Leadership

PASTORAL TEAM

 Rick & Amy Brooks

Originally from England, Rick and Amy planted City of Joy in the fall of 2002, moving it to Aberdeen City Centre in September 2004.

Rick thinks he is both a footballer and an artist, and will create the most hideous scribbles if you keep him on the phone for more than 5 minutes. Amy is the mummy of the fellowship (even though she is still in her 20's!) She can host and feed people at the drop of a hat and produce something that looks like she has had days to prepare.

Although they have had more false alarms than Aberdeen Fire brigade, they are not intending on having any more children in the near future....but always keep an eye on the Latest News section (hahaha!)

Rick and Amy have three children, Hannah, Joshua and Abigail.They were trained for ministry by the Assemblies of God in England, where they were youth pastors at Emmanuel Community Church in Cumbria before planting City of Joy in Aberdeen. They were formally "set in place" and ordained by New Covenant Ministries International (NCMI) and move from part-paid to full paid leadership in September 2007.Praise God!! 

DEACON TEAM

 Dean & Lara Hastings

Originally from Durban, South Africa, Dean and Lara have been part of City of Joy since November 2002.

They are creatures of interesting habits. If the sun suddenly comes out, Dean is the master of organising a BBQ at the drop of a hat. Lara’s hobby aptly compliments: After Dean has invited the whole church around and they have been fed, watered and trashed the house, Lara kicks into gear with the rubber gloves, brush and bleach…. She is “little miss maid” for the rest of the evening. In seriousness, they have a fabulous gifting in hospitality and are an asset to the leadership in City of Joy.

Dean works in the Oil industry and Lara is the church administrator.

HELPS TEAM

 Cameron & Valerie Boyd

Originally from New York and Texas respectively, Cameron and Valerie have been with City of Joy since 2005. Cameron is renowned for his New York-Italian 'style' cooking, and his habit of always having plenty to say on any subject. Valerie is originally from Texas (latterly Ohio). She likes to travel and take photo's. She loves to talk about her overweight orange cat called Dexter who she left back in the States. She definitely makes being pregnant look easy! A great couple and a great blessing to the City of Joy team.

Cameron is an Engineer and Valerie is a fund dealer with a national investment company (currently on maternity leave \o/).

 Tharaka & Isla Gunarathne - Music/Worship

Tharaka and Isla joined us in Spring 2007. They are both medical Doctors, but both are incredibly gifted in the musical arena. Tharaka is 'Mr.Ideas' and is our resident black belt karate expert and breakdancer (seriously!). Isla makes playing the bagpipes and violin/fiddle look easy. We are looking forward to seeing how God will use this couple in the months and years ahead.