GETTING TO KNOW OUR NEW 2020 OFFICERS - Third Church
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
GETTING TO KNOW OUR NEW 2020 OFFICERS Beginning in January 2019, the Nominating Committee encouraged congregational nominations for those who might serve in the offices of elder, deacon and trustee. The Committee met weekly for several months to consider the needs of Parish ministry for Shepherding Elders and Deacons, and for Governing Elder and Trustee. Throughout this process, the team sought the Lord’s leading through the gathered nominations to present the following nominees for church office for 2020 and beyond. Please prayerfully consider each candidate for each office and ask the Lord to complete his guidance for discerning those who would lead us at Third. The Nominating Committee: Heidi Little, Mary Damon and Ward Marstiller, elders, Richard Nance, Deacon, Blair Bigelow, Lauren DeLuca, Monica Murphy, Randy Tabb, and Rob Thompson
GOVERNING ELDERS
RON KLIPP Having heard that Third was a church with a heart for missions, I began
worshiping at Third when I first moved to Richmond in 1984. I’ve been on several of Third’s
international mission trips. Ann and I were married at Third and are members of the Gayton
Parish. Our children, now adults, were baptized and grew up at Third. I’ve served as a tutor for
the last several years and co-teach 4th Grade Sunday School, which I thoroughly enjoy. I also
currently serve on the Mission Team and its budget subteam.
PARKER HALE I have been attending Third for over 13 years with my wife, Sarah, and sons,
Alec and Oliver. I have been a Deacon and Shepherding Elder and am currently teaching Middle
Schools Boys Sunday School with Sarah. We have been part of a wonderful Couples Small Group
for over 10 years and enjoy being part of the City South Parish Group. I love Third’s preaching
and teaching of Jesus and very thankful for the relationships that have been shaped here. No
doubt, I am humbled and excited about this new leadership position and will lean more heavily
into God.
SUE KIMBALL My husband and I joined Third in 1981. Our daughters, Sarah and Rachel, were
raised at Third and by many of the members here. The girls are adults now and if anyone would
like to hear about my grandson, Liam, the cutest, smartest, most loveable 3 year old around,
just ask me. I will be happy to tell you all about him and show photos!!! In my years at Third, I
have served in the music ministry: in the Sanctuary Choir and helping to direct the children
and youth choirs. I worked with VBS for several years, serving as Director one year. I held
various offices in Presbyterian Women, including Moderator. I served a term as Deacon and a
previous term as Elder. I have been on Worship, Personnel, and Nominating committees. Over
38 years, it has been wonderful to watch how God has led us and worked through this body of
believers. I am humbled to be asked to serve as a Governing Elder, and I am very excited to see
what God has planned for Third Church.
NOT PICTURED: LISTWELLA DONALDSON
2 2020 GOVERNING ELDER NOMINEES
SHEPHERDING ELDERS
ERIN HOLBROOK My husband Grant and I arrived at Third in 2009 and joined in 2012. I
began in leadership at Third with women’s Bible study, have taught Sunday School, lead our
ministry with Caritas, and serve as a Core Leader in our parish group. I enjoy leading scripture
study and meditation, encouraging people through writing, and praying with people in need.
I am grateful for the ways that God resurrects my soul from over-work, renews my longing
for his company and sets me in quiet places to be reconciled to Him and His mercies. As my
road bends into middle-age I’ve become less enchanted with ambition and accomplishment
and find my heart meandering around in circles in quiet conversations over meaning, charity
and justice. I am glad to have crossed paths with friends at Third circling around that same
expression, discovering that we are the beloved, belonging to each other and to Him. My family
and I enjoy riding bikes, having friends over for pie and reading The Chronicles of Narnia over
and over to the delight of our daughter, Amelia James.
CHRIS ADAMS When I came to Third two and a half years ago with my wife, Tracie, and
youngest daughter, Lulu, I left behind a long history of service to my former church in many
leadership roles. Those included teaching, serving in the sound/media ministry, advising
on the stewardship committee, and leading a prayer ministry. Together with my wife and
four children (ages 28, 25, 20, and 14), I have enjoyed serving in all types of mission work
including disaster relief and urban missions. I am excited that so many of these experiences
have prepared me for the office of Shepherding Elder here at Third. Third’s vision of growing
in community and being a missional church truly resonates with me. In fact, these are beliefs
that I have long held and strive to pass along to my grown children and three grandkids. I am
humbled and excited to be used by God to serve my family here at Third in this new role.
LAUREN LUCK My husband, Robert, and I moved to Richmond in 2009 and joined Third
Church in 2011. We came to the city knowing almost no one and have found the church to
be a place of belonging and stability as we raise our three boys (Robert, Joshua and Samuel).
Individually, I have been a member of the women’s ministry team and led a group of young
women through their high school years as a part of student ministry. Our family has become
deeply involved in parish ministry, hosting and leading a group in our home in the Northside.
We most enjoy opening up our home as an extension of the church to welcome new people into
Third’s community. Our family spends as much time as we can enjoying the outdoors; at soccer
games, UVA sporting events, hiking the James River trails or walking the dogs through Bellevue
in search of coffee and neighbors to talk to.
ROBERT LUCK My wife, Lauren, and I moved to Richmond from Charlottesville in 2009. We
felt drawn to Third’s liturgy and multigenerational congregation, and became members in
2011. We have loved creating Third as a church home for our boys (Robert, Joshua and Samuel).
I am currently serving as a Deacon and Parish Area Leader in City North, as well as leading
a parish group in our home. I have focused my energy on serving at Third in the realm of
hospitality, participating on both the welcome team and ushering teams. On Sunday evenings,
you’ll find me with my 8th grade guys small group playing dodge ball or driving a car full of
high schoolers back to northside after student ministry. In my time outside of church I enjoy
coaching my sons’ teams (currently the U-6 soccer Tiger Ligers) and convincing my boys to bike
for donuts on Saturday mornings.
2020 SHEPHERDING ELDER NOMINEES 3
SHEPHERDING ELDERS
DAVID CARROLL My wife, Karen, and I have attended Third since 1994 and have raised
our four children here: Will, Katherine, Daniel and Ben. During the week I practice law in
a transactions practice and Karen stayd home to raise the children and now grandchildren.
We have 5 awesome grandchildren and I see in them the reason why good Bible teaching for
children and adults is so important. God has graciously allowed me to teach since about 1996.
I have been blessed to teach Bible classes and Sunday School for adults, high school students,
middle schoolers, and help Karen with the 3-year-old Little Lions. Most Sundays found Karen
teaching the children and me teaching the Sojourners, the Friendship Class, and the Good
News which I am currently teaching. As a Shepherding Elder I will continue to teach, as God
allows, and as the church calls need.
TIM COLE My wife and I came to Third in 1993. We became members in 94 and were married
at Third later that year. We have 2 children, Timothy (21) and Hisae (18). My involvement at
Third includes a stent on the “Local Missions Committee” in the mid 90’s. In 1997 I sensed the
Lord calling me into “full-time” ministry, a calling He soon confirmed when I joined the staff of
Strategies to Elevate People (STEP) in Gilpin Court. In 2001 my family and I joined David Singh
in planting Eternity Church where I served as a founding Elder and Sunday School teacher. We
maintained our membership at Third while at Eternity and in 2009 returned to Third. I served
with the Club 56 teaching team during my children’s middle school years and more recently
served on the officer nominating committee.
MARK MENDEZ Back in 2005, a friendly looking guy (Andy Burgess) pulled up to the
University of Richmond in a short bus, offered a ride to church, and I’ve been part of the
family at Third ever since. My wife, Kate, 2.5 boys (James, Charlie and TBD) and I live in the
Lauderdale parish where we help lead our Sunday evening parish group. We love our neighbors
and feel called together for the renewal of the west end. I’ve served in a few capacities at Third:
pastoral intern for Corey, deacon, strategic planning committee, and now shepherding elder.
I’m grateful for Third’s witness to God’s goodness and faithfulness over the years.
PAUL MURPHY Monica and I moved to Richmond almost 15 years ago and settled at Third
several years later. We were drawn by the strong teaching, broad generational range and
faithful worship. Since joining, we have appreciated the preaching, music, Sunday school and
Youth ministries. More recently, we have been blessed by the strengthened and deepened
relationships with our Parish group neighbors.
AMY ZIEGLER Third has been my church home since 1988. My husband Scott and I were
married by Third’s former pastor Dr. Long and raised our now grown children (Adair and John)
here at Third. We have been blessed to have been a part of the Third family all these years. I
have participated in a number of ways over the years as a women’s circle leader, VBS director,
Sunday school teacher, nursery volunteer and refuge ministry tutor. I look forward to serving
God and Third in my new role as Shepherding Elder.
BOYD CLARKE My wife, Rev. Nan Clarke, and I have been coming to Third for over five years
after moving here from the Philadelphia area when Nan retired from her Pastorate. Together
we have been active in adult education, and in the Grove Parish. We look forward to continuing
in those roles, among others.
4 2020 SHEPHERDING ELDER NOMINEES
HOLLY SMITH Third has been my church home since 1993, and the site of Don’s and my
wedding before the fall—of the sanctuary ceiling, that is. We live in Powhatan, co-hosting a far-
flung parish group for Chesterfield. Having taught art to children for many years, I am grateful
for the opportunity to lead artistic endeavors that contribute to the worship experience for my
church family. I’ve participated in women’s and children’s ministries, served as a deacon and
on hospitality teams and especially love helping create the annual Journey to the Cross. My two
grown daughters, Meghan and Kalene, live in Baltimore and Washington, DC.
PATRICK HILTZ I moved to Richmond in 2004. It took me a couple years to find my way here,
but I started going to Third in 2007. Since then this church has been a big part of my life
through small groups, Sunday School, getting married here, serving as a deacon, and various
adventures Fritz Kling has talked me into. I live in the City North Parish with my wife Lila and
we are excited to watch God at work both at Third and in the City.
MIKE SPITZER I have attended Third since 2006 along with my wife, Alexandra, and our two
boys, Matthew and David. As a shepherding elder, I look forward to growing in my faith and
working towards building a community at Third that will serve God in metro Richmond.
DEACONS
JESSICA THOMPSON My husband Rob and I have attended Third since 2009. We have three
children: Libbie (8), Nathaniel (6), and Luke (3). Third has been a wonderful church home for
our family. We value the teaching on Sunday mornings and the inter-generational fellowship
of our Chesterfield Parish group. I also enjoy participating in a Season’s group and a women’s
small group. In the past I’ve coordinated Third’s playgroup and served as a student ministry
small group leader. Professionally, I work as a legal aid attorney and focus on housing issues
that affect low-income individuals. I’m excited for my new role as a deacon and look forward to
serving the church and my parish area.
KATIE SNOOK My husband Jason and I moved to Richmond after graduating from Virginia
Tech in 2005. We came to help plant a church (Commonwealth Chapel) in the city with a
focus on urban mission. In that time, I helped lead a Missional Community (similar to Parish
Groups) and started the women’s ministry. We felt God’s call to Third a little over a year ago
and have plugged into our Tuesday night City North Parish Group. We have two wonderful
kids, Grace and Josiah. My passion is serving others and cooking (bonus points if those
passions intersect). I’m excited to help lead and serve here at Third and excited about our
mission as a church community!
ALEX BRUCE My wife Janice and I have been attending Third since we got married in 2016. I
attend the Northside Parrish Group on Tuesday nights and we have been very grateful for the
friendship, community, and spiritual growth that we have seen as part of this Parrish and this
Church. From 2006 until 2010 I served in the U.S. Marine Corps and currently I am a stay at
home dad to our daughter Lucy who was born on New Years Day of 2018. I feel called to serve
the new comers in our church community as well as the veteran population in our city. I spend
my free time working in the yard, starting house projects, and cycling.
2020 SHEPHERDING ELDER & DEACON NOMINEES 5
DEACONS
KATE MENDEZ I have been attending Third since my graduation from the University of
Richmond in 2009. My husband, Mark, and I were married at Third in 2010 and now have
(almost) three boys - James (4), Charlie (2), and our newest addition arriving in January. During
my time at Third, I’ve served on the Women’s Ministry team and been actively involved in
Parish Groups and women’s bible studies.
ERIN GARRETT My husband Dave and I have been attending Third since 2006, when we were
just dating. We joined Third’s community as members in 2007 and were married there is 2008.
Third is also where we are raising two daughters, Rylin (7) and Lane (5) to worship and love
the Lord. I have been teaching the Little Lambs (2 & 3 yr olds) Sunday School class for over 10
years and have been involved in hospitality and various small groups and Bible studies over the
years. I am very excited for this new opportunity the Lord has given me and looking forward to
experiencing new ways he can use me to serve him and his purpose.
TRACIE ADAMS I came to Third with my husband, Chris, and youngest daughter, Lulu almost
three years ago after serving my former church for over a decade as the director of the creative
arts ministry. Being a homeschool mom to our four children (ages 28, 25, 20, and 14) over the
past couple of decades, I have had many opportunities to minister to those in need by taking
meals, visiting the sick, fad humbling and thrilling all at the same time because I’m sure there
is much to be learned!
WILL BIGELOW My wife Blair and I have a 6 year old daughter Audrey and a 2 year old
daughter Nora. We began attending Third in May, 2013 and became Covenant Partners in April,
2018. We are active participants in the Gayton Parish. I play guitar on Sunday morning and
help with worship at Parish Group. Ever since I became a Covenant Partner at Third I have been
discerning how I can serve. I was raised in the Episcopal church and helped in many ways. One
of the most meaningful ways was helping with Holy Communion. I am very much drawn to
hospitality. Finally, I feel being a Deacon will strengthen my ability to help in our Parish Group.
RACHEL GOW Steve and I have attended Third for over 10 years. During this time, we had
three girls, Sutton, Hadley and Claire. Our family and faith have been growing at Third and,
most recently, we have enjoyed deepening relationships in our Grove Parish Group. I am so
grateful to be part of this faith community that is committed to growing authentic relationships
both inside and outside of the church walls.
SUNNY ROSEBRO We three Rosebros have enjoyed having Third as our church family for
many years now. Cort , Fei & I, joined Third in 2006 after checking the regular attenders box
for close to a year. Having been familiar with Third’s work in many areas of the city, as well as
it’s consistent support of a variety of missions, it felt like home. Fei was warmly received by the
nursery, and we as a family were welcomed into a small group and enjoyed church suppers.
Through the years I have helped with VBS, helped with the missions committee, been a leader
in CBS, and am now active in our parish group. We’ve made many friends here at Third and
have found it a place of continual personal growth for each of us individually and for us as
a family. With its deep commitment to the Word, excellent teaching and outward focus on
missions, Third has us excited about how the Lord will continue to use us in the future!
6 2020 DEACON NOMINEES
BRAXTON VINSON My wife Alexa and I have been members at Third since 2016, but my
history with Third began when my family attended back in the 90’s for several years before
moving from the Richmond area. This will be my first officer role, but Alexa and I have been
passionate members and leaders in our City North Parish Group since the trial period of
the Parish Model. Alexa and I recently welcomed our first child, Theordore John, and were
overwhelmed by the care and support provided by our parish area. I am excited be a part of
that support network and the leadership team that makes it possible at Third.
BOB WELLS Donna and I are parents and grandparents. Our two daughters and sons-in-
law each have one child. I’m a Richmond native and have had many job-related family moves
during my youth and adulthood. Consequently, I’ve known many churches. In late 2017, when
Donna and I knew we were coming home, our search priority was focused on finding a church
community where we could continue our faith journey. We have been active in our Parish
Group since it started and became covenant partners at Third in April 2018. I am growing
through Ed’s Guided Tour of the Bible and active in a mens small group. Additionally, this
semester is my fourth as a champion in Jobs for Life. I am truly blessed to be in this community
of believers, and serving Him.
CHAD WHITE My name is Chad White, and my wife and I became Covenant Partners of
Third in the fall of 2018. I grew up going to Third from my teen years through essentially my
early 20’s, and met my wife Rebecca when I moved to Church Hill and joined Commonwealth
Chapel downtown for a few years. We have since moved close to Third, and God has blessed
us with a lovely almost 10 month old baby girl, Eleanor Joy, our first child. I look forward to
becoming a Deacon and developing more close relationships at Third as well as the opportunity
to participate in the ministry of Third Church.
SCOTT HAMILTON Patti, our three sons and I, joined Third 22 years ago. I have been blessed
to serve as a Deacon twice before and have been a regular member of the ushering team for
most of our time here at Third. I every much look forward to serving again as a Deacon.
NOT PICTURED: VICTORIA WYNN
2020 DEACON & TRUSTEE NOMINEES 7
TRUSTEES
ELIZABETH MASSIE We have been a part of the Third Church family since 1984, joining
in 1986 while expecting our first child. Third has “fed and watered” our family of six well
these 33 years, through excellent worship, both contemporary and traditional, challenging
Sunday School classes, and nurturing children’s/young adult programming/teachers that
deeply impacted our four children. Have served in various roles at Third, and ministries (CBS,
Needle’s Eye) alongside Third. I am excited to serve as a Trustee in this coming season, coming
alongside the Lord and joining Him in His work through the people of Third Church!
CRAIG TRUITT Annhorner and I have both attended Third since the 1990s, and we met and
married in 2001. Over the years, we’ve been blessed by many rich relationships within our
church family and we’ve enjoyed serving in various ways. My primary involvement has been
serving on worship teams, hosting small groups and helping restart the Men’s Fly Fishing
Fellowship (F3). Professionally, I continue to enjoy a 30+ year career in the field of investment
management. I’m grateful for the opportunity and privilege of serving as a trustee in this
exciting season at Third Church.
CHIP BUEHLER I have been happily married to my lovely wife Lynn for over 20 years, and
we have 3 wonderful children, 2 girls and a boy. We started attending Third shortly after our
youngest was born, so we have been part of this church for 17 or 18 years. I feel that one of my
gifts is service, and I’ve been blessed to have been asked to serve in various capacities at church
about every five years. If elected, this will be my second time to serve as a Trustee, and I hope
my educational and vocational experience will be helpful during this exciting time of renewing
and expanding our facilities.
2020 NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The following individuals are presented to serve on the 2020 Nominating Committee:
Mary Damon and Ward Marstiller, elders, Richard Nance, Deacon, Maria Hill, Lila Hiltz, Leslie Lanphear, Randy Tabb.
You can also read
