Elder Election at Grace

Elder Election at Grace

In March 2026, Grace’s Session invited members of the congregation to prayerfully discern and submit nominations for elders. Eleven nominations were received. Session then confirmed the eligibility and suitability of each nominee, as well as each person’s willingness to serve.

All nominees were invited into a time of discernment. Through that process, two nominees felt a strong sense of call to become elders of Grace Presbyterian Church.

At the Congregational Meeting on Sunday, June 7, 2026, members will receive ballots to vote for the elder nominees. Information about each nominee is provided below for your prayerful consideration.

A second question will also appear on the ballot, asking members of Grace to vote in favour of or against a subsequent term for the following Session elders who are currently serving:

Shirley Philps, Clerk of Session
Okwayi Obang

Please continue to pray for the elder nominees, for those willing to serve a subsequent term, and for the discernment of the members of Grace Presbyterian Church in advance of the meeting.

The congregation and Session of Grace would also like to thank Mark Durieux and Mary Jardine, whose terms on Session are coming to an end. Their insight, leadership, and faithfulness have been gifts to Session and to the congregation.

Elder Nominees

Ian R. Charter

Born to missionary parents, Ian grew up in an environment that motivated him to make a strong personal faith commitment to Christ and to His Church. He was baptized as a teenager.

Ian holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Calgary and a Master of Music degree from the University of Oregon. He retired in 2019 after many years as an Associate Professor of Music at Ambrose University in Calgary, where he taught music theory, composition, choral-vocal studies, and practical skills for church music ministry.

Since joining Grace Presbyterian Church, Ian has served as interim choral director and as bass section leader in the Grace Chancel Choir. He is passionate about the worship life of the Church.

Ian is married to Colleen, and they have two adult children.

Greg Retzer

Greg has been grateful to be part of the Grace community for the past 15 years, first as an adherent and then as a member. During that time, he has found meaningful ways to serve, grow in faith, and contribute to the life of the church.

Greg served on the Children’s Church School Committee for several years, supporting the spiritual development of Grace’s youngest members. He has also contributed to Christmas pageants over the years, helping bring the story of Christ’s birth to life for the congregation and families.

In addition, Greg served on the search committee for Grace’s lead minister, a role that gave him a deeper understanding of the church’s values, leadership needs, and long-term vision. More recently, he served on the committee that developed Grace’s current strategic plan, helping shape priorities that will guide the future of the church community.

Through these experiences, Greg has come to value thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and listening. He cares deeply about the strength of the church, the welcoming nature of the Grace community, and the ways the congregation supports one another in faith.

It would be a privilege for Greg to continue serving the church as an elder.