pictured above: Estuary’s founding team (2022)
CO-PASTOR
Lee Kosa (he/him)
Lee grew up exploring the fields, woods, and streams of rural eastern Pennsylvania – the traditional land of the Lenape people. His love of drawing led him to the Rhode Island School of Design where he completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus on illustration and design. After working as a graphic designer for several years, Lee and his wife Sage moved to Vancouver, BC where Lee earned an MDiv from Regent College before going on to pastor in urban and suburban churches in Metro Vancouver. A Convinced Anabaptist, Lee is compelled to pursue peace with the people and other-than-human inhabitants of the Boundary Bay watershed. In addition to pastoring, Lee works as a spiritual director, celebrant, and gardener while also pursuing clinical psycho-spiritual education. When he’s not engaged in spiritual care, Lee enjoys living into the rhythms of life in Ladner with his wife and three children – Lucas, Jude, and Eden.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR
CO-PASTOR
Nadia VanderKuip (she/her)
Born in East Van, raised in Ladner, Nadia has a diverse lived experience that includes earning an M. Div from Carey Theological College, pastoral work, leading a global non profit and currently works as a non profit consultant. She has a passion for theology grounded in community, and a creative approach to ministry that finds God’s presence in everything from a shared meal to a hard question. She is a curious soul. She can often be found tending gardens of both the literal and figurative nature, procuring a cup of coffee, reading a book, talking hoops, pondering a sunset, and poking a hornets' nest. Nothing makes her enneagram 5 soul happier than meaningful conversation, learning something new or doing something creative. Nadia shares life with her husband Jeff and two young adult daughters, Kiara and Rori.
Jessica Breuls (she/her)
Jessica grew up in Ladner in what some would consider a zoo. She was constantly surrounded by fins, feathers and fur, cultivating a love for nature. In her teens she volunteered at summer camp developing a deep relationship with God and Children’s Ministries. She also has a passion for arts and loves depicting scenes in nature.
MUSIC DIRECTOR
Riley Merrell (he/him)
Although born in British Columbia, Riley carries fond memories of growing up in Summerside, Prince Edward Island before returning to his roots on the west coast in 2007. His journey through various expressions of church, both big and small, has shaped in him a deep appreciation for the ethos of Estuary. As an educator, Riley treasures the freedom to wonder, to ask thoughtful and necessary questions, and to listen well to ideas that challenge the status quo—making Estuary a natural home for living out these values.
Music has always held a special place in Riley’s life, and he feels privileged to share those gifts within this flourishing community of musicians and worship leaders—roles he believes belong to everyone. He approaches the discerning of music, both new and old, with joy and care, and is always glad to talk about worship theology (especially if the conversation also wanders into woodworking, single malt scotch, or adventure cycling).
Riley and his wife, Janna, are raising their two children, Forest and Pearl, in a home brimming with life and beautiful chaos, learning together the ways of peace, love, and adventure.