Meet Our Ministers

At Emmanuel United Church, we are blessed to have two dedicated and passionate ministers, Rev. Tracy Davis and Rev. Dr. Will Kunder, who bring a wealth of experience, compassion, and energy to our community.

Rev. Tracy Davis has been serving Emmanuel United Church since January 2022 and was ordained in May 2024. With over 20 years of ministry experience, Tracy is known for her engaging worship services, commitment to social justice, and dedication to youth and faith formation. She is also an accomplished end-of-life Doula, offering spiritual guidance and care through her holistic work as a Spiritual Wellness and Cultural Lead. Tracy’s warm personality and sense of humor make her a beloved leader in our church and the broader North Bay community.

Rev. Dr. Will Kunder is an ordained minister with a background in education, having lived and taught in the Northwest Territories for many years. He has served in congregational ministry across Ontario and brings a deep passion for Right Relations, especially in his work toward reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Will enjoys crafting meaningful worship services, and his leadership extends into church governance and justice issues. His love of collaboration and community partnerships is at the heart of his ministry.

Together, Rev. Tracy and Rev. Will foster a welcoming, inclusive environment where all are encouraged to grow in faith and service. They are committed to making Emmanuel a place of love, justice, and spiritual connection.

Rev. Tracy Davis

In January 2022, Tracy began serving as the primary pulpit supply at Emmanuel United Church. Growing up in the church, Tracy is deeply embedded in its community and familiar with many
of the folks who make up the congregation.

Tracy recently celebrated a significant milestone in her ministry journey with her ordination in
May 2024. This momentous event marks a new chapter in her commitment to serving her faith
community with enhanced dedication and purpose.

With 15 years of experience in Team Ministry at St. Andrew’s United Church, followed by an
additional 5 years of independent ministry, Tracy has dedicated herself to community outreach,
justice issues, faith formation, and youth engagement. Her passion for the United Church and its
mission is evident in her committed service.

In addition to her pastoral care role, Tracy is an accomplished end-of-life specialist and spiritual
guide. Since January 2021, she has been the Spiritual, Wellness, and Cultural Lead at
Cassellehome, demonstrating her expertise in holistic care. Her background in social work, combined with extensive coursework in religion and end-of-life care, enriches her role as an end-
of-life Doula.

Tracy’s community involvement extends beyond her church duties. She serves as the chair of Relay for Life in North Bay, raising funds for the Canadian Cancer Society in memory of loved ones affected by cancer. Her active participation in various community causes—ranging from climate action to combating racism—highlights her dedication to making a positive impact.

Known for her ability to plan meaningful worship services infused with her delightful sense of humor, Tracy, along with her life partner Will, contributes to a warm, welcoming atmosphere at Emmanuel United Church. Together, they foster team and community building, enhancing both the church’s housing ministry in the Village and the broader North Bay community.

Tracy Davis is a dedicated pastoral care minister, a passionate advocate for community engagement, and a skilled end-of-life Doula, deeply committed to living fully and supporting others in their life journeys.

Rev. Will Kunder

Rev. Dr. Will Kunder is an ordained Minister and is a former teacher and school principal. For 15+ years, he lived an adventurous life while living and teaching throughout the Northwest Territories.

Will experienced a “call” to Ministry after helping to close the last large, Indian residential school in Yellowknife. This call and experience led to the passion he has for Right Relations as a priority of our United Church of Canada. For 8 years he served on the faculty of The Francis Sandy Theological School, a United church of Canada college established to prepare indigenous candidates for ministry.

Congregational ministry experience has included the New Credit-Delaware and the Canfield-Canborough pastoral charges in Erie Presbytery of Hamilton Conference – and more recently at Omond Memorial United Church, here in North Bay, where he continues to serve in part-time ministry.

Interest in all aspects of church governance was enhanced with 17 years as Executive Secretary of Manitou Conference. After denominational restructuring, Will served 2 years as a program staff person with the Canadian Shield Regional Council and within the Indigenous Office of Vocation, in Toronto’s General Council Office.

Rev. Kunder enjoys every aspect of worship, from the study and preparation to the energy that is present when the community gathers. He enjoys preaching, music, and loves the satisfaction of a well-crafted worship service.

Will values collaboration. He has worked to help establish several ecumenical shared ministries and he believes in the development of community partnerships. Will is deeply committed to justice Issues of the United Church of Canada, including anti-racism, climate change, homelessness, poverty, LGBTQ2S+ rights, peacemaking in Palestine. His deepest personal passion is for the work of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

He loves to read murder mysteries, travel, play golf, camp, canoe, and follow the Toronto Blue Jays. Most importantly, Rev. Will shares that he loves being in ministry with his beloved, Rev. Tracy, here at Emmanuel!