Riverbend United Church
… now my boat’s left on the shore-line behind me: by your side I will seek other seas. - Voices United, #563

       
Staff Directory

Picture Name Description Email
Donald E Koots
Congregatioinal Minister
Faith is about developing a vital relationship with the Divine. As Christians that vital relationship is initiated by the One we know as Jesus Christ. Jesus calls us into a relationship with God, but also into relationship with other disciples. My role specifically is to deepen and broaden such relationships through my calling as a minister of Word, Sacrament, and Pastoral Care. Central to this is preaching and proclaiming Good News, celebrating life in its ordinary and extraordinary incarnations, and graciously caring for those within and beyond Riverbend United Church. In this first year of my ministry here I hope to listen and hear, inspire and challenge as we move into the future God is calling us as individuals and as a congregation. E-mail me
Pat MacDonald
Office Administrator
Pat comes to us from another church were she was the administrative assistant for the Pastor of Missions, Prayers and First Touch (volunteers). Add to this over twenty plus years in administration demonstrates her fondness in working as an office administrator. Born and raised in Edmonton, she has two grown daughters and a house which is run by their cats and dogs. She spends her free time doing numerous crafts that interest her. Her latest ...wire crocheted jewellery. E-mail me
David S. Smith
Music Director
As conductor of his Grade One Rhythm Band, our exuberant and charismatic choir director began his career in music at an early age! For David, music was a multi-faceted vocation. He played with the ESO, Tommy Bank’s Band and the Edmonton Opera, as well as touring with both the Royal Winnipeg and the National Ballet before becoming involved with musical education in the Public School system. Before his retirement in 1999, David led the development of the music program at Victoria School of Performing and Visual Arts. We are fortunate indeed to have a musician of David’s caliber! E-mail me
Mitchell Cox
Accompanist
Mitchell holds an ARCT in Piano Performance from The Royal Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Regina. He has studied with well-known teachers including Maude McGuire, in Moose Jaw, William Moore, at the University of Regina and Roger Vignoles, in London, England. Mitch has accompanied many vocal and instrumental soloists in concert, and has been musical director and “pit” musician for many musicals. He has also adjudicated for several festivals throughout Saskatchewan and Alberta. He was also a lecturer at the University of Heartfordshire, England until 1998 and currently runs a busy private music studio. ‘Mitch’ is a member of the Alberta Registered Music Teachers’ Association, the Edmonton Musicians’ Association, and has been a member of the Royal Conservatory of Music College of Examiners since 2004. E-mail me
Joanne Olson
Parish Nurse
Joanne joined RUC in 1991 when she, her husband David, and daughters Erica and Kristen moved here from London, Ontario. She is a Professor and Associate Dean in the Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta.

Joanne is passionate about the relationship between faith and health. This interest has stimulated her involvement in the development of parish nursing ministry locally, nationally, and internationally. In 2000, she and a colleague co-authored a book about parish nursing.

At RUC, she is a past chair of the Health and Wellness Committee and teaches confirmation classes. Other community activities include connection with St. Stephen’s College: past membership on the Academic Senate and teaching courses that connect faith and health. For relaxation, she enjoys singing, playing the piano, hiking, skiing, and traveling with family and friends.

E-mail me
Bruce Kemp
Custodian
In 2003, Bruce and his wife Diana began attending Riverbend United Church. In 2004 he joined the choir. In addition to being the church custodian, Bruce also runs his own small business. In his free time, he enjoys training for and running in marathons E-mail me
Lois Samis Lund
Handbell Director
Effective August, 2007 E-mail me
       




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