Gerry Derksen, pastor
“I’ve lived in lots of different places – Congo, Canada, Germany, USA, France, Belgium, Lithuania. These days my life is more settled, but my spiritual journeying hasn’t stopped. Just when I think I’m stuck, I discover that God’s Spirit is edging me on again. As a pastor, I want others to make that same discovery – even as we also discern where God is edging us as a church.
I’ve been on the pastoral team at River East for 10 years. During that time I’ve discovered that Monday morning curling helps to keep me going. In the summers, I’m learning to settle for golf. I miss the years when River East regularly fielded a softball team. I hope we can keep the May-June River East basketball nights alive – at least for a few more years.
This year Marg and I celebrated 30 years of marriage. I’m grateful to God for the encouragement and inspiration that Marg is for me. And I’m grateful for our 3 children who have enriched our lives so very much. I’m learning that grandchildren can do the same!"