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Donald E. Koots
Congregatioinal Minister
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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.
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Chris Giffen
Congregational Minister
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Chris Giffen has been a fixture in the United Church for many years. He is a member of the band rEvolve which played at Riverbend in March 2010. Chris has been an integral part of the children, youth and music programs at the Naramata Centre for countless summers. He served with Sunnybrook United Church in Red Deer and Red Deer Presbytery as both a Youth Minister and a Regional Youth Coordinator for four years.
Chris has specific training in Youth Ministry through the Certificate program at Naramata
and has recently completed his
BA at the University of Alberta.
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David S. Smith
Music Director
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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 Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Tommy Bank’s Band and the Edmonton Opera. He also toured 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!
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Lois Samis Lund
Handbell Director
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Lois, joined the staff in August 2007. Over the past three decades, Lois has worked with bell choirs at all levels and with all ages; especially notable is her long association with the Chancel Ringers at Knox-Metropolitan United Church. She is sought-after as a choral, recorder and bell workshop clinician, adjudicator and music arranger. Lois currently works at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital as Musician-in-Residence, and is a free-lance Celtic harpist. In her spare time she reads, gardens, and hikes and canoes with her husband, Mark.
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Joanne Olson
Parish Nurse
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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.
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Jacqueline Hunt
Office Manager
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Jacqueline and her husband Terry and family moved to the Riverbend area and joined Riverbend United Church in 2004. After 33 years of service with the Government of Canada, Jacqueline retired and took on the role of Office Manager at Riverbend United. In her spare time, Jacqueline is busy with building her business and spending time with her family and new puppy.
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