Staff

Minister
Fraser Elsdon
felsdon@cummeravenueuc.ca 416-222-5417 ext. #201 Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ! My name’s Fraser, and I’m a candidate for ministry in the United Church of Canada, providing leadership at Cummer Avenue as part of my two-year ministry apprenticeship. I received my Masters of Divinity from Emmanuel College in Toronto, I have a diploma in Theatre Arts from George Brown College and an Honours BA from University of Toronto. Prior to entering ministry I worked as an actor and writer for stage and television, and also spent time working in the service industry as a server and bartender. I’m delighted to be a part of this diverse and welcoming congregation as we deepen our spirituality and live into the Christian story together!

Director of Music Ministries
Taylor Sullivan
taylorsullivan@yahoo.com I studied at the University of Toronto and the Royal Conservatory of Toronto, I have served as a church musician for over 30 years and have been the Director of Music Ministries at Cummer Avenue United Church since 1992. Under my leadership, a strong music program continues, one that embraces songs from all around the world and features a wide variety of styles and genres of music. I am also the director of the Victoria College choir and organist for Victoria University at the University of Toronto. Throughout my career, I have endeavored to offer audiences musical programs that are well balanced and of high musical standards. No matter the venue, Taylor brings experience and passion to inspire audiences both at home and abroad. Visit the Music page for details on the Music Ministry at CAUC

Office Assistant
Jethro Bagunu
jbagunu@cummeravenueuc.ca 416-222-5417 ext. #206 I joined Cummer Avenue United Church staff in February 2025 after serving 10 years in the Canadian Forces as a Boatswain. During my service, I deployed to West Africa, Northern Europe, and the Arctic on various operations including anti-piracy, humanitarian aid, and NATO exercises. Originally from Burlington, my Christian faith is central to my life. I’m always inspired by Cummer’s dedication to continue the good work of Jesus Christ through programs like Drop-Inn that help feed and clothe North York. When I’m not in the office, I’m a Bachelor of Social Work student at York University with the goal of helping people who are experiencing mental health crisis and addictions. On my free time, you can find me walking my dog, hiking, staying active at the gym, or spending time with friends and family.

Minister, Community Wellness
Karen Shea
kshea@cummeravenueuc.ca 416-222-5417 ext. #202 I began working at CAUC in January of 2019 as Minister for Community Care. This position subsequently evolved into its current designation as Minister for Community Wellness. Through this ministry I hope to support all facets of that which makes us healthy, whole and engaged people, meaning I focus on our physical, spiritual, emotional and mental wellness. This ministry also supports ways of looking at, and actively supporting, the wellness of our planet, believing we each have been given the role of steward in caring for all of God’s creation. The action of caring for, and giving evidence of kindness, justice and hope to all we meet, forms the cornerstone of this ministry. How wonderful that I can support this ministry in a faith community that has chosen Kindness, Justice and Hope as its tag line! I’ve been fortunate to have lived in numerous locations all over Canada. I was born in Montreal - then over a period of many years, lived in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, back in Quebec again, Ontario several different times and locations, far northern Manitoba in an Indigenous community, and in Alberta. It was difficult as a young child, moving so often. But as an adult, I have had nothing but positive experiences, learning much from the various places I have lived, and the people I have met. I have a graduate degree in Pastoral Ministry & Theology, along with training in the area of Spiritual Direction. I also have a degree in Horticulture & Landscape Design, with a specialty in Horticulture as Therapy. I have found that these two seemingly diverse areas of specialty actually support and enhance each other perfectly, particularly in my role here at Cummer, with my focus on pastoral care and community wellness. Drawing from both these traditions, I have found many overlaps which I can develop and offer to our congregation, and to the community beyond our doors. In my spare time, along with my niece, I manage a small cottage business that creates botanically based skin care items, based on the Calendula plant that we grow from seed. This keeps us hopping from May till January & is a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people. When not doing any of the above, favourite pastimes include cooking, reading, knitting and trying to perfect my chocolate chip cookie recipe – still working to find the perfect recipe!

Church Administrator
Heather Miller
office@cummeravenueuc.ca 416-222-5417 ext. #200 I joined the staff of Cummer Avenue United Church in October 2014, having spent over 20 years working in various human resources roles for a large financial services company. I first came to Cummer Avenue UC (then Newtonbrook) in 1979, when my family moved into the neighbourhood – having previously lived in Montreal and Ottawa. I quickly got involved in Sunday School, Explorers, and – when I was a little older – Youth Group. After high school, I attended Queen’s University – studying English and French – but I returned to the neighbourhood and the church after graduation. Over the years I was involved in many activities and groups, including co-chairing both the Outreach and Worship Committees (not at the same time), serving on Joint Pastoral Relations, teaching Sunday School, doing Sanctuary décor. When not at work I enjoy reading and knitting. My “happy place” is a cottage north of Kingston, where I like to swim, canoe, and just sit on the dock in the sun.

Drop-Inn Coordinator
Trish Thomas
cauc.dropinn@gmail.com 416-222-5417 ext. #204 Trish Thomas is the Drop-Inn Coordinator (since July 15, 2025), where she brings equal parts compassion, curiosity, and humour to every unpredictable day. Before joining the Drop-Inn, she served as Executive Director at a Community Legal Clinic and worked as a Family Court Mediator—roles that strengthened her belief that every story matters and everyone deserves to be heard. A lifelong learner with a soft spot for vulnerable populations, Trish thrives in spaces where people need connection, a steady hand, and sometimes just a good laugh to get through.
