Rev. Michelle Robinson
Lead Minister of Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care
Michelle graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University (Bachelor of Music Therapy), OISE/U of T (Master of Arts in Child Study and Education) and Emmanuel College/U of T (Master of Divinity). Michelle was ordained in 2009. Prior to entering the ministry, she worked as a music therapist, special education teacher and music studio owner.
Michelle brings a passion for Biblical preaching, exploring the stories of the Christian faith and wrestling with their application to our lives here and now. She loves family, friends, food, music, and the outdoors and in particular looks forward to her and her husband’s yearly canoe trip in the Algonquin back country.
Cathy Shaw
Minister of Faith Formation
Cathy is a life-long member of the United Church of Canada and involved in all aspects of church life. She is the proud Mom of two adult daughters; Janelle is the minister of a two-point charge in Southern Saskatchewan and Jordan lives and works in St. Catharines. Before arriving at Westminster in 2013, Cathy worked for many years as the Program Coordinator at St. Paul’s United Church in Ajax, became a Licensed Lay Worship Leader (LLWL) and held numerous leadership positions within community volunteer organizations. Her strong faith, energy, creativity, compassion and ability to lead, encourage and empower others serve her well as a member of the Ministry Team at Westminster. Cathy believes that “we are all children of God, regardless of our age” and that the process of forming one’s Faith is a life-long journey.
Benjamin Stein
Minister of Music
Doctor Benjamin Stein is a singer, composer, music director, writer and multi-instrumentalist. Benjamin has played or sung for ensembles such as Tafelmusik Baroque Chamber Choir, Unsettled Scores, Opera Atelier, Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Elora Festival Singers, Toronto Masque Theatre and Soundstreams Canada. He is currently a member of Toronto’s Rezonance Baroque Ensemble. He has written columns and articles for Wholenote Magazine, Ludwig van Toronto, and the Toronto Star. His doctoral dissertation, undertaken at York University, “A New Place at the Table: Ancient Cadential Patterns for Modern Improvisation and Aural Skills Training”, explores historical and contemporary approaches to improvisation practice in music education. Having recently moved to Whitby, Benjamin is looking forward to taking on the musical directorship of Westminster United Church.
Amy Medlock
Ministerial Administrative Assistant
Amy grew up as part of the congregation at Westminster, actively participating in the life of the church. She is passionate about community outreach and social justice. Amy has a background in photography, and brings a creative approach to producing varying forms of media for Westminster; photos, videos, and graphic design that can be found on our social media platforms, printed pamphlets & booklets, and in worship.
Here to help keep our congregation connected and engaged, you can reach out to Amy about upcoming events in our calendar and she will put you in touch with the right people. Outside of Westminster, you can find her on her bike, on or in the water, or most anywhere that she can be surrounded by trees.
Susie Noorlander
Youth Initiative Project Lead
Hello my name is Susie Noorlander I have recently taken on the role of lead for the Youth Initiative Project here at Westminster United Church. I am a mum of three children and I have been a apart of youth ministry through a variety of roles for the last 26 years. Which is why I am so excited about the new Youth Initiative project. This project is currently being developed as a dynamic hybrid collective with our local communities of faith. This program aims to go beyond conventional youth groups by offering children and youth from different communities of faith across Durham a chance to come together and be a part of a large, more diverse experience.
Ronell Paguio
Custodian
Ronell keeps Westminster’s property in tip-top shape. Always to the rescue for a repair and keeps the building shiny! Ronell brings a laugh and a smile to every room he enters. A vital part of our team, he makes sure our place of worship is comfortable and welcoming for all.
Outside of Westminster Ronell loves to spend time with his family and friends, and enjoys astral photography.