annual
general
meeting
ABOUT
THE FIRS COUNCIL
The Council of The Firs is composed of individuals who are actively committed to the organization’s mission and deeply engaged in supporting its fulfillment. Additionally, the Council holds the responsibility of voting on new board members and approving governance changes that impact the organization’s bylaws.
THE FIRS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Annual General Meeting, historically reserved for council members, is now open to anyone invested in and devoted to the future of The Firs. We believe that by inviting all who care about The Firs to join the conversation, we are welcoming more of God's people to the table. While the council retains specific responsibilities, such as voting on board leadership and governance, many others in our community share a deep commitment to the growth and success of our organization. We want to encourage this involvement and ensure that every voice supporting The Firs feels valued and heard.
Thank YOU
Thank you to everyone who attended our March 29, 2025 Annual General Meeting.
We know this meeting was pivotal for the mission of The Firs. Please check back for responses to the questions that were collected during the meeting as well as updates to our proposed asset relocation plan.
If you have additional questions, please contact our Executive Director, Kelly Ellis at kelly@thefirs.org.
WELCOME TO OUR NEWLY ELECTED
BOARD MEMBERS
NORM FUNK
Norm Funk was a camper at Firwood and served on the Firwood staff under the camp name Dimples for 8 summers in a variety of positions. For the past 31 years he has pastored in Vancouver, BC, and currently is the Lead Pastor at Midtown Church, a church he helped plant back in 2020. Norm has been married to Nicole - aka Bunji - for 30 years and they met when they served at Firwood together in 1991. They have two sons, Matthew, 23, and Micah, 21.
SUSAN NEELLEY
Susan Neelley (Relevé) became a Christian at Firwood as a camper in 1985, then worked on staff at Firwood in the 1980s and 1990s. Susan received her bachelor's degree from Seattle Pacific University and her master's from The Seattle School of Psychology and Theology and also studied at L’bri Fellowship in Switzerland. She works as a psychotherapist in Bellingham. Susan and her husband, Mike, are active at Spring Church in Bellingham.
LORI BRYERTON
Lori Bryerton, also known as “Rambo” (Firwood CIT in ’89 and Camp Nurse in ’94 and ‘95), is 52 years old and lives in White Rock, BC, with her husband of 28 years, Travis (“Snapple”). The two met at Firwood and have two young adult children, Noah (23) and Ella (21). Lori works part-time on the pediatric medical unit at BC Children’s Hospital and enjoys cooking and baking, paddleboarding, beach walks, and coffee with friends in her spare time. She met Jesus at 13, and her experiences at Firwood—both as a camper and staff member—played a significant role in deepening her faith. Understanding the impact of The Firs ministries, she is honored to be considered for the Board and excited to see what God has planned for the future.
ALYSA PATCHING
Alysa (Plunjur) Patching has been a long time friend of the Firs. She was a camper in the early 90's and started her staff journey as a CIT in the summer of '95. Alysa has since served on summer staff as a wrangler, Fir Creek Counsellor, Fir Creek Program Director, Firwood Program Director, and Fir Creek Assistant Director. When the Firs opened ASA, Alysa joined the year round staff at the Firs as the ASA program coordinator. Alysa formed deep lasting friendships and community through her time on staff and has a heart to connect and reconnect Alumni to support the thriving of the Firs in the upcoming years. Since working at the Firs Alysa has had a career in Education that has included teaching, administration, and work with Indigenous Communities through Canada's Calls to Action for Truth and Reconciliation. Alysa is mother to Tinley, a "full of life" 7 year old. Tinley is now starting her journey as a camper. Alysa is looking forward to what she can bring back to the table to serve the Lord at the Firs from her experience and knowledge as an Educator and Parent.