Pastor Ray Martin
Ray began his ministry at East Zorra in September of 2008 and is grateful to serve in the midst of a congregation that is commited to being faithful in joining God in loving this world. Ray enjoys preaching and bring the story of God to life in ways that invite us to find our place in that story. Ray also focuses his ministry in pastoral care and the ongoing mission of the congregation. He gives leadership to the administration of the church and pastoral team.
Prior to coming to East Zorra, Ray served as pastor at Wellesley Mennonite Church. During his time at Wellesley Ray completed his Masters of Theological Studies degree at Conrad Grebel University College.
Ray is married to Susan and they are parents to three young adult children, Justin and his wife Jenna, Kyle and Natasha. Ray and Sue enjoy being with their children although they no longer regularly follow them to hockey arenas, sports facilities or music studios. They enjoy welcoming others into their lives, home and family.
When Ray is not serving in the midst of the congregation or spending time with family and friends he enjoys reading, walking and watching Toronto sports teams.
Pastor Tanya Dyck Steinmann
Originally from Alberta, Tanya began her ministry here in 2008. Tanya loves the way that people at East Zorra get involved and share their gifts in so many different ways from worship leading; to Vacation Bible School; to making meals for new parents! Tanya loves kids of all ages. She is always looking for ways to include children in worship and enjoys connecting with community parents and their little ones each week at the EZ Playgroups.
Tanya brings gifts of worship planning, preaching and community building. Tanya also offers pastoral care, with a passion for individual and group spiritual direction.
Tanya is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys running and gardening. Tanya is married to Don Dyck Steinmann and they are parents to three spirited girls, Katarina, Ruby and Johanna. They live on a hobby farm where they enjoy caring for a host of furry critters, including horses, guinea pigs, and a sweet Saint Bernard. They like spending quiet weekends at home or seeking out adventure in the wilderness; backcountry canoeing; cross country skiiing and camping.
Prior to East Zorra, Tanya completed her Masters of Theological Studies at Conrad Grebel University College. She also served as Youth Pastor of First Mennonite Church in Kitchener, Ontario; Co-Director of Camp Valaqua Mennonite Camp in Water Valley, Alberta and Interim Pastor of Christian Eduation at Erb Street Mennonite Church in Waterloo, Ontario.
Tanya’s call to ministry: “To love God; love people and follow Jesus”.
Parish Nurse Jean MacDonald
Jean was commissioned as East Zorra’s Parish Nurse in June of 2001. She was excited, unsure and honoured to be invited to walk with this congregation, as she ministers to the whole person… body, mind and spirit.
Jean gets the most satisfaction in her role when someone asks for clarification, help and/or information. During her nursing home nights, it was a standing bit of humour that “Jean always has an answer”. The unknown was whether the answer was true or just sounded good.
Seriously, Jean likes when you tell her what she can do to help you. ASK, let her know where you are feeling unsure and she will be there for you and walk with you, and together you will try to find answers.
Her family consists of husband Doug, 3 grown children… Allison in Winnipeg, Jamie also in Winnipeg, Megan who is married to Russel Schumm and niece Lydia in Toronto who joined her family in the fall of 2003.
Jean loves to read (did you know that she has a collection of Lucy Maude Montgomery books?) but these last years, even more than reading she loves to knit. One of her current goals is to combine these 2 pastimes using audio books to go with the knitting. She also enjoys and is rejuvenated by long road trips often driving by herself.
