Some of My Favorites
Cole has been my church home for most of my adult life, and it has been the home to many people that have mentored me as I’ve grown in my walk with Christ. When I think of our mission to “equip the disciples,” I think of how they invested in me and shared Jesus. They are some of my favorite people.
While this season of change has been a difficult one, I see God working here. We’ve all felt the loss of “favorite people” at Cole Community Church, but there are still some really wonderful people here as well—including the 8 other individuals that stepped onto the Leadership Transition Team with me this summer.
We have had great conversations. Difficult conversations. Respectful conversations. Honest conversations. I’ve been so encouraged that we have cared for the congregation, the elders, the staff and each other while taking into account all of the considerations, and of course, the people involved with any potential recommendations we offer.
Can I tell you a bit more about each one of these friends? Here are some of their spiritual giftings and professional skills that I see in action:
Jim is a servant leader and likes to jump in where God leads him. He loves meeting new people (so you may have seen him at the entryway as a greeter) and hearing about their lives. Now retired, he spent the majority of his career in management at Hewlett Packard.
Nicholas has been genuinely loved by the church that meets at 8775 Ustick Road since 1975 when he came to Christ (Romans 12:9). By the grace and faith God has assigned, he soberly hopes that his gifts of exhortation and helps will be of use as he serves on the LTT (Romans 12: 3-9). He and Denele have been field staff since 1987, and he keeps the heartbeat of the congregation.
Kellie has an extensive background in marketing strategy and communications as well as change management. Working in partnership with the Elders and the LTT, she is helping to develop and convey the vision and priorities for the future of Cole Community Church.
Brian serves Young Life Former Soviet Union (FSU) as the International Division Operations Director. His areas of expertise range from nonprofit management and ministry opportunities to navigating legal issues and finances. Also, did you know he is an amazing photographer?
Laura is gifted in Information Technology management and brings more than 28 years of experience to the healthcare IT industry. Her leadership and HR expertise are incredibly insightful and she speaks with heart.
David is a senior product manager at a local tech startup with a background in both engineering and business. He is dedicated to promoting STEM education and frequently breaks world records to inspire us all.
Donna has the gift of administration that has shown itself over and over in her service to ministry teams as well as in the workplace. She’s worked in the civil engineering world for more than twenty years honing her skills in financial reporting and ensuring products meet internal business requirements.
Steven works as a systems integrator, programming automation systems for industrial, agriculture, and other industries. In church he loves serving on the Global Outreach team and worship team playing guitar.
(Excuse me as I talk about myself in third person for a moment). Ashlee consults in the marketing and communications world and brings 15 years of industry experience. She loves to improve communication and to find the right way to connect messages with audiences.
It’s clear that God has knit us together, and we are united in our purpose of helping our Elders to find a brighter 2022. Truly, God has given me a new group of “favorite people” at Cole.
Thank you for your support and prayers!
Blessings,
Ashlee