Staff at St Columba
St Columba has been blessed by a team of staff of the highest calibre, as well as an army of volunteers who provide prayer support, are a friendly face at reception, provide IT support, maintain and develop our property and gardens, cater for our functions, play their instruments in the worship team, lead our children and young people, visit people in the community, arrange flowers each week, open and close up the building, run the Opportunity Shop, serve coffee and tea after the services... the list goes on and on.
In fact, we have so many people doing different things, that it can be hard to work out whos who!
Take a look at us to find out more about some of the people who make this place tick - then feel free to introduce yourself in person!
Rev Chris Barnard
Senior Minister
Debbie May
Office Administrator (Monday - Thursday)
I am married to Brendan and have four beautiful boys. I love being a part of the St Columba community and being able to assist with its many ministries and outreaches in the local Botany area and around the world. I have a passion for the outdoors, travelling, cooking, camping, hiking, swimming, reading, scrapbooking and spending time with my family and friends.
Debbie can be contacted at office@stcolumba.org.nz or on (09) 274 4864
Donavan Hartel
Youth Ministry Leader
I come all the way from Port Elizabeth South Africa, with my wife Tarryn and our little boy. I am involved with the Youth ministry at St Columba and have a passion to see the youth experience Christ, be changed and affect the community and culture around them. In my spare time I enjoy surfing, rugby, listening to music and watching extreme sports. Im excited to be part of what God is doing at St Columba and looking forward to this new adventure in New Zealand
Donavan can be contacted at: donavan@stcolumba.org.nz Youth
Alex Tracey
Children & Family Ministry Leader
Im the Childrens and Families Ministry Leader. After 20 years of splitting myself between a career in optometry and volunteering at St Columba, I have seen the light and am now at St Columba full time. Im a science fiction film nut, and have to battle not to get absorbed into good books and computer games. I enjoy playing hockey, soccer and squash. At home, I have five cats, two daughters and one wife. Hero: Spongebob Squarepants.
Alex can be contacted at: alex@stcolumba.org.nz Children & families
Trevor King
Music and Worship Facilitator
Trevors expertise as a Professional Musician, Performer and Author give him a unique insight into his role of Music and Worship Facilitator. Trevor has worked with artistes as diverse as The Andy Gibb Band, musicians from the bands Air Supply, The Commodores and The Little River Band to renowned classical violinist David Johnston, past principal of the Wesley Institute for the Arts.
He has also been a national demonstrator for keyboard giant Yamaha and has performed regularly for them throughout the country. His ability to communicate his passion for music and life supports his work as a Leadership Coach and Strategic Facilitator in the corporate sector.
Coming from a background as a Professional Musician, Performer and Author, Trevor knows what its like to break new ground and create innovative opportunities.
“The art of facilitation and coaching provides a way to be a positive part of peoples concepts and values evolution…… its the opportunity to question, highlight, propose and affirm the way ahead.”
You are welcome to contact Trevor through the church office.
Dawn Preest
Playgroup Co-ordinator
I have run the St Columba Playgroup for many years. I love working with children and their parents, encouraging them as they care for their children. My passion is to see families come to the Playgroup during the week, make new friends and learn parenting skills so that they can bring up their children in a happy and loving home environment. We would love to see families join us on Sunday, in church, so that they can feel part of the St Columba church family and learn to have a personal relationship with God. I have three almost grown children of my own, who keep me very busy. I would love to share the knowledge that I have learnt over the years with new mums, as they embark on their new journey of motherhood. In my spare time I love being involved in Church life, gardening and playing the piano.
Dawn can be contacted at dawn@stcolumba.org.nz on 09 274 4864 Play group
Margaret Liow
Community Minister
My ministry is mainly outside the church. I provide pastoral care in hospital and rest homes and visit and serve communion to those unable to attend church services. I host the Thursday service weekly, a service at Radius Waipuna Hospital and teach Christian Religious Education during the school terms.
I am a registered music teacher and teach piano students part time. For recreation I enjoy walking, gardening, painting-art, reading and spending time with my husband and family. We have two married sons and three grandchildren.
Margaret can be contacted on 09 274 7013.