Welcome to Synod Council

Rev. Ed Chell and Rev. Barbara Groote are the Synod Council Communications Team. Our goal is to raise the profile of the council in the synod by communicating highlights from our meetings, other information on the things we are working on, fun bits about ourselves, etc. And occasionally, we might ask you a question, too.

But for now, let’s introduce ourselves. Each Council member was asked to provide a picture of themselves, state their portfolio on the council, and answer the following question:

Describe your favorite scene in the place you live.

Bishop Kathy Martin

"One of my favourite scenes is watching the sun go down at the beach with the islands in the background and the eagles calling to each other in the trees."

Rev. Eric Krushel
Good Shepherd Lutheran; Coquitlam - Chair of the BC Synod Council

"My favourite scene is driving down the twists and turns of Gatensbury Street in Coquitlam until it opens up on the amazing vista of the Coast Mountains rising over Port Moody."

Deacon Denise Pawliuk
Hills of Peace; Kamloops - BC Synod Council Governance Team

"I am someone who sees the magnificent view of Mount Paul and Mount Peter on the traditional lands of the T’kemlúps te Secwépemc people."

Rev. Dorothy Chu
King of Life; Coquitlam - BC Synod Convention Planning Team

"My favorite scene is at DeBoville Slough Trail which I enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the day or for walking, birding and biking." 

Rev. Ed Chell
Luther Court; Victoria - BC Synod Council Communications Team

"I enjoy the 360 view of the bays and mountains from places like PKOLS near Victoria."

Jerry Nieman
Good Shepherd Lutheran; Coquitlam - BC Synod Treasurer

"My favourite scene: looking out my front room window when there’s new snow on the trees."

Jessica Pommer
Christ Ev. Lutheran; Kelowna - Constitution Committee Liaison

"My favourite scene is standing on any of the beaches along Okanagan Lake and facing the William Bennett bridge and seeing all the traffic crossing the lake."

Karen Lee
Peace Lutheran; Vernon - BC Synod Secretary

"It is all so beautiful - the skies, the lakes, rushing streams, the lush green growth in Spring, and the resilient semi-desert hills in the heat of summer." 

Ryan Smart
Redeemer Lutheran; Vancouver - BC Synod Convention Planning Team

"My favourite scene in Vancouver is the North Shore mountains; they are amazing from the beaches, seemingly rising up out of the water, but they also surprise me by peeking through trees or buildings when I don't expect them."

Robin Dielissen
Our Saviour’s Lutheran; Prince George - BC Synod Council Governance Team
Stephanie Oldford
Mount Olive; Surrey - BC Synod Council Governance Team

"I live at the foot of Black Mountain in Kelowna and like to run on the trails up on the mountain; my favourite view is when I get to the top and can see the wind sweeping the grasslands, the sun drenched orchards, and the whole valley and lake (and usually a raptor on the hunt as well)." 

Rev. Barbara Groote and Church Dog Terra
Christ Ev. Lutheran; Kelowna - BC Synod Council Communications Team

"I never get tired of the everchanging view of the "mountain" range across the Okanagan Lake on my walks with Terra."