Meet Our Staff

Rev. James Yang - Senior Pastor

James Yang is passionate about guiding others to deepen their relationship with Jesus and experience spiritual growth through discipleship in the Word of God. He and his wife, Jini Joo, are the proud parents of their son, Leonard. Born and raised in the west end of Toronto, James has been ministering in various cities since 2009, including Etobicoke, Vaughan, Montreal, Markham, and Fonthill. James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from York University, a Master of Divinity from Tyndale Theological Seminary, and a Master of Theological Studies from Knox College in Toronto. Beyond ministry, he loves spending time outdoors, cycling, playing guitar, and capturing moments through photography. When it comes to food, nothing beats a hearty bowl of Pho Noodle Soup for him!

Rev. Sandra Copland Dufour - Associate Minister

Sandy started life with missionary parents in Angola. She attended a missionary kids boarding school before returning to Canada. Her Mom was a faithful Sunday School teacher who taught her own kids and the local children the good news of Jesus. Her own kids got Sunday School in the local language as well as in English and as a result, Sandy received the gift of new life with Jesus at a young age. 


Sandy was involved with the Interschool Christian Fellowship in high school and InterVarsity during university years. Following graduation, she travelled Ontario with the InterVarsity student team visiting rural area high school fellowships and as InterVarsity staff in the Toronto area. She spent several years teaching and then was able to work with humanitarian aid agencies in various places as a volunteer and then on a contract basis in east Africa.


Meanwhile Sandy was studying part time at the Toronto School of Theology. She was eventually ordained as an Anglican priest and has been working in churches in the Niagara Peninsula and more recently Presbyterian churches in in Hamilton. She is delighted to join the Cheyne staff and to continue serving God’s people in Hamilton. Sandy is married to Mike. They are proud parents to three daughters and a son and delight in their seven grandchildren.

Loralee McGuirl - Contemporary Worship Leader

Juno nominated, Lora McGuirl, is a multi instrumentalist, vocalist, conductor, worship leader, recording artist and song writer. 

She was the first graduate from McMaster University to compete an honours Bachelor of Music Degree, an honours Fine Arts Degree and a Vocal Performance Diploma as well as represent Opera Ontario and the Jazz Connection Big Band within 5 years.  

Lora has been leading worship bands, conducting orchestras and choirs and performing solo and with various groups for over 20 years.

She was a finalist in the New York Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and has performed with renowned Canadian Alto, Jean Stilwell singing the famous Lakme Duet.

Lora is thrilled to be the Worship Leader at Cheyne Church and is excited for what more God has in store!

Philip Lee - Organist 11:30am

Philip was hired at Cheyne April 1969. He has been playing music since the age of 5. He plays the organ/piano for 3 churches locally every Sunday (Anglican, United & Presbyterian) and is involved in many events throughout the year including playing organ/piano/tuba and singing and conducting the choir.  In 2006 he had a wonderful opportunity to record a CD at Catherdral of Christ the King which has a 4 manual pipe organ. He also play tuba in Hamilton & Burlington Concert Bands as well as the Brass Alliance.


Philip married Faye in 1976 . They have 3 sons now married (Rob/Holly, Devon/Ashley and Cameron/Michelle) and many grandchildren.

Caitlin Illman - Online Ministry Support Coordinator

Growing up in Stoney Creek, Caitlin has attended Cheyne for most of her life. She is currently enrolled at Brock University in the Concurrent Education program pursuing a career in teaching. She loves to spend time outdoors and to travel, always seeking a good adventure! Some of her favourite activities include figure skating, reading, hikes, and pilates. 


Over the years Caitlin has been involved with Cheyne as both a student and then a leader in the High Voltage youth group, a member of the Events and Communication Committee, and was also a team member on the missions trip to the Dominican Republic in 2019. 


Caitlin has a passion for photography, social media, and creative design and is looking forward to using that in working with Cheyne to engage our growing online community!


Cathy Ferrier - Administrator

Cathy worked as a technical systems analyst at RBC in Toronto for 15 years.  She moved to Stoney Creek where Cheyne played an integral part in her salvation story thanks to the faithfulness of her sister-in-law and Cheyne member Joanne as well as Rev. Steve Lindsay.  Within a year of becoming a believer, God gave her a new life when He blessed her with another baby and she left her career to homeschool her three children.  Cathy loves the Lord, is passionate about her family and holds a special place for Cheyne in her heart.


Cathy and her husband Ross have three young adult children (Grant, Ashley, Kyle).  They love to camp, ski and do other fun outdoor activities like canoeing, biking, and fishing together.