Hi! I’m Rev. Lydia Ruenzel, the minister of Ladner United Church. I grew-up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the Congregational Church and moved to Vancouver in 2009 to attend the University of British Columbia. I now live in Port Moody with my partner, Derek. I love to read, watch Packers games, listen to the Oldies, and spend time with friends and family. One of my favourite things to do is to grab a fresh-baked pastry, a hot (or in the summer iced) latte, and head to the trails for a walk.

Being called, whether it is to ministry or another vocation, is a unique experience of trusting in the Holy. For myself, my journey towards ministry began in 2008 when I participated in the Youth Theological Initiative at Emory University, studying theology, faith, and social justice for three-weeks while living in community. Ever since, I began feeling a call towards ministry and finally made the decision to attend the Vancouver School of Theology in 2016.

My passion is fostering and being a part of life-giving connections whether that’s in worship, small groups like book studies, or in one-on-one conversations. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus says, “Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I am there.” Amen! It’s our connections with others that sustain us and our connection with the Holy that ground us no matter what we’re going through in life.

I’m very thankful that God led me to Ladner United Church in 2019, to minister alongside such a beautiful community of deeply faithful and deeply loving people. Ladner United Church is a community dedicated to listening to the voice of God in the world and how to respond to that call in life-giving ways that benefit the whole of the community. As a congregation, we “connect, deepen, and engage,” with God, ourselves, our neighbor, and one another – aware that God’s presence is sometimes where we least expect it.

If you ever have any questions for me or want to chat, my door is always open! Please come, say hi, and have a cup of tea or coffee with me!