Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Lead Minister
RevJ (he/they) will be our Lead Minister for 2024/25. Dr Kwong obtained his master of divinity and doctor of ministry degrees from Claremont School of Theology in California, and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in film studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Born and raised in the Philippines (of Chinese descent), most of RevJ’s adult life was spent in California and Hawai’i. He served several congregations during his more than decade-long ministry including First Unitarian Church of Honolulu (where former U.S. President Barack Obama attended Sunday school), Sepulveda UU Society, Temecula Valley UU Community, Ohana Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) in Honolulu and Resurrection Beach MCC in Orange County, CA. Their non-profit leadership included serving as Executive Director of the Counseling & Spiritual Care Center of Hawai‘i and API Equality-LA..
RevJ values his pluralistic and ecumenical upbringing, from Evangelical to United Methodist, from Episcopalian to Calvary Chapel. They were christened at a gospel church and baptized as a Chinese Mennonite. In Hawai‘i, Jonipher was a member of the Honolulu Mindfulness Community, a sangha influenced by Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hahn.
Prior to getting “the call,” RevJ worked in the film industry for three years, followed by two years as a graphics specialist at McKinsey & Company in LA.
Speaking of their appointment, RevJ said:
FirstU has had my attention ever since I served on the Ministerial Fellowship Committee with your former minister Rev. Shawn Gauthier, who couldn’t stop bragging about you! I love the fact that Toronto is the most diverse city in the world, and that you have taken the bold move of selling your old building and moving to a neighbourhood that more closely resembles the world we live in.
What excites me most is the future possibility of collaboration and co-creativity that can come about when we live into a culture of radical hospitality and generosity. Even though it may feel like you’re in the wilderness right now, I am looking forward to companioning you on the journey home toward not just a new sanctuary, but toward a beacon of light for the entire community as we seek, connect, and serve together.
Rev. Nicole McKay, Affiliated Community Minister
An affiliated community minister is a minister who has a formal relationship with the congregation however is not part of the staff team. Their ministry takes place outside of our congregations while staying grounded in our Unitarian Universalist tradition. You will see them from time to time in the pulpit or present for significant moments, with the blessing of the Lead Minister and staff team.
Rev. Nicole (she/elle) was ordained by this congregation and in her ministry, she serves as a chaplain in the Canadian Armed Forces, currently posted to Canadian Forces Base Borden. She is the first Unitarian Universalist military chaplain to be serving in Canada. She has an Honours Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from York University and a Master of Divinity from Trinity College at the University of Toronto. She is also a Certified Spiritual Care Practitioner with the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care.
She shares her life with her partner, their three children, and three cats. Rev. Nicole has a deep appreciation for nature, music, and reading.