Rev. Jeremy Bellsmith
Rev. Jeremy Bellsmith
Rev. Jeremy Bellsmith
I started with St. Andrews in 2018 after serving congregations in Victoria and the Toronto area. I'm married to Crystal and love being dad to a daughter in university, and a teenage son. My preaching is practical and Bible based. I love good conversations, hiking, music and movies.
I've been in ministry for over 27 years, my ministry has been shaped by Ephesians 4:11-13
"So Christ himself gave...pastors and teachers to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fulness of Christ."
I know I'm doing my job, when I help others live out their role in what God is doing in the world.
I started with St. Andrews in 2018 after serving congregations in Victoria and the Toronto area. I'm married to Crystal and love being dad to a daughter in university, and a teenage son. My preaching is practical and Bible based. I love good conversations, hiking, music and movies.
I've been in ministry for over 27 years, my ministry has been shaped by Ephesians 4:11-13
"So Christ himself gave...pastors and teachers to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fulness of Christ."
I know I'm doing my job, when I help others live out their role in what God is doing in the world.
Melanie Halpin-Kuehnel
Melanie Halpin-Kuehnel
Melanie Halpin-Kuehnel
Children’s and Senior’s Pastoral Care and Outreach Coordinator
Melanie joined the team in the fall of 2023 with decades of volunteer experience with children’s ministries, 5 years at Crossroads Pregnancy Centre, as well as a great love of connecting with the community through mental health. She completed counselling and mental health support work programs at VIU.
She will continue to use Orange, a highly regarded Sunday school strategy for engaging kids with the bible through super fun activities and videos which invites parents into the learning.
Seniors, or those who find themselves housebound, are encouraged to reach out so that the Pastoral Care Team can walk with you through this season. We are able to offer practical, emotional and spiritual support to you and your loved ones. We can also provide referrals to valuable community support services.
Melanie has lived in Nanaimo for over 25 years and enjoys the beautiful outdoors with her husband, children and grandchildren and 2 dogs.
Children’s and Senior’s Pastoral Care and Outreach Coordinator
Melanie joined the team in the fall of 2023 with decades of volunteer experience with children’s ministries, 5 years at Crossroads Pregnancy Centre, as well as a great love of connecting with the community through mental health. She completed counselling and mental health support work programs at VIU.
She will continue to use Orange, a highly regarded Sunday school strategy for engaging kids with the bible through super fun activities and videos which invites parents into the learning.
Seniors, or those who find themselves housebound, are encouraged to reach out so that the Pastoral Care Team can walk with you through this season. We are able to offer practical, emotional and spiritual support to you and your loved ones. We can also provide referrals to valuable community support services.
Melanie has lived in Nanaimo for over 25 years and enjoys the beautiful outdoors with her husband, children and grandchildren and 2 dogs.
Kailen Olson
Kailen Olson
Kailen Olson
Community Chaplain
Having been born in Nanaimo/Snuneymuxw has made me appreciate and connect with the land we all dwell on.
Growing up locally in this area has truly helped me to care about the people of this diverse community.
As a husband of 21 years and a father of three, my greatest joy is knowing that my family is a part of a healthy spiritual community.
It gives my life a sense of true purpose helping other families and children find authentic belonging in Christ.
I have been on a relational journey with Jesus for the last 35 years, and have experienced unconditional love, acceptance, and grace from God.
Now as a community chaplain, I have the privilege of seeing that same grace extended on athletic fields, in highschools and on the streets of this community everyday.
Community Chaplain
Having been born in Nanaimo/Snuneymuxw has made me appreciate and connect with the land we all dwell on.
Growing up locally in this area has truly helped me to care about the people of this diverse community.
As a husband of 21 years and a father of three, my greatest joy is knowing that my family is a part of a healthy spiritual community.
It gives my life a sense of true purpose helping other families and children find authentic belonging in Christ.
I have been on a relational journey with Jesus for the last 35 years, and have experienced unconditional love, acceptance, and grace from God.
Now as a community chaplain, I have the privilege of seeing that same grace extended on athletic fields, in highschools and on the streets of this community everyday.
Austin Penner
Austin Penner
Austin Penner
UpperLVL Worship - Team Lead & Worship DJ
Having now lived in Nanaimo for more than a decade, I'm happy to call it home. It's awesome to live in such a beautiful part of Canada, and to be called into God's work of redemption in the world.
I'm grateful to call St. Andrew's Presbyterian my church home. Since I've come to faith in Jesus in late 2021, I've been welcomed into the fold here. It's incredible to be supported by the church in the call to pursue ministry, especially in the unique context of the nightclub and party scene in Nanaimo, and on the VIU campus.
As a DJ, drummer and music lover, it's so cool to submit these gifts back to God in a way that He can shape them for His purposes. I'm eager to lean into new ways of ministering to young people outside the walls of the church, like through our nightclub church-plant, "UpperLVL Worship".
In my spare time I'm often reading, studying theology, hanging out in nature or working with my hands!
UpperLVL Worship - Team Lead & Worship DJ
Having now lived in Nanaimo for more than a decade, I'm happy to call it home. It's awesome to live in such a beautiful part of Canada, and to be called into God's work of redemption in the world.
I'm grateful to call St. Andrew's Presbyterian my church home. Since I've come to faith in Jesus in late 2021, I've been welcomed into the fold here. It's incredible to be supported by the church in the call to pursue ministry, especially in the unique context of the nightclub and party scene in Nanaimo, and on the VIU campus.
As a DJ, drummer and music lover, it's so cool to submit these gifts back to God in a way that He can shape them for His purposes. I'm eager to lean into new ways of ministering to young people outside the walls of the church, like through our nightclub church-plant, "UpperLVL Worship".
In my spare time I'm often reading, studying theology, hanging out in nature or working with my hands!
Jan McIntyre
Jan McIntyre
Jan McIntyre
I have a long family connection with St. Andrew’s Nanaimo. When my husband, Kerry, retired from ministry in Duncan ten years ago, we were blessed to find our home in Ladysmith and chose to call St. Andrew’s our worshipping home. Kerry and I have had the pleasure of facilitating several Healing Care Courses and treasure being part of this deep community of small groups.
I have enjoyed a varied 45-year career in nursing and one of the gifts of my practice was the development of listening skills and empathy for others. When I retired, I felt a void but also a calling that God has something new for me to undertake. I am a lifelong learner and was led to study in the field of spiritual direction through Emmaus Formation Centre in Ontario, graduating from the three year program with my certification as a spiritual director.
Henri Nouwen describes spiritual direction in it’s profound and yet simple impact with individuals. “Spiritual direction is the process whereby one person offers a listening, prayerful presence to another while they journey together with God. The spiritual director is one who, most simply, walks alongside another person helping them listen to what God is saying in their lives and recognize God’s action.” (Henri Nouwen )
Shall we walk together in God’s presence and listen for his voice?
I have a long family connection with St. Andrew’s Nanaimo. When my husband, Kerry, retired from ministry in Duncan ten years ago, we were blessed to find our home in Ladysmith and chose to call St. Andrew’s our worshipping home. Kerry and I have had the pleasure of facilitating several Healing Care Courses and treasure being part of this deep community of small groups.
I have enjoyed a varied 45-year career in nursing and one of the gifts of my practice was the development of listening skills and empathy for others. When I retired, I felt a void but also a calling that God has something new for me to undertake. I am a lifelong learner and was led to study in the field of spiritual direction through Emmaus Formation Centre in Ontario, graduating from the three year program with my certification as a spiritual director.
Henri Nouwen describes spiritual direction in it’s profound and yet simple impact with individuals. “Spiritual direction is the process whereby one person offers a listening, prayerful presence to another while they journey together with God. The spiritual director is one who, most simply, walks alongside another person helping them listen to what God is saying in their lives and recognize God’s action.” (Henri Nouwen )
Shall we walk together in God’s presence and listen for his voice?
Michelle Mann
Michelle Mann
Michelle Mann
Office Communications
Office Communications - Bio coming soon.
Emily Dalla Rosa
Emily Dalla Rosa
Emily Dalla Rosa
Online Communications
Born and raised in Nanaimo, BC, I have been a part of the St. Andrews community since 2022, and in the summer of 2024 I had the privilege of joining the team as the Online Communications Coordinator. In this role, I strive to engage with both our local and online community, ensuring that the love and message of Christ reaches far and wide through our digital platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and our weekly FYI' newsletters!
Alongside my role at St. Andrews, I am a full-time student, balancing my studies with my passion for sharing Christ and inviting more people in Nanaimo to experience the welcoming and vibrant community at St. Andrews. I'm especially passionate about the young adults ministry and have been actively involved in the amazing Upper Level group, where I’ve seen firsthand how our church brings people closer to God in meaningful ways.
My mission is simple: to communicate the heart of St. Andrews and create opportunities for others to encounter Christ. Whether online or in person, I’m excited to continue connecting, growing, and serving alongside the incredible people of this church.
When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me with my nose in a textbook, using my camera, cooking, watching movies with my cat, or hitting the gym!
Online Communications
Born and raised in Nanaimo, BC, I have been a part of the St. Andrews community since 2022, and in the summer of 2024 I had the privilege of joining the team as the Online Communications Coordinator. In this role, I strive to engage with both our local and online community, ensuring that the love and message of Christ reaches far and wide through our digital platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and our weekly FYI' newsletters!
Alongside my role at St. Andrews, I am a full-time student, balancing my studies with my passion for sharing Christ and inviting more people in Nanaimo to experience the welcoming and vibrant community at St. Andrews. I'm especially passionate about the young adults ministry and have been actively involved in the amazing Upper Level group, where I’ve seen firsthand how our church brings people closer to God in meaningful ways.
My mission is simple: to communicate the heart of St. Andrews and create opportunities for others to encounter Christ. Whether online or in person, I’m excited to continue connecting, growing, and serving alongside the incredible people of this church.
When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me with my nose in a textbook, using my camera, cooking, watching movies with my cat, or hitting the gym!
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© 2025 St. Andrews Presbyterian Church - All Rights Reserved.
© 2025 St. Andrews Presbyterian Church
All Rights Reserved
© 2025 St. Andrews Presbyterian Church - All Rights Reserved.
