Our Staff

Pastor Troy van Ginkel has worked with five churches in his sixteen years of ministry, as both Lead Pastor and Youth & Worship Leader. He is passionate about the power of worship, as people connect with the Holy, and believes that the local church is the hope of the world. He lives with his loving wife and two children in beautiful St Thomas.

Reverend John Brown is a retired United Church minister. Pastoral Care has always been an important and loved aspect of his work. He appreciates the privilege to work with the Pastoral Care Committee and to participate as a member of the Prayer Chain team. John visits our retirement facilities and arranges for home visitation to Central folk.

Karen Holtby's smiling face greets you as soon as you walk into our church office. Karen has been our church secretary for three years and enjoys all aspects of her work. Every day brings a new challenge or a new face to her office. Karen is the President of MADD St. Thomas Elgin Chapter, a member of the Rowbust Breast Cancer Dragon Boat team and lives with her husband near St Thomas. A son, daughter and three wonderful grandchildren keep her busy when she is not at Central United.

Elizabeth Anderson is our interim music director as Lauri Ladd is currently on "a healing leave of absence." Elizabeth shares her love of music and her vast experience and education with the choir and members of Central United. Her educational background includes an Associates in Voice from Conservatory Canada, Bachelor of Music from the University of PEI, Bachelor of Ed from Trent University and she is completing a Master in Music Education at UWO. Elizabeth also was the Music/Choir Director for 11 years at Gilmore Baptist Church. When she isn't at Central United, you will find her in the classroom as Elizabeth also is a certified teacher and is an occasional teacher with the Thames Valley District School Board.

Doug Perry has been our custodian for twenty two years. Doug is retired from the Ford Motor Company located in Talbotville, Ont. When he isn't keeping everything in order at Central United Doug likes to work on his glass and china collection.