Joel has pastored Terrace CRC since 2003 with the loving support of his wife, Ella and three children. He enjoys engaging God’s world through skiing, boatbuilding, running, hockey and a variety of outdoor adventures.
Several experiences have been especially formative in Joel’s ministry, including the time he spent in Kabala, Sierra Leone training pastors and growing cross-cultural relationships through Resonate Global Mission. Closer to home, he enjoys fostering ecumenical partnerships with the Terrace Ministerial Association. He also has the honour of coaching and mentoring athletes at Centennial Christian School and the Northwest Volleyball Club. On a denominational level, Joel enjoys serving on the Faith Alive Board and the Continuing Education for Pastors Committee.
Joel loves God's Word and making word-pictures that connect people to our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. He is thankful for being planted in this community with so many passionate people who love God and long to see His kingdom come.
Sharon has lived in Terrace for 28 years, serving in various volunteer and leadership roles in our church and wider community. But she hasn’t always called these mountains home, her younger years were spent in the farmlands of southwestern Ontario. In addition to farming, Sharon’s family also owned a European import store, where she worked after school and in the summers. As a young adult, Sharon graduated from a two-year program, now called “Developmental Service Worker.” She moved out west in 1982 because of a certain someone…it turned out very well! Two years later, she married her husband Sid, in Smithers. Sid is the regional manager at Bandstra Transportation. Together they have 3 sons, 2 daughters-in-law and 3 grandchildren.
Several years ago, Sharon completed a three-year course called “Leadership Development Network.” Her passion as a leader is to see people living fully alive in who they are created to be. When Sharon was only seven years old, one of her brothers was born with Downs Syndrome. As he grew up, she watched him become a vibrant part of their family and the community. This experience impacted Sharon in a profound way and taught her that every single person is created for a purpose – everyone has unique gifts and abilities that are needed in their family and community.
Sharon enjoys reading, walking and talking with friends, running, and working out. She especially loves spending time with her husband and family …and facetiming with her grandchildren when she cannot be with them.
Emily grew up attending the Terrace CRC. She also lived in Prince George for a number of years while attending UNBC, completing her BSc in Wildlife and Fisheries. Emily spent years working as an ecological technician in communities across BC. Before returning to Terrace, Emily thrived as an Adult Life Skills Instructor, serving individuals with disabilities. Emily enjoys worshipping God while experiencing nature and marvelling at God’s Creation. She can be found watching meteor showers, rejoicing in bird migration patterns, identifying plants and sharing her joy for God’s Creation with those around her. Emily appreciates the close-knit congregation of the Terrace CRC and loves to praise God by participating in the worship service.