Staff

Ordained in 1996, Rev. Debra served three United Church of Canada congregations over 22 years before retiring from full time ministry in 2018. After a bit of a break and time working with her husband to renovate their kitchen, Debra went on to serve in supply ministry positions with East End United Regional Ministry for 14 months, Kingston Road United for several months, and since January of 2025 has been sharing ministry with the folks of Scarborough Bluffs United.     

Debra enjoys connecting with people in the congregations she serves, supporting them in their spiritual journey, and assisting them in finding their place in the life and work of the congregation. She enjoys drawing connections between our scriptures and our lives of faith, and finds meaning in exploring various forms of spiritual practice.  Over the years, these have included Ignatian prayer practices (ie, lectio divina, prayer of the imagination), Creation Centred Celtic Spirituality (visio divina) and mindfulness meditation.  She appreciates the occasional opportunity to participate in various indigenous practices. 

Debra enjoys guiding congregations through major decisions and shifts in understanding and practice.  Over the years, she has guided congregational conversations around: including children in communion; allowing the minister to perform weddings for same gender couples in the congregation’s sanctuaries; becoming an affirming congregation-- publicly, intentionally and explicitly welcoming members of the LGBTQ2S+ Community; and working through decisions that led to the sale & redevelopment of church property. 

Debra’s ministry has included leadership and participation in several Ecumenical and Interfaith groups, and events. A highlight was a 2013 journey to Israel/Palestine she and her husband, Michael took with an interfaith group of Christians, Muslims and Jews.  She currently enjoys mentoring individuals who are exploring ministry as a vocation. She values her many connections within the wider church. 

Debra is married, has three grown children and two grandchildren all of whom she adores.   She enjoys music, singing, dancing, walking, exploring art and the natural world, creating beautiful spaces, conversations with friends and playing with her dog, Winnie. 

I am pleased to be in ministry with the people of Scarborough Bluffs United Church. I am theologically progressive. My own faith is constantly evolving as I learn and grow in my relationship with the divine. I love learning about all kinds of things, religious and otherwise, and I know I have a lot yet to learn. This keeps me curious and optimistic about this amazing thing called life.

I see my role in ministry as helping to create space where people experience their connectedness with one another, with creation and with the divine. This connection can happen in worship, through music, in nature, when sharing a beverage, chopping veggies in the church kitchen, or just about anywhere. When this sense of connection and belonging happens, people are more able to find their own sense of purpose and fulfilment in life and in relationship to God.

I am privileged to work collaboratively with Scarborough Bluffs United Church as we strive to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God in the world.

David Chodorwisky is a professional pianist who has taught music privately for many years, and more recently has also begun teaching in a classroom setting. David joined our church as music director in July, 2024, and we are excited to have him here. Under David's leadership, the Scarborough Bluffs United Church Choir meets for weekly rehearsals (Thursdays, 7 – 9 p.m. in the sanctuary) and presents a choral welcome and closing for each service, as well as an anthem every Sunday.  We look forward to continuing to provide inspiration, joy and leadership for the important musical ministry of our church.  We welcome new members at any time. Leave a message at the church office if you would like more information or are interested in joining.

“When in our music God is glorified, and adoration leaves no room for pride, it is as though the whole creation cried Hallelujah!” (Fred Pratt Green, Voices United #533)

Heather Mackie is our Office Administrator. She is a wealth of information about services, events, rentals, the property and fundraisers at Scarborough Bluffs. Heather has been a member of Scarborough Bluffs United Church (formerly Washington United Church) since she and her family joined in 1980.

Prior to SBUC, Heather worked as a legal secretary for 13 years at a busy law firm downtown Toronto.

Heather has enjoyed singing in many choral groups including the Bach Children’s Chorus, the Scarborough Gilbert and Sullivan Society and the Bel Canto Singers.

Heather is an invaluable member both of the congregation and the staff team.