Volunteer Spotlight

During the Year of Stewardship at Immanuel, we are spotlighting some of the many individuals who freely offer their time and talents to support the mission of the church. These people have not asked for recognition, but we believe it’s important to recognize and thank them for their many contributions. At first, you may not think of mowing lawns or serving coffee as acts of ministry, but all of the work – visible and behind the scenes – done by our parish members is a form of ministry because it contributes to the work of our parish and the wider church. Each month we will ‘spotlight’ people and show how what they do for the church makes it possible for the church to fulfill its mission.

November Spotlight - Anita Laryea

Our spotlight this month is shining on Anita Laryea 

Another of our parishioners who helps out in so many ways at Immanuel, sharing her time and talents.  She is a member of Immanuel’s Welcoming Committee. This group takes pleasure in welcoming visitors to Immanuel, inviting them to fellowship after the service, and following up with them if they wish to find out more information about the parish. Click Here to read more about Anita.

October Spotlight - Diane Gingras

This month we are pleased to be featuring a person who is probably familiar to most of you Diane Gingras. She has served on several committees at Immanuel – “as long as they were not involved with finance or technology,” she says!  She has also served on vestry and was one of the wardens in 2022-23. Diane worked in human resources and project management roles at the Ministry of Education, retiring in 2019.  The timing of her retirement worked well for her, as that was when the five churches were undergoing the process of amalgamating into one.  She was able to devote her time into this project and ease into retirement. Click Here to read more about Diane

September Spotlight - Andrew MacPhail

Our August Spotlight is shining on Andrew MacPhail

Andrew is quite heavily involved behind the scenes at Immanuel.  He is a member of Vestry, he sits on the Technology Committee, is a teacher in our Sunday School and helps out on Vacation Bible School Days when elementary schools are closed. Click Here to read more about Andrew.

August Spotlight - Jackie Sutyla

This month we are shining our spotlight on Jackie Sutyla – a parishioner who was very active in her former church of All Saints, and is still involved but to a lesser extent now at Immanuel. She serves at Immanuel on the Altar Guild and is always ready to help with coffee when needed.  At All Saints, she was a member of the Altar Guild for over 30 years, and was active on the Catering Committee, the Peace and Justice Committee, as well as the Social Committee (organized by John and Lynda Bowman).  This committee was responsible for organizing many events like St. Patrick’s Day dinners and many social gatherings, as well as preparing coffee for funerals. Click Here to read more about Jackie.

July Spotlight - Gwen Rupchan

Our July Spotlight features Gwen Rupchan. Gwen can be seen almost every Sunday helping to organize the children as they come to the front of the church at the beginning of our worship services. Gwen is the coordinator for the Sunday School for children from age 3 to 12. She arranges the schedule for the teachers, provides the curriculum and oversees the program. She also plans the children’s involvement in special events like the Christmas Pageant, Valentine’s Day and so on. While the Sunday School fills much of her time, Gwen also helps out with the Peach sale and often bakes when needed for events. Click Here to read more about Gwen.

June Spotlight - Nigel Salway

This month we shine our spotlight on Nigel Salway – another of our parishioners who devotes so much of his time and skill to keep the church running smoothly.  Nigel’s wife, Judy, also devotes much of her time, helping out with many things:  she is part of two phoning trees which keep in touch with parishioners, helps serve coffee for fellowship after church, helps with garage sales, teas and other special events.  Judy was also part of the committee that helped Immanuel transition from five parishes to one under the leadership of Rev. Diane Guilford.

Nigel is a sub-Deacon which means he assists with communion, can lead services of Morning Prayer and is a reader.  He is also part of the group that helps with maintenance around the church: mowing lawns, tending vegetable beds, watering etc.  He was instrumental in getting the tech deck and sound booth up and running, and spends several hours there each week troubleshooting when needed and preparing the slides for the screen for worship.  He also provides tech support at the Synod office, and sometimes works the sound for services at Immanuel.  Click Here to read more about Nigel.

May Spotlight - Terry and Dawn Gates

The thing that makes Immanuel such a welcoming place to worship is in large part due to the wonderful people who make up our congregation.  We are delighted this month to feature two more people who help quietly in the background to keep everything running smoothly and safely for us all.

Dawn and Terry Gates were parishioners at St. Lukes before it joined the 4 other churches to become Immanuel.  Terry sat on the facilities committee in helping that transition take place.  He grew up in Milden, Sk. They farmed in Nipawin, where they also owned a farm supply business.  While in Nipawin, Dawn taught part time at the Community College, occasionally at the high school and frequently at the kitchen table as a math tutor. There were a few piano students as well.  She also helped with bookkeeping at their business and later took on the role of “farmwife”.  Dawn and Terry moved to Regina eight years ago.  They have 3 children, 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Dawn’s involvement in church activities among other things involves organizing and helping out in the kitchen for events.  As well, she occasionally plays the organ for worship and is part of the Worship Committee.  Dawn also helps out with the children’s garden and often bakes for the VBS School Days Off program. Click Here to read more about Terry and Dawn.

April Spotlight - MacKenzie Farrer

MacKenzie Farrer does his work for Immanuel Church quietly in the background, to ensure that the rest of us can hear the services properly. MacKenzie volunteers in the Sound Booth, where he monitors and regulates the audio to make sure everything that should be heard, is audible.  This includes the sound from microphones for the clergy and readers; and the sound from the computer which goes to the livestream of the service, so people watching in their homes can hear clearly. When asked how he became involved with the team in the Sound Booth, MacKenzie said, “I just asked if I could help.”  This was about two years ago and he’s been active ever since. To read more about MacKenzie click HERE.

March Spotlight - Pat Schellhorn

Are you planning to attend the Pancake Supper on March 4th (5 pm)?  You might be interested to know that our Spotlight parishioner for March is Pat Schellhorn - and it is thanks in part to Pat, a member of the planning group, that Immanuel can put on events like this!  Pat tells us that there is a Kitchen Committee at Immanuel which came together with a rep from each of the previous parishes, to help more people to become familiar with the kitchen and its operation.  As a member of the Fellowship and Special Events Committee, Pat plays a major role in working with this committee, helping to organize events like this Pancake Supper, the Turkey/Roast Beef supper, Christmas Market, Snowflake Tea and many other social events. Click HERE to read more about Pat Schellhorn. 

February Spotlight - Linda and Brent Gordon

Our February Spotlight is shining on Lynda and Brent Gordon – two active helpers at Immanuel.
One of the big jobs they undertake is setting up tables and chairs whenever they are needed for functions in the hall, and ensuring that they are taken down and put away carefully after the event. This is a frequent need at the church and these two are always ready to help when called on. Click HERE to read more about Lynda and Brent Gordon.

January Spotlight - Terry Page

This month, we have chosen to feature TERRY PAGE. Terry’s contribution takes place quietly in the background so most people are not even aware of what he does. Thanks to him lawns get mowed, snow gets cleared, lightbulbs are changed, the roof got repaired, trees are trimmed, windows are replaced… the list goes on and on. Our building is tended with loving care thanks to Terry and his team of helpers from the congregation. Click HERE to read more about Terry Page