The Rev. Canon Nicola Skinner
Incumbent
Nicola joined Grace in 2015 and loves living in the fabulous city of Markham. Originally from the UK, Nicola grew up in Birmingham and trained for ministry in Oxford. She was ordained in 1998 and came to Canada in 2001, serving first at Trinity Aurora, then All Saints King City. In her spare time she enjoys making soap, learning the fiddle, starting (but rarely finishing) an array of crafts, cycling and reading. Nicola became a Christian at the age of 12 after reading the Sermon on the Mount and being welcomed into a church very much like Grace. She looks forward to welcoming you too.
The Rev. Oliver Lim Zikai
Assistant Curate
Oliver “Ollie” Lim was born and grew up in Singapore. He comes from a mixed religious family of Chinese Peranakan descent. Prior to joining Grace Church, Ollie has served at St Anne’s Anglican Church, Toronto and St Cuthbert’s Anglican Church, Leaside. He has also been a Chaplain Intern at Baycrest Hospital.
Ollie is also a big foodie and loves to try different cuisines from around the world. He is a lover of classic menswear and enjoys thrift and antique shopping. Ollie works out regularly at the gym and enjoys swimming, cycling, and playing tennis.
Ollie has a keen interest in multi-faith and multi-cultural dialogue and is currently pursuing a PhD in theology at Emmanuel College in the University of Toronto in comparative theology. He completed his Master of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology in Los Angeles, California.
Aaron Dumpala
Director of Music/ Parkway Studio Manager
Aaron joined Grace Church, Markham late 2016 and quickly became adopted by a loving family. Originally from Saudi Arabia, Aaron was classically trained through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. While in the Middle East, Aaron began his music ministry at the age of seven playing at different Embassies in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarters. Here he was exposed to a variety of denominations, communities, and of course music. Shortly after arriving in Canada ten years ago, Aaron found himself playing at six to seven parishes a year until given the opportunity to become a Music Director, at such a young age, here at Grace. His testimony fuels him to create new opportunities for the Markham Community with specific focus on decreasing intergenerational gaps where we all can. When not playing during services, you can find Aaron at Parkway Av. Studio just a few steps away exploring all things media with Grace’s creative youth.
Michael Lerner
Director of Music
Michael is an experienced musician with a demonstrated history of working in the music industry. Skilled in Music Direction, Composition, Performance and Production. His stage and music direction credits include Cinderella, 2014; Peter Pan, 2015; Sleeping Beauty, 2016 (Associate MD); A Christmas Carol, 2017; The Wizard of Oz, 2018; L’il Red Robin Hood, 2019; Canadian Legends, Dance Legends, Legends, Twist & Shout, Cotton Patch Gospel, Rock of Ages, Rocky, Annie.
Jean Hoover R.N.
Parish Nurse
Jean brings nearly 50 years of nursing experience to her role at Grace Church. An invaluable resource during the pandemic, Jean brings compassion, caring, sensible advice and a deep faith to our parishioners. In her spare time she is an avid cyclist (tandem) and gardener.
