Meet Our Team
Interim Rector
The Reverend Nelson Charles
Hopefully, this information will give you a greater sense of who I am and where I am going in my religious journey. Although I know I have not finished learning, I believe that God continues to guide me through the people and opportunities in my life.
I am a seasoned pastor with over 30 years of experience. I began serving God at the age of 22 through Gospel recordings with an international para-church organization, dedicated to spreading the good news through field preaching and multilingual Christian lectures.
I served close to 10 years in Punjab and the Northern Frontiers of Pakistan, and later completed Seminary at St. Thomas Theological College in Karachi. In 2003, I was ordained following completion of my Master of Divinity and began serving as a priest in the Diocese of Raiwind, Church of Pakistan.
“If a man or woman is eager to be a church leader, he or she desires excellent work. This calling requires one to inspire, motivate, and faithfully serve people of all ages.”
Church Wardens
Sue Thibodeau
Church Warden
Sue was born and raised in Port Dalhousie and is a life-long member of St. John’s. After graduating from Brock University, she raised three children and taught French at the elementary level.
Following completion of her Master of Education at Niagara University, Sue became an administrator with the District School Board of Niagara. She has been involved in all facets of parish life and currently coordinates the Spring and Fall Community Care Food Drives, while serving as the “Dean” of our Wardens team.
Sue has served the Diocese in several ministries and was awarded the Order of Niagara in 2020.
Kathleen Bradley
Church Warden
Kathleen has been a resident of Port Dalhousie for over 30 years. A graduate of McMaster University, she taught elementary school with the District School Board of Niagara, completing her career at Woodland Public School.
Her son Matthew progressed through Sunday School and Confirmation Classes here at St. John’s. Kathleen is active in the St. Catharines Branch of the Retired Women Teachers of Ontario and serves on their Executive.
As the newest member of our Wardens team, Kathleen has already “hit the ground running,” offering thoughtful support and insight across many ministries.
Director of Music
Marlene Pinder
Marlene has been a music lover since early childhood, beginning piano lessons at a young age. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music and holds a Music Specialist certificate through the Ministry of Education.
Marlene taught music in the elementary school system and joined St. John’s nearly 40 years ago when she and her husband Doug moved to Port Dalhousie. They raised three sons and are now blessed with six grandchildren.
Caretaker
Rudy Sobschak
Raised on a family farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Rudy began attending St. John’s Church in 1979. In 1989, Rudy and his wife Linda were married at St. John’s, and together they raised two children, Katharine and Michael.
Rudy worked for 32 years with St. Catharines Transit as a bus driver, driver trainer, and health and safety supervisor. In 1990, he started his own business, RS Yard Service and later took on the role of caretaker at St. John’s Church.
Rudy’s long-standing dedication and quiet commitment play an essential role in the daily life and care of our church.
Deputy Wardens
- Linda Youse
Property Committee
- TBD
Special Events Coordinator
- Linda Youse
Treasurer
- John Haywood
Synod Delegates
- Marlene Pinder
- Sue Thibodeau
Synod Alternate
- Bonnie Williams
Parish Council Members
- Theresa Bell
- Dave Case
- Vicki Case
- Barb Castonguay
- Kathryn Dymczak
- Maree Graham
- Terry Stoddart
- Deb Chagnon
- Val Tattersall
Community Outreach & Care
Community Care
Despite the restrictions of the pandemic, in recent years St. John’s, with the help of the generous citizens of Port Dalhousie, has raised over 6 tons of food and goods and more than $9,000 for Community Care through food drives and in-church collections.
When in-person worship is in full swing, volunteer Dave Cargill highlights a particular food item each month identified as being in high demand by Community Care. This monthly focus is warmly embraced by our congregation, and the chosen item comes pouring in.
Dignity Kits
In recent years, Carol Lahey and her team have created well over 1,000 Dignity Kits filled with hygiene products and clean underwear, packaged in hand-sewn cloth bags.
These kits are distributed to agencies such as Start Me Up Niagara, Out of the Cold, and the Resource Association for Teens (RAFT) to support homeless and at-risk populations in St. Catharines.
St. John’s has also partnered with the local charity Socks for Change to include hundreds of warm, durable, military-grade socks and neck warmers during the winter months.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
A dedicated group of knitters provides comforting prayer shawls, toques, and mittens for anyone in need. Hundreds of shawls have been — and continue to be — blessed during regular services and delivered to grateful recipients.
Shawls are given to those who are bereaved, in crisis, ill, shut-in, celebrating the birth of a child, or simply in need of comfort. Items are also delivered to shelters, hospitals, and care facilities.
Speaker Series
We support a strong sense of community through our popular ongoing Speaker Series, where the history and lore of Port Dalhousie are brought to life by local historians and subject-matter experts.
Refugee Sponsorship
In late 2017, after two years of fundraising and with the support of many local partners, our modest-sized parish raised $40,000 to sponsor a family of four from a Jordanian refugee camp.
The family began a new life in Canada, and remaining funds were passed on to the Diocese to assist other parishes with refugee sponsorship initiatives.
Community Charity Donations
Guided by our Mission Strategy Committee and supported by Parish Council, St. John’s prioritizes outreach to those at risk of homelessness and hunger.
Each year, we make substantial donations to local agencies including: Gillian’s Place, Out of the Cold, Start Me Up Niagara, Community Care, RAFT, Socks for Change, and St. George’s Breakfast Program through the Diocese of Niagara.
The Bells of Hope
Our historic bell from the original 1841 wooden church rings every Sunday at noon — in memory of loved ones, in gratitude to first responders and essential workers, and as a message of hope to all in need.
Parishioners and community members may make an appointment to ring the bell and sign the Bells of Hope Ringers book.
To arrange a ringing, please call Colin Johnston at (905) 327-7555.