Lead Pastor Ken Gehrels

Ken Gehrels has been with Calvin since 1994. He came to us from Collingwood, Ontario. Ken received his M.Div from Calvin Seminary in 1987 and a Doctorate in Worship Studies in 2005 from the Institute For Worship Studies with Robert Webber.

Ken sometimes gets caught looking out the window, daydreaming when the sky is blue, the weather warm and the wind blowing - we all know he'd rather be sailing on days like that. Or when the water's all frozen, he's dreaming about throwing rocks and handling a broom, curling-style of course.

A father of great kids and husband to a terrific woman, he's grateful to God for being called to minister at Calvin CRC. Responsible for pastoral care, preaching, and worship leading, Ken is excited to see the new things that God is doing at Calvin Church. There's no place he's rather work, and no other church that he'd rather be a member of.

His door is always open. When you're by the church, drop in to say "hi."

Ron Hosmar - Pastor of youth and Congregational Life

There are those who know their life's work is also their life's joy. There are those who get up in the morning and are excited about the day ahead because they know they have the best job in the world. There are those who are amazed that they get paid to actually do those things that they only thought they could do in their spare time. I am humbled that I can be one of "those" people.

Seeing young people excited and motived to serve God and each other is a thrill. Watching people connecting with people and the growth that happens in those moments is a rare priviledge.

I am honored and humbled to be able to work with the young people of this church as well as help in the areas of outreach, small groups, working with new members, and equipping people for service in the Kingdom of God. Ever since we joined in ministry with Calvin back in January of 2003, we have been blessed with a wonderful time of service for myself, my wife, and three very active children.

My Journey to Calvin CRC has encompassed studies at Reformed Bible College (RBC) and Calvin Seminary and a 7 1/2 year full time position in Sarnia, Ontario as a Youth Director for the three Christian Reformed Churches there. I enjoyed my studies, receiving a Bachelor of Religious Education from RBC and my classes in Calvin Seminary, but love the classroom of life I have found myself in for the past 10 years in full time ministry.

If you are ever in the area, stop by and say hello. I'd love to share the joys and struggles of life together and in that process grow to a deeper understanding of our connectedness to God as well.

Widya Gunawan - Office Administrator

Widya's country of origin is Indonesia, where she studied Dutch as a second language. Her parents sent her to Christian schools and she was raised in a Christian home. She moved to Canada in 1980 and feels privileged to be working for Calvin CRC.

"I am happy to be in Ottawa even though it is sometimes -35°C. I enjoy reading, studying, meeting people and outdoor activities. Come and visit our Church, we will be happy to meet you."

Mark Datema - Custodian

Mark has been Calvin Church's custodian since 2002. He is responsibility for the day-to-day maintenance and upkeep of the church facility.

Mark and his wife Wilma have two young daughters, Megan and Amy.