STAFF

Having sworn a public oath during his theological studies to never be a pastor, Kirk was promptly ordained by the Presbyterians and has never looked back (who knew how fun it could be???).Before Canvas he served Irvine Presbyterian Church for 12 years as pastor for adult education and spiritual formation. It was there that he finally realized that his mission in life is to help make sense of the biblical story, theology and the life of faith with as much intellectual integrity and humor as he can muster. And thus – with the help of IPC and the Presbyterian Church USA – he led the launching of Canvas. One or two quarters a year Fuller Theological Seminary is crazy enough to let him teach preaching to the next generation of pastors.

Before Canvas he served Irvine Presbyterian Church for 12 years as pastor for adult education and spiritual formation. It was there that he finally realized that his mission in life is to help make sense of the biblical story, theology and the life of faith with as much intellectual integrity and humor as he can muster. And thus – with the help of IPC and the Presbyterian Church USA – he led the launching of Canvas. One or two quarters a year Fuller Theological Seminary is crazy enough to let him teach preaching to the next generation of pastors.

Being a complete coffee addict, you will most likely to find him in the corner of a café somewhere in Orange County. He’s the guy working on that podcast episode with two books by N.T. Wright, one by Dave Barry and an Americano on the table.

He is married to Emily, and godfather to Samantha (who has him wrapped around all 10 of her tiny fingers).

Debbie is an ordained elder and graduate of both Westmont College and Princeton Seminary (M.A., Christian Education).

Debbie was on staff at Cornerstone (another Presbyterian church plant here in the OC) from 2010-2016, serving as their Director of Christian Education (although her responsibilities were much broader than her title suggests).

At Canvas Debbie oversees everything from communications to preparations for worship and the day-to-day operations of Canvas. She has a heart for hospitality and will be one of the first friendly faces you see at Canvas, ensuring that all are welcome and made to feel at home. Debbie also leads our “Newcomers” small group and helps folks get connected at Canvas.

Debbie, her husband, Joe, and their three kids (Paola, Jacob, and Anna) are among the kindest people you will meet and we are thrilled to have Debbie on our staff. If you need help with anything Canvas related, Debbie is the go-to person.

Bonnie comes to Canvas after nearly two decades of worship leading in the Presbyterian tradition. Though, professionally, she is known more for her work as an actor, director and acting teacher, her vocal talents were first recognized at her childhood church of Geneva Presbyterian in Laguna Woods where she would later serve as the Director of Contemporary Music and Worship (and from there go on to serve in other congregations in our presbytery, most recently at Trabuco Presbyterian Church).

But a big part of what makes Bonnie so perfect for Canvas is that her commitment to worship leadership is not limited to music, but includes a deep passion for hospitality and justice. While earning her BA in theatrical performance at Cal. State Long Beach, she helped found the CSULB Feminist Theater Makers and continues to work for the affirmation and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community into the church and all elements of society.

In addition to her work at Canvas, Bonnie also serves on the Theater Arts faculty of Irvine Valley College where she teaches a variety of courses in theater, acting and directing. And she is an incredibly warm, welcoming and kind-hearted person you’ll be delighted to get to know!