Gold Canyon Staff
Dave Abbatacola - Senior Pastor
Dave joined the GCCC family the fall of 2004 after a several month search process. The Abbatacolas are originally from Illinois and had been serving at a church on the Illinois / Indiana border for ten years before being led to GCCC. Dave attended Trinity Evangelical University for his undergraduate and has his Masters from Moody Bible College. He has also been a featured speaker for other churches and camps. Dave is supported by his wife Jill and his four children, Jake, Jeremy, Adam and Emily.
Kris Watanabe - Youth/Children's Pastor
Kris joined GCCC in 2006 after attending for over five years. Kris grew up in sunny southern California and moved to Arizona over ten years ago with his wife Tracy. The Watanabes have attended Gold Canyon Community Church since it started in 2000. In 2002, they sold their house to move closer to church so they could be more involved. Kris and Tracy have been married for over 12 years and have two children, Ethan and Emma. Tracy currently works for the AJUSD District Office. Kris enjoys spending time with family, friends, his community, and youth. His interests include extreme sports, consumer reports, and mint chip ice cream.
Tai Navarres - Worship Pastor
Bio coming soon.
Bill Peppel - Office ManagerBill Peppel is Gold Canyon Community Church's office manager, handling everything from phone calls to the bulletins to cleaning! He serves faithfully and with excellence, and has a true eye for detail. Excelling in the administrative areas, Bill has been a blessing to Dave, Chris and the church since coming on-board last year.
Bill is originally from Minnesota and moved to Gold Canyon a few years ago. He has extensive background in business and administration.
Be sure to visit the church office to say "Hi!" and enjoy one of the many treats Bill always stocks in our candy bowl!