Staff Blessing Fund

by Del Penner on April 09, 2025

Dear Jericho Ridge Family,

On behalf of the Elders Board, I am pleased to announce an opportunity to bless our staff as each member of our staff team will be finishing their ministry here at Jericho Ridge Community Church.

We have been led through a season of transition as a church and we are now becoming a new church campus of North Langley Community Church, believing that together we can best accomplish what God is calling his church to in this Willowbrook neighborhood. With this change (with a new campus pastor and leadership team) our Jericho Ridge staff will be finishing ministry at the end of June (or when called to another ministry or employment).

Have you been encouraged by the ministry of our staff? Throughout the years of their service, they have shepherded, comforted, and cared for the people of Jericho Ridge. They have led people in our community to the gospel of Christ Jesus. And in the last transitional season, provided hope in a time of significant change.

One of the values of our Jericho Ridge church family is that in times of change, we have always been able to help people finish well. To this end, we want to especially care for and bless our staff team.

What the “Staff Blessing” fund provides is the opportunity to offer our appreciation for years of faithful ministry to us as Jericho—to give a love gift to the pastors and staff God has gifted us with. Contributions can be given online or in-person at the Welcome Desk to the “Staff Blessing” fund. Donations will be received in April and May so that they can be given to JRCC staff by the end of June.

Paul’s encouragement to give generously could not be more fitting:

"You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. 'For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.'” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

If you have any questions about this elder-approved project, our elders would be happy to connect. You can reach us at .

Thank you for your expressions of love and care for our staff!

On Behalf of the Eldership team,

Del Penner

Moderator

About the Author

Del Penner

On a crisp November morning a couple years ago, Del and his wife Joyce walked from their home to Jericho Ridge. Welcomed by the masked congregation, they made it their church home, engaging in worship, teaching kids, and prayer ministry.

Del and Joyce, with their four children, served with AIM International in Kenya. Del engaged in evangelism and church leadership development; then in pastoral ministry in multi-cultural church community in Surrey.

In retirement, Del has enjoyed renovating their house, swimming, studying ASL for the deaf, leading an Alpha group, learning to play saxophone, and travelling to visit their kids’ families around the world.