PARISH COUNCIL

Earl-Mansfield-scaled

Earl Mansfield

Rector's Warden

Earl Mansfield was born in Vancouver, BC to Christian parents. He accepted our Lord as his Saviour at age 14 at an evangelical church in Nanaimo. A year later he met his future wife Christine at the Cowichan  River Bible Camp. Dr. Mansfield's educational  background is in the field of education, with a bachelor's degree from UVic, an MA from UBC, an MED from U of Oregon and a Ph.D from UBC. He was a secondary school teacher for many years and worked on various Ministry of Education curriculum and assessment committees. Dr. Mansfield has previous Church council experience and as assisted in formulating church constitutions. Earl and Christine have lived in Metchosin for more than 20 years and have 4 children and 8 grandchildren, and are God-parents and God-grandparents to numerous others. Earl is committed to serving our Lord, The Open Gate Church, and especially loves encouraging the youngest and the oldest members of our wonderful church family. 

Joy-Gillett-for-parish-Council-e1616179014456

Joy Gillett

Secretary

Joy was born into a Christian family and grew up in Victoria. After graduating from UBC, her first job was Medical Technologist at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. Joy spent a year studying Theology at Regent College and then went on to study Public Health at UCLA in California. Her favourite job has been health educator for First Nation communities in the northern half of BC.

After retiring from the federal public service (last based in Ottawa), Joy moved home to Victoria. She really enjoys her retirement (pardon the pun). She continues to work very part time as a Registered Clinical Counsellor with South Island Centre for Counselling & Training in Victoria.

Joy’s thankful to contribute to OGC having been on a previous Parish Council at an ANiC church in Ottawa. She’s had various roles in different churches while working in five BC cities, our nation’s capital, Los Angeles (while studying at UCLA), and a couple of places overseas.

from-phone-070-scaled

Lin Bremner

People's Warden

Lin was born in Plymouth, England where she grew up and met her husband, Ivor, a fellow Plymouthian. Lin is a retired Radiation Therapist. After taking her medical training she worked in Plymouth for a couple of years then landed a job in Thunder Bay; so at age 22 she and Ivor started their adventure to Canada. Another job offer moved them next to Calgary but, missing the ocean so much, the next move was to Vancouver Island. Lin has three sons and a beautiful granddaughter, Ivy, who sometimes accompanies her to church. Lin joined our congregation at St. Mary the Virgin in the mid 80's and has benefited greatly from their love, support and excellent witness. This is her second term on parish council and she is looking forward to participating in our Lords work here in the Westshore.

Sherri-P-e1538108250326

Sherri Pankiewich

Treasurer

Sherri has been with Open Gate Church since its inception in 2008 and has been Treasurer for most of the last 8 years. She retired in 2003 after 30 years in accounting and moved to the Victoria area with husband Bill (retired from the airline industry) from North Vancouver to be closer to 2 of their 5 grandchildren. The main thing that attracted them to this church was the welcoming, caring congregation & clergy and the church's strong commitment to community. They have come to love Island living and enjoy having the Galloping Goose Trail so close to home for their daily exercise routine.

Nic-Thorne

Nic Thorne

Parish Council Member

Nic has been with the Open Gate Church since 2006, where he has served as a Youth Leader, and is a member of the Worship Team. Nic was born in Victoria in a non-Christian home but was led to God by wife Echo in High School. Nic and Echo have two amazing daughters in Aurora and Briar, and works as a Carpenter. Nic joined the Parish council in 2020 and looks forward to seeing what God has planned for the Open Gate Church.

Philippians 4:13  "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

Ken-F

Ken Fiege

Parish Council Member

Ken is new to Parish Council, having been a member of the music team here at The Open Gate Church for many years.  He was born and raised here on Vancouver Island. 

 
 
BrianDunn-SQ528

Brian Dunn

Parish Council Member

Brian retired from an IT Manager position in 2021. Brian and his wife Jenn and kids Jessica & Owen have been attending the Open Gate church since 2007. Brian became a Christian later in life at the age of 40 following an Alpha course, and was later confirmed.  Brian has a passion for expanding his biblical knowledge and has been involved with many bible studies and Alpha courses. Brian is currently one of the leaders in a bible study program and has served on parish council many times. Brian’s other passion is the great outdoors and exploring God’s creation.  He plans on exploring these passions further now that he is retired.

John 1:12  “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

biophoto-Vicky-Lee (1)

Victoria Lee

Parish Council Member

Victoria was born in Victoria, BC and has attended The Open Gate Church since birth. Growing up in our community, which now feels much more like family, she hopes to represent the younger members of our church on council. From the helping out with the kiddos in KidZone, to seeing what a moral boost the church gatherings had for granddad, she is excited for what more is to come for The Open Gate Church. Victoria has a passion for mental health advocacy and hopes to attain a BS in Nursing in the near future.

Beach-photo-2

Margaret Mercer

Synod Delegate

Margaret is a retired banker and former Bed and Breakfast operator. She has been a member of The Open Gate Church for 17 years.

Scroll to Top