Prior to ordination, The Rev. Leonard Leader had an extensive career in the Ontario Public Service. He brings broad lay ministry experience including parish administration and stewardship. His involvement in the wider church includes membership on Diocesan Council, several committees and working groups, and as a delegate to General Synod in 2013.
He and his wife Felicity had their early Christian formation in the Diocese of the North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba.
With a B.A. and M.Div, from the University of Toronto and the Toronto School of Theology, he has a special interest in Mission and Evangelism, Christianity and Culture, and Ministry to Seniors.
The Reverend Canon
Sr. Constance Joanna Gefvert
Honorary Associate
sister.connie
@stgeorgeonyonge.ca
Sister Connie, as she likes to be known, is a member of the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine, a priest and an adjunct instructor at Wycliffe College, where she teaches courses on prayer and Benedictine spirituality.
She recently co-edited a book on the history of the Sisterhood entitled A Journey Just Begun, and she loves poking around in church and city archives. In her spare time she enjoys film, music, art and reading good mysteries.
Her favourite scripture passage is from St. John’s gospel:
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)
Sarah Layman
Children
and Youth Ministry Leader
sarah.layman
@stgeorgeonyonge.ca
Sarah has a love for both theology and education, and is delighted to have the opportunity to blend the two together. She has two masters in theology: one from the Atlantic School of Theology, and the second from the Toronto School of Theology. Sarah has also completed her Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor and greatly enjoys working with children and youth. Sarah has held many different volunteer positions within the church including Lay Reader, Lay Assistant/Sub Deacon, Lay Anointer, and Intercessor. Sarah is also a Novice with the Third Order of the Society of Saint Francis.
When not working in the church, Sarah enjoys spending her time outside in nature, reading, and creating in various art forms.
Her favourite scripture verse is:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Michael Leach,
Director of Music
michael@nullstgeorgeonyonge.ca
Montreal-born and Toronto and London (England) trained, Michael Leach is in his 40th year as an organist and choir director. As a pianist, organist and choral conductor, Michael has performed widely in Canada, the USA, England, France and Italy. He is also a longtime member of the Faculty of Fine Arts at York University, Toronto, and is very active in the fields of theatre and dance. Michael has been with St. George’s since 2008.
His favourite scriptural verse is:
“O God, thou art my God: early will I seek thee.”
(Psalm 63:1)
Kathy Baillie
Office Administrator
office@nullstgeorgeonyonge.ca
Kathy was raised in Willowdale and was baptised and confirmed at St. George’s Church. She continues to live in the area with her mom in the house she was raised in. She has been a volunteer in many capacities including a long time Church school teacher, member of the parish life committee, editor of the newsletter and is happy to be joining the staff team as the Office Administrator.
Her previous careers have included being a library technician, working for an international vacation company which allowed her to work in 6 other countries for almost 8 years, and most recently the office administrator for a non-profit charity for 22 years.
She loves to garden, travel, and be under the water scuba diving, or up in the air on the flying trapeze.
Kathy’s favourite scriptural verse is:
“but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’” (Matthew 19:14)