Rev. Paul Clarkson, Minister

I am excited about exploring faith and spirituality within the context of today’s quickly changing world. Many people that I meet outside of the church, are adamant about being “spiritual” and yet in no way “religious”. At the same time there are others for whom the church and religious life are very central, and in fact help define who they are. Bridging the gap between these two groups is both a challenge and a great source of inspiration for me. It is my hope that Three Willows will be a place where people of all ages, and stages of their faith journey, can come and ask questions and explore together. Part of this is creating worship that is grounded in both celebration and gratitude, and which enables us to connect with God, our Creator and Source.

Richard Cunningham, Choral Conductor

Although he has an impressive array of solo credits, Richard Cunningham is best known these days as a choral conductor.  As well as conducting the choir of Three Willows United Church since September of 2007, Richard directs the Grand River Chorus of Brantford, the Brantford Children’s Chorus and the Chamber Choir of the University of Waterloo.  Each of these choirs has flourished under his direction, expanding in the scope of the music performed and in the numbers of people wanting to sing in the groups.  Richard is also one of the vocal teachers at McMaster University and has taught classes there in vocal methods and conducting.

As a solo countertenor, Richard has performed in seven different countries in Europe as well as Canada and the United States.  He has performed with the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony and the Grand Philharmonic Choir, with the Bach-Elgar Choir of Hamilton and the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra, at the Elora Festival and with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the Toronto Symphony.  As a chorister, he has sung with La Chappelle de Quebec under Bernard Labadie, the Elora Festival Singers with Noel Edison, the Taverner Consort and Choir under Andrew Parrott , Winchester Cathedral Choir under Martin Neary and St George’s Chapel Choir in Windsor Castle where he often performed before the Royal Family.

When he is not directing a choir, singing or teaching, Richard may be found composing music (mostly choral with piano or orchestral accompaniment) or driving between rehearsals.

Jane Felker-Ohls, Office Administrator

After retiring from teaching I joined the staff at Chalmers United Church as their Office Administrator. It was exciting learning new skills, being a part of a very busy downtown church and getting involved with Chalmers’ mission in helping others through their Friday Fair Share Food Shelf, Saturday Night Suppers & the downtown Core Group of Churches.

The process of closing Chalmers and clearing out many, many years of material was certainly challenging. Entering into a new adventure with amalgamation and having a new church building as well as many new faces was definitely something to look forward to.

I was extremely pleased to be given the job of Office Administrator at Three Willows. This job is very rewarding. Duties are varied, new skills continue to be learned and the days are never boring. I look forward to coming to work each day.

The Staff and congregation are supportive and we all enjoy the relaxed and happy environment created at Three Willows