Ministry Leadership
Debra Bowman, B.A. M.Div.
Coordinating Minister
Phone: (604) 266-5377 (ext. 105)
Debra is an ordained minister and with her husband Bob is the parent of three young adult men. She has served two other pastoral charges and as Executive Secretary of BC Conference. In May 2011 she will begin a one year term as elected President of BC Conference.
Debra enjoys preaching sermons which identify the connections between ancient faith questions and current cultural dilemmas. She often leads workshops on the practice of leadership.
In off times Debra enjoys reading British and Swedish murder mysteries, walking her dog through the North Shore trails and watching her sons play rugby.
Lori Megley-Best, Minister of Christian Education and Lay Leadership Development
Phone: (604)266-5377 (ext. 104)
Lori has been a United Church lay minister since 1994. She has a B.Ed., an M.A. in pastoral counseling, is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and is currently working on her Master of Divinity.
Lori is a life partner, a mother of four sons and enjoys walking with friends at the beach. She loves getting to know people of all age groups, believing that God has a unique intention for each one of us to help make the world a better place. When we listen to the Spirit within, we find out what that is.
Brian Thorpe, Minister of Adult Education and Community Life
Phone: (604)266-5377 (ext.101)
Brian is a recently retired minister who has worked in congregations, educational institutions and administrative offices in Saskatchewan, New York, Quebec and British Columbia. Prior to coming to Ryerson five years ago he worked for the General Council of the United Church as Executive Secretary for the British Columbia Conference and Senior Advisor on issues related to the legacy of residential schools.
Brian is a story teller who has a passion for re-imagining biblical narrative in a contemporary context. He has a particular interest in cross cultural dialogue, church history and adult education.
Bryn Nixon
Phone (604)266-5377 (ext )
Bryn Nixon has been the Director of Music since 1989 and facilitates a wide and varied music program for the congregation of Ryerson United Church including directing the Chancel Choir, leading the Ryerson Band and composing and arranging music for the liturgical year. Bryn received his early musical training as a boy chorister at All Saints Anglican Church and studied voice, piano and organ with Donald Hadfield who was the organist and choirmaster at All Saints for over 3 decades. Bryn continued his musical training at the University of Manitoba and then moved to Vancouver to study with the renowned organist, conductor, and broadcaster Patrick Wedd. As a concert organist Bryn has performed across Canada and has recorded with trumpeter Christopher Robertson, Elektra Women’s Choir, The Vancouver Chamber Choir, The Vancouver Cantata Singers and numerous CBC broadcasts. In 2009 his Christmas composition “Veni Christe” was published by Cypress Publishing.
Phil Stephen, Youth Ministry Worker
Jean Roan, Office Administrator
Phone: (604)266-5377 (ext 102)
Ryerson United Church Council
Our Council provides leadership for the church. Members are elected by the congregation at our Annual General Meeting.
In addition to the Church Council, the following Working Units attend to different aspects of church life: Worship, Outreach, Congregational Life and Growth, Administration and Property, Christian Education, Communications and Stewardship. Working Unit Chairs are also members of Council. These groups are open to anyone who wishes to help.
The Ministry and Personnel Committee is elected by the Congregation and supports the paid ministry staff. The Trustees offer oversight of the congregation’s resources of property and endowments.
Officers |
|
| Chair | Jackie Kelly |
| Vice Chair | |
| Secretary | Gwyneth Westwick |
| Treasurer | Doug Smart |
Working Unit Chairs |
|
| Administration and Property | Janis Esau/Bill McCutcheon |
| Christian Education | Paul Best |
| Communications | Stacey Kaser |
| Congregational Life and Growth | Shirley Hammond |
| Outreach | Lori/Rich Keenan |
| Stewardship | John Gunn |
| Worship | Catherine Evans/Catherine Ross |
Subcommittee Chairs |
|
| Ministry and Personnel | Dorothy Hamilton |
| Trustees | John Maclachlan |
Members at Large |
|
| Gordon Esau | |
| Donna-Lee Graham | |
| Paul Westwick | |
Presbytery Representative |
Jean McCutcheon |