OUR PASTOR
TOM GREENTREE – LEAD PASTOR
I’m a farm kid, raised in northern Alberta. I was loved into the kingdom of God as a child, nurtured in an amazing family and church. My early years were a mix of long horseback rides and late-night revival meetings—hands in the dirt and hands in the air and all for the love of God. The God of creation and history, of soil and soul, was alive in our family and our community, vibrant and responsive to us as we sought to follow him. Tennille and I met in Bible school and married in 1996. I was already working my first ministry posting at the Grande Prairie Church of Christ. Tennille and I grew up together during those years, learning how to serve faithfully as a couple and, when Ethan and Micah came along, as a family. I am so thankful for this flourishing fellowship, particularly my former boss, mentor and friend, Alan Jones, for the ways they shaped me. In 2005, we joined Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship – in Calgary, where I directed staff and campus fellowships throughout Calgary and the surrounding area.
The Creston Valley became our new home in April 2011. We live on a small farm in Canyon, BC, raising chickens, cows, pigs and a lot of vegetables! We teach our kids at home, enjoying the beauty and abundance of this Valley with each new day. In August 2011, I became the pastor of the Erickson Covenant Church, and we have been so encouraged with the work that God is doing among our fellowship. God loves the Creston Valley, longing that each of us would know his unconditional love. My prayer for our church is that we, so deeply convinced of Jesus’ love for us, become a vibrant community of witnesses to the transforming love and power of Jesus.If you are new to the Valley, or just visiting friends during fruit season, be our guest during one of our gathering times. If you have questions about our church, or the Evangelical Covenant family, please feel free to drop us a line. If you are wondering about Jesus, God or anything else, I’d love to have coffee with you and hear your story. Whatever your story, you are welcome here.
Peace & Grace,
Tom
(Pssst… you can learn more about Tom and connect further by following his BLOG.)
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
PETER HAMBREY
Peter Hambrey – Peter and wife Cheryl recently settled in Wynndel. Born in England, Peter served, along with Cheryl, as a missionary in Pakistan and Kazakhstan. He brings a wealth of wisdom and experience to our community. Peter has been elected as the chair of the team.
KRISTEN MITCHELL
Kristen and her husband, Brendan, have three young children. Consequently, mothering and homeschooling keep her busy most of the time. Kristen also teaches cooking classes, writes an occasional article, and works on a small-scale farm at her home. She enjoys connecting with the community around her through conversation, food, and laughter. Kristen is both an avid traveller and a dedicated introvert who enjoys good books and grand adventures.
AMANDA TURPSTRA
Amanda, and husband Bryan, have been attending Erickson Covenant Church since 2012 and love being part of this faith community. Amanda serves as one of our worship team leaders and enjoys the opportunity to help the church worship God. She has a background in Christian education and is raising and educating their three young sons at home.
VALERIE COMER
Valerie is the youngest of five sisters born to a farming Shantyman missionary couple in Manitoba. She’s been married to Jim for almost 40 years, and they’ve been blessed with two children who’ve passed on the blessing with four adorable grandgirls. Over the years, she’s been active in the churches they’ve attended in a variety of capacities. In their spare time, they enjoy exploring the Kootenays in their truck and camping trailer, kayaking, hiking, and taking photos. Valerie is an award-winning author of over 30 Christian romance novels and actively mentors beginning writers.
LESLIE LEBLANC
Leslie was born in Vancouver to a large non-Christian family of 7 children. She married and had 2 boys then had a radical conversion to Christ at the age of 29. Once her boys were grown she served on mission trips to the Ukraine, and Egypt. She worked as a pre-school teacher at home and also abroad. As a widow, she married Mike LeBlanc in 2009. Together they went on 2 mission trips to China where their focus on ministry was to the Uyghurs, a Muslim group in the Xinjiang Province. Leslie and Mike moved to Creston in 2018. She says, “God brought me here—for such a time as this.” Leslie stays busy keeping up with her and Mike’s 4 children and 7 grandchildren. She loves to pray and hear God’s heart during quiet times. She finds joy in studying and teaching the Bible and has a sincere heart for the lost. Leslie loves to walk and talk with friends in this beautiful valley and teaches and attends exercise classes to stay fit. She enjoys singing with the Blossom Valley Singers, and of course, nothing is more special than spending time with her family in Creston.
KEN WIENS
I have lived in Creston since 2014 and have attended ECC since moving here. I have a wonderful wife Dayle, 4 children and 1 grandchild.