Rev. Prema Samuel
Pastor
Born in India to two Lutheran Pastors, began my journey into God’s Word in action. Coming from a short line of evangelists, catechists and new converts, my parents, Rev. Dr. Prasanna Kumari Samuel and Rev. Dr. Samuel Wilson Meshack lived a life of mission to the gospel in their teaching to the students or working and empowering the marginalized in the slums. As the children of two seminary professors, my sister, Priya and I lived and grew up in the Seminary Campus where they taught. But the walls of the campus certainly did not shelter us from the inequalities and injustices outside the walls, or often within the walls.
Having grown in the saturated life of church and worship, my sister I vowed to be anything but in the Holy business. I went onto completing my Bachelors of Commerce with the vision to become accomplish Masters of Business Administration. You could say that I have come along way with several events contributing to the change in my vocation. Let’s go for a long coffee or lunch for that conversation.
Little did I know that when I arrived in Canada, with the intent to complete seminary and return to serve in India, that I would meet the person I would spend the rest of my life with. Matt, my husband and I met, got married, had our first child and graduated before leaving seminary.
Since then I have been called to serve the loving people of Southagte Care Center with the Good Samaritan Society, Rosehaven Carte Center of the Bethany Group as their Chaplain. I then served the Synod of Alberta and the Territories as the Assistant to the Bishop for Congregational Life. And now am blessed to be appointed to serve the wonderful parish of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church where I continue to learn the wholesome meaning of “All means All” in our practice of inclusivity, including the challenging parts of welcoming ‘All’
Matt and I have five minions – 3 two legged (children) and 2 four legged (dogs) we love and cherish who keep us on our toes and perpetually growing.
God’s love surrounds and holds us. My hope is to be the vehicle which communicates that truth in word and action. As I experience God’s love, even through disagreements, I hope that God would guide and lead me to empower all my relatives (family in Christ) with that love and respect.
"Certainly the faithful love of the Lord hasn’t ended; certainly God’s compassion isn’t through! They are renewed every morning. Great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23
Lori Zeiner
Administrator
Lori works in the office Monday through Friday and supports the busy day-to-day operations of the church.
She is usually the person you'll speak with if you call the office or will greet you with a smile at the door.
Want to know what's happening at Holy Spirit or how to get involved? Just ask Lori, if she doesn't know, she will put you in touch with the right person.
She has been a part of the Holy Spirit family for 25+ years and a part of the staff team since 2015.
She enjoys reading, walking in nature, and spending time with family and friends.
