Head of Staff, Lead Minister

 

Rev. Ed Hoekstra has been Lead Minister at Oakridge Presbyterian Church since November 1, 2011.  Prior to coming to London, he served the Presbyterian Church in Canada as a missionary in Blantyre Malawi, Africa, for three years.  In this role, Rev. Hoekstra led worship and preached to congregations of up to 4,000 persons, and baptized up to 30 persons at the same time.  Pastor Ed was also involved in Prison Ministry in Malawi as Associate Chaplain. Every Tuesday morning, he led a Bible Study to more than 100 men inside the Prison. He has also served as the minister at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Coldwater, from 1999-2008.  Before his graduation from Knox College and his Ordination in 1999, he was a small business owner and a secondary school music teacher in Toronto.

 

Ed also has an interest and experience in farming and when asked by his grandchildren what is his favourite animal, he consistently says ‘a cow’.

 

Ed is married to Jackie and they are parents of two daughters, three sons, and Grandparents to two boys and a girl.

 

Church Extension: 222

Email: ehoekstra@oakridge.london.on.ca

Associate Minister 

 

John was born and raised in Korea, until his family immigrated to Canada in 1998. He studied Medical science to become a physician until he sensed God’s rich blessing and calling to a ministry. He studied M. Div. at Knox College, and became ordained and inducted at Oakridge Presbyterian Church in 2011.

 

He has a deep passion for sharing God’s love and grace with others, especially young people. He is also often involved in leading praise worship songs and assisting in Korean ministries. He is married to Grace and they have one son and a daughter.

 

Church Extension: 226

Email: jpark@oakridge.london.on.ca

Adult Ministry Coordinator

 

We are grateful for her ministry at OPC.

 

Church Extension: 225

Email: wboyce@oakridge.london.on.ca

Children & Family Ministry Coordinator

 

Sonia joined the OPC staff in April 2009. She gives leadership to our children from birth to grade five, including Kids Ministry, Camps and various family activities throughout the year.  Once a month she takes on the persona of the Mad Scientist bringing Bible stories to life using science.

 

She graduated from Sheridan College with a Diploma in Classical Animation and has been known to animate a lesson or two. She is currently studying M.Div at Huron University College.  Sonia is married to Chris. They have two children Connor and Giuliana.

 

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them –not because you must, but because you are willing; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.” 1 Peter 5:2

 

Church Extension: 224

Email: sbrule@oakridge.london.on.ca

Music Ministry Coordinator

 

David, along with wife Anca and their 5 children, ages 7 to 20, began to serve at Oakridge since October 2014.

 

Dave and his family served for the past 5 years at Melrose United, Hamilton, preceded by 5 years at Knox Presbyterian in Dundas.

 

He began musical instruction at a young age and was appointed Music Director of the 9:30 a.m services at his home church, Hopedale Presbyterian, Oakville, at 13. He became an active member of the Musician`s Guild at 16 and was appointed Music Director at Walton United, Oakville at 17. He directed a senior public school instrumental music pilot program while in grades 12 and 13 and following graduation began working as a fine arts long term supply teacher for the Halton Board of Education.

 

During the 1980`s, Dave designing and operating Canada`s first digital multi-track recording studio, Studio Depot. At the same time, he initiated the West Lincoln Conservatory, soon to be joined by Anca, (at the time an R.N. serving at Hamilton General Hospital) and as a co-directors, oversaw an average of 170 music students weekly for over 27 years. During this period of time he also worked as a commercial contract composer and arranger, including writing music for children`s television national network programming. At their studio in Grimsby, Dave also produced a number of programs for cable television. Through much of the 90s, He and Anca also ran a Musical Rod-puppet Theatre and operated a weekly Saturday night Christian coffee house. 

 

In 1999, following a strong sense of being called to serve significantly in the ministry of music within a church community, Dave and his family began to designate a significant portion of their time in this way, which they have continued since. Dave has received instruction from a number of noted teachers, including 4 years with long-time Duke Ellington arrangement consultant Gordon Delamont, and also with Mildred Leach, Thomas Whittet, Jim Howard and Cornelius Rodert. He played trumpet and piano in the Mohawk College Jazz Band for close to 5 years. He credits much of his education to the many people he has been blessed to work with and those he has taught.

 

Dave has written a number of studies for solo instruments, as well as choral music and over 10 musicals, oratorios and operettas, including `Promised Land`, featured in the Presbyterian Record. He wrote `Get the Bean`, a song promoting fair trade coffee that won the first prize in the Presbyterian Record`s national `Mocha Mission` contest, and you can hear some of his songs on the Record`s website. Dave’s family music website is OrbitFriendly.com

 

Along with Anca and his five children, Dave feels blessed to now be serving here at Oakridge.

 

Church Extension: 228

Email: dbuckley@oakridge.london.on.ca

Susan Lee
Korean Ministry Coordinator

 

Susan graduated with M.Div from Pacific Theological Seminary and was ordained in the U.S. in 2007. She also graduated from the University of the Nations. She worked for 12 years at OPC until she retired in 2015. Then, she came back again since February 2017. She lives with her husband, Ian, and has a son, Stephen, a daughter, Esther, and four grandchildren.

"You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well." 2 Timothy 2:1

"I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!" John 16:33

 

Church Extension: 235

Email: slee@oakridge.london.on.ca

Office Administrator

 

Kathy has been the Office Administrator at OPC for several years and a member for over 20 years. She is kept busy with the day to day running of the office in this very busy church.

 

Kathy acts in community theatre in London where she lives with her husband Rick, son Mathew and doodle Alexander Keith.

 

Church Extension: 221

Email: kmacdonald@oakridge.london.on.ca

 

Michael was born and raised just outside London in Lobo and now he resides in Thorndale with his wife Caroline and 3 children Melanie, Beth and Andrew.  As a child he grew up coming to OPC with grandparents much like his dad did in his youth.  His children are now part of the 4th Generation to be part of the Oakridge Family.

 

Michael feels blessed to have been asked to join the OPC Team as the Business Administrator since October 2016.  His door is always open during hours of 8:30pm until 1:30 pm Monday to Friday.

 

When Michael is not at OPC he enjoys time with his family running from hockey to highland dance to girl guides and to beavers.  In the summer months you won’t find his at home he is off camping around the province. 

 

Church Extension: 231

Email: mmccallum@oakridge.london.on.ca

Custodian

 

Lawrence was born in Malta and came to Canada when he was a child. He has been working at OPC for more than 15 years doing cleaning, set ups and maintenance. He has been in the cleaning business for over 40 years.

 

Lawrence is one of the youth leaders on Friday nights. 

 

He is married to Karen, has two sons, Tyson and Joshua and a family dog, Sophie.

 

Church Extension: 221

Email: lmizzi@oakridge.london.on.ca