Minister
Rev. Carla Van Delen
Minister
We welcome Rev. Carla Van Delen as our Minister commencing January, 2026.
“Rev. Carla has always known that the Divine is woven into all of creation from a very young age. She is curious about God’s world, and the people and creatures we share this world with. Asking questions has always been something she encourages from those she ministers alongside and as part of her own spiritual journey. No question of faith or the world is off the table when you have a conversation with her. Rev. Carla grew up in the Ottawa Valley and has experienced town, country and city living over the course of her life. She began her ministry serving the three-point pastoral charge of K.I.T. (Kinnear’s Mills-Inverness-Thetford Mines) which is south of Quebec City, St. Paul’s United in Richmond Ontario, Barrhaven United in Nepean and now in her call to Riverside United. She lives with her husband Bert, their dogs and various “fowl” west of the city.”
Minister@riversideunitedottawa.ca
Jeannie Taylor
Office Administrator
Jeannie was raised in Ottawa and attended Canterbury High School, Algonquin College, and Carleton University. She worked on Parliament Hill in the 90’s but most recently was a Human Resources Officer with South-East Ottawa Community Health Centre for 17 years. She is a Licensed Lay Worship Leader with the United Church of Canada since 2015, and serves on the Candidacy Board for East Ontario and Quebec.
Until recently, Jeannie was an active member of Emmanuel United Church, and has been on Mission Learning Trips to El Salvador, Zambia, Nicaragua and Cuba.
Jeannie has two adult children, Ben and Jessica, a daughter-in-law, Diana, and two grandchildren, Ivan and Jamie.
Jeannie is looking forward to this new role and playing an active part in the life of Riverside United Church.
jeanniet@riversideunitedottawa.ca
Wayne Irschick
Organist, Music Director
Montreal-born, Wayne is a seasoned musician with some 45 years of experience teaching piano, theory, and composition. During that time, he has included 22 years as music director in several churches. A composer of over 100 works, his love of choral music is reflected in his compositional output. Wayne is also collaborative pianist with Ottawa violinist, Anna Baksheeva.
Cat La Force
Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator
Cat is excited to be the Riverside United Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator. Cat is the mother of Dalphina and Leo, you can catch them on Sundays dancing at the front of the Sanctuary by the piano.
Cat is an active member of our congregation as well as a member of the Affirming and Nourishing Our Faith Committees. Ze enjoys an active family life, volunteering, being outdoors, creative expression, dancing, upcycling, learning new things and coffee time. Contact Cat riversideyouthworship@gmail.com for any questions about our experience based Children’s Worship Program.
