daniel is currently pursuing a PhD in Musicology at York University in Toronto.  
More information: Daniel Rubinoff, 416-444-8444

Jaren McLeod, B.A. in Still Photography, Certified Sommelier
Church Administrator
Jaren comes to us with a variety of skills developed over the years through her eclectic background.  She graduated with a degree in still photography from Ryerson University and worked as a photographer for 10 years.  Shifting gears, Jaren entered hotel/restaurant management and managed food and beverage outlets at Deerhurst Resort and the Toronto Hilton Hotel.  While working at the Toronto Hilton Jaren earned her Sommelier Certification (wine expert).  She subsequently worked as a wine sales representative for Rogers & Company wine agency.  When the Donway Covenant United Church was searching for a Church Administrator, Jaren answered the call. While with us Jaren has completed her Lay Certificate in Theology from Emmanuel College at U.of T. and is now working on a Certificate in Digital Publishing from George Brown College. Her varied career and education has equipped her with many useful skills to apply to the complex operations of the church.  
More information: Jaren McLeod, 416-444-8444