Family Snapshot:
Born in Seattle, WA, grew up in University Place. Married to Julie;
No kids (but dozens through youth ministry); Founding member of HCC (31 years).
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Professional:
Currently, and last 18 years, sole proprietor as a development consultant (currently with no developers), prior to consulting construction management and estimating with large construction company
Faith History:
Believed in Jesus as a kid, always liked church-even during a somewhat wild youth- realized commitment responsibility and relationship aspect with Jesus as young high schooler in Young Life/church, finally really committed in the summer between Junior and Senior year of high school
Ministry:
Senior year of high school started a prototype junior high Young Life Campaigner group/bible study; Freshman year college I started a Young Life club at Remann Hall; College years I led various bible studies with friends and cross county team members; with Julie, started junior and senior high youth group at Harbor Covenant Church; over the years had involvement with HCC youth program, on commission or working with kids; eight years on Young Life committee; four years taking a group of freshman boys from Peninsula High School through graduation (included girls their senior year); elder since 2009
What excites you about the future ministry of HCC?
Sense a newness and excitement that I haven’t experienced at our church. A growing awareness that the church isn’t us in our setting, it’s us in the community. A community that’s Gig Harbor, Tacoma, Alaska, Central America, Africa, India, China, Eastern Europe. Excitement to reach people who have real needs-physical and spiritual. I am excited that there’s a tension and a grappling with the change, but still movement by a surprising number of people. I love the cohesiveness of our staff and their desire to engage us as the congregation and enable us to live the Gospel in loving Jesus and loving our neighbor-in tangible ways, not just with ideology. Bible study with feet to move. The stage is set and that excites me.
Family Snapshot:
Born in Santa Monica, California; Married to Mike DeFronzo (25 years); one daughter, Kirsten Fernandez (married with one son, Zach)
Education:
High School and 2 years college, majoring in Commercial Art
Professional:
Certified Ophthalmic Assistant, 1971 - 78, Sales and Management 1978 - 87, Mom 1987 and on, Personal Stylist 2006 to present
Faith History:
Grew up in the Lutheran Church, taught Sunday school with my Mom for years. Came to know Christ as my personal Savior and Lord at age 19 after being involved in a Bible Study and realizing He wanted a real relationship with me and expected me to want the same.
Ministry:
Taught Sunday school as stated above from age 12 - 17, Taught Sunday school at HCC from 1990 - 1998; Director of Children's Ministry at Covenant Fellowship 1998 - 2005; also sat on Leadership Team at Covenant Fellowship 1998 - 2004; and was church secretary from 2003-2005. 2006 to present I have volunteered in VBS, office help, coffee cart, anywhere I am needed. Deacon of Children's Ministries, 2011. Attended Harbor Covenant from 1978 to 1998 when we, my husband and myself, became part of the church plant in Port Orchard, called Covenant Fellowship. Returned to HCC in 2006.
What excites you about the future ministry of HCC?
I am excited about the changes taking place in HCC, the loud call to be "walking the talk" and all that involves. All the new faces in HCC also excite me, to know that we can walk along side them and help them be the Spiritual leaders to their children and grandchildren. (Can you tell where my heart lies?) We have so many opportunities to reach out to others around us and share life with them and I love that we are working hard to do so.
Family Snapshot:
Born in Seattle and lived there until our family moved to Gig Harbor in 1986.
I started attending HCC that year. Returned to HCC in 2005. I've been married for 18 years to Stephanie; we have two children, Matthew and Allison.
Education:
BS at WSU in Mechanical Engineering.
Professional:
I worked for a decade as an engineer/manager in the semiconductor industry in
Vancouver, WA, then resigned in 2004 to run my own businesses.
Faith History:
I was raised in a Christian home and first asked the Lord into my heart at VBS in grade school. Later when I was in junior high, I made my "own" decision to follow Christ. I was baptized in high school out in Henderson Bay.
Ministry:
I've served the church in various capacities throughout my life, beginning as HCC's first youth intern in 1990-91. I've served as elder at HCC for the last two years.
What excites you about the future ministry of HCC?
The future at HCC is bright. I strongly feel we are following God's purpose as we make changes to the way we do business. These changes will enable us to respond quickly to His prompting while allowing us to serve more people in our community. I'm excited to be a part of our future and humbled that you've allowed me to serve over these last few years.
Family Snapshot:
Born in Negaunee, Michigan; married 44 years to Tom, recently widowed; Two sons: Stephen (Laura) and four grandsons, Nate, Cameron, Ryan & Luke in Richmond, VA; David (Tien-Li) and grandson Micah in Gig Harbor. My husband Tom and I were among the charter
members of Harbor Covenant Church
Education:
Undergraduate degree, Rockford College; Master’s degree in mathematics, Univ of
Illinois
Professional:
Elementary teacher, 1967-1971
Faith History:
I came to know and receive Jesus as my personal Savior and Lord as a child after two Sunday School teachers came up and down the streets of Astoria, OR, inviting children to come to Sunday School. There I learned about Jesus and how the Old Testament pointed to Jesus' coming to die for our sins and how the New Testament told how He came, what He did and explained the meaning of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. God has held me fast through high school and college and to this day. My knowledge of, faith in, love of and trust in God have deepened through the years as I began to study the Bible in a deep way and became more obedient to applying it to my daily life. Even though sometimes life is difficult, I love being a follower of Jesus because it is so exciting to see what God will do next, and there is nothing else I would rather be.
Ministry:
In the early days of HCC anything that needed to be done: Sunday School Teacher, set up, clean up, Children's Christmas program, numerous nominating committees, pastor search committees, AWANA, Adult Sunday School teacher, Bible Study
Fellowship teaching leader for 25 years
What excites you about the future ministry of HCC?
I am excited by the vibrancy of Harbor Covenant Church and am grateful for the weekly challenge we are given to grow in our knowledge of and obedience to Christ. I look forward to the continued work of God in each of our lives, increasing our love for others demonstrated by our service in many ways to the needs of others in the church and outside our church and demonstrated by our graciousness to each other where we may hold differing opinions. The new addition will provide even further opportunities for opening our doors to our community with prayers that the love and joy among our members welcome & embrace all who come so that they, too, may come to know and receive the love of Christ and grow in Him.
Family Snapshot:
Born in Niagara Falls, New York; am also a citizen of the Six Nations of the Grande River (Cayuga Tribe, Iroquois Confederacy). Married to Patti and we have 5 children between us from our previous marriages. Have attended HCC since 2004.
Education:
Business degree with emphasis in accounting from SUNY at Buffalo, NY
Professional:
Former CPA, former bank Trust Officer, currently a CFO for a large multi state family owned building materials concern.
Faith History:
Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Ministry:
My experience has been through HCC programs. Primarily as a musician with worship bands at HCC and other faith based organizations. Also as an actor in church drama at HCC. Currently serving as Treasurer and member of the HCC Council. A member of the Finance Committee of NW Furniture Bank.
What excites you about the future ministry of HCC?
I’m excited about a future vision of HCC that offers our community a place that serves people in need, locally and around the world. Further, HCC will be welcoming to folks with a desire to support or initiate ministry with us as much or little as they are able to and in whatever size, shape or form that furthers the work of Jesus Christ.
I believe ministry is a simple yet powerful way to grow closer to God while growing His kingdom. I see HCC as a vital and active church body that will be easy to do ministry with.
Family Snapshot:
I was born in Florida in 1950, while my father was a flight instructor at the US Navy carrier jet squadron in Pensacola. Beth and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary this past August. We have 2 adult daughters and one adult son. Beth and I became members of Harbor Covenant in 1995.
Education:
BS in Biomedical Engineering, Duke University; training at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland and the University of Virginia School of Medicine; Residency program in Pediatrics at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma
Professional:
Neonatology Fellowship under the auspices of the NIH in Washington DC. I have been serving as a clinical neonatologist in Tacoma for the past 22 years.
Faith History:
I have borrowed the following description of my faith journey from an acquaintance. Interestingly, I know him only tangentially, yet he clearly has a penetrating understanding of my story:
“As for you, Glenn, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world,…gratifying the cravings of your sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. You deserved by nature to be an object of God’s wrath. But God, who is rich in mercy, made you alive with Christ even when you were dead in transgressions…For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourself: It is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:1-9
Ministry:
We have each been involved broadly and consistently in congregational service over the ensuing years. Beth’s opportunities have included Deacon of Stewardship and Finance, Deacon of Youth, and treasurer of Women’s Commission; I have taught in our Sunday adult education classes, served on three pastoral search committees, and served for a number of years as an Elder and Church Chair.
What excites you about the future ministry of HCC?
Doctrinal truth is important to me, as those of you who know me will attest, and I do not contend lightly on issues that I consider essential. But ultimately, we sinners are not saved by doctrine. Nor are we saved by a mere profession of faith. Rather, Scripture teaches that we are saved by the possession of faith. We are saved not by a righteousness that inheres in us, but rather by Christ’s righteousness imputed to us. I am thus grateful that we are undertaking the hard work of self-examination as a congregation, in order to grow and stretch in Christ. And I am thankful for the sense of humble Christian charity towards one another that is emerging within our Body as we mature in Christ (Remember Groucho Marx’s comment: “I would be loathe to be a part of any group that would consider having someone of my character as a member”). Accordingly, an aphorism that dates back at least to the 1600s is appropriate:
"Verbo dicam: Si nos servaremus in necesariis Unitatem, in non-necessariis Libertatem, in utrisque Charitatem, optimo certe loco essent res nostrae." [In a word, I'll say it: if we preserve unity in essentials, liberty in non-essentials, and charity in both, our affairs will be in the best position.]
Family Snapshot:
Born in Subic Bay, Philippines; Married to Joelene for 34 years; Son Brian Lemke; at HCCfor 19 years
Education:
BA University of Puget Sound in Business
Professional:
Independent furniture manufacturer representative for Pacific Northwest, Alaska and Hawaii
Faith History:
Following Jesus happened over time and at a later age in my 30’s. Having a son brought me to church, mission trips opened my eyes and heart, and a realization of poor decisions I was making brought me to brokenness and surrender. My son’s death in 2005 tested my faith and brought me to rely even more on His grace and His provisions. There is no other way.
Ministry:
Costa Rica and two San Francisco mission trips with high schoolers, led Monday night Precepts class, current elder, Founder of the NW Furniture Bank.
What excites you about the future ministry of HCC?
HCC is moving and impacting the community more and more each year. I am excited about that impact and also excited about our high level of care for the HCC church body. The church is alive and seems to be following the Holy Spirit in new directions that will grow us individually and corporately. 3,2,1, initiative, a new facility for outreach, growing ministries, a pastor that challenges us and making a difference in the community for Christ excites me.
Family Snapshot:
Born in Toledo, Ohio (raised in California); Married to Wayne Plank, 6 children, 9 grandchildren. We have attended HCC for 5 years and are members.
Faith History:
I became a Christian at age 16 when I attended a church camp. It was an experience I will never forget as it was a spiritual awakening which has not lessened in intensity throughout the ensuing years. When I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, my life took on new meaning and purpose. My faith statement, simply said, “I love God and I love people.”
Education:
University of California, Santa Barbara; Seattle Pacific College; University of Washington; Theological education: San Francisco Theological Seminary - Master’s in Arts & Values, Completed Course Work; Master’s in Christian Education, Completed Course Work; Clinical Pastoral Education, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA (1 year training for hospital Chaplaincy)
Professional:
Professional background and ministry are one and the same. Director of Personnel (Ministry Placement) Lake City Presbyterian Church, Seattle, WA (2 years). Christian Education Coordinator, Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, Mercer Island, WA (12 years). Chaplain, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA (10 years). Chaplain, Northwest Kidney Center, Seattle, WA (2 year Pilot Program to initiate Spiritual Care at ministry).
Ministry:
Volunteer: Ethics Committee, Swedish Medical Center; Bible Study Leader, Women’s Prison, Gig Harbor; Women’s Commission Member, HCC; Vacation Bible School Guide, HCC; Grief and Loss Support Group Facilitator, (HCC. ongoing) Caregiver Support Group Facilitator, (HCC, ongoing)
What excites you about the future ministry of HCC?
I see our church as a growing, vibrant congregation totally immersed in the work of becoming disciples of Jesus ..... being listeners, encouragers and healers wherever we are. I see the Holy Spirit working among us and through us attracting more and more young people, an increase in prayer support groups, the adventure of “doable evangelism” in the community and beyond, and feeling God’s nudges to do and be the people He wants us to be. That is exciting!
Family Snapshot:
Born in Kerala India – came to the US at age 4. Married to Sheela (25 years in June) and have two sons: Christopher (almost 16 yrs) and Nicholas ( 13 yrs). Sheela and I have been members of HCC for nearly 16 years (since we move to Gig Harbor); previously were active members at Pilgrim Covenant in NJ for 5 years.
Education:
BBA 1983- James Madison University (Accounting and Finance); MBA -1988–
Wharton School – University of Pennsylvania; CPA and CFA professional designations
Professional:
Strong experience in Accounting and Auditing – Price Waterhouse; Finance and Investments – Prudential Investments and Frank Russell; Entrepreneur, Human Resources, Sales, Client Management etc. – Thomas Capital Group
Faith History:
My own faith story is one of a continuing journey as opposed to a specific moment in time conversion. I grew up in a strong Christian family and accepted Jesus as Savior at a young age. However, subjecting myself to Him as Lord is a continuing work in progress. My goal is to mature in my faith and have a more personal and intimate relationship with Jesus
Ministry:
Active church member for most of adult life. Chairman -2 Terms at Pilgrim Covenant; Elder at HCC in 2011; Try to “minister” through example and deed at work, home and church
What excites you about the future ministry of HCC?
§ God has given us the opportunity, people and resources for HCC to have a huge impact for the furthering the CHURCH’s mission and spreading the gospel both in our local community and to almost every corner of the world. We are not only preaching truth but are people trying to live out our Christian faith on a daily basis- becoming true disciples. Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing. We are a safe place for people of all ages and backgrounds to seek truth, compassion and friendship. I love the focus on and the vitality of our children/youth ministries. However, we have a huge opportunity to do more as well as focus on other age groups.
Family Snapshot:
I have lived my entire life in the Pacific Northwest. I am married to Susie (32 years), and we have a son Ben (28), and a daughter Emily (25). My wife Susie and I have been attending Harbor Covenant for about 20 years.
Education:
I graduated from UPS with a major in Chemistry, and later earned a Masters degree from the UW in Science Education.
Professional:
After briefly working as an industrial chemist, I followed my passion, and have been teaching high school Chemistry and Physics at Gig Harbor High School and Bellarmine Prep for the past 30+ years.
Faith History:
My spiritual story is “The long and crooked road that has led me straight to the Lord”. As I reflect back on my faith walk, I can see more clearly how the Lord has been working in my life, in order to carry out the plan he has for me. My prayer is that I know the Lord’s will for my relationship with my family, my church, my school and the community at large.
Ministry:
My work with high school students has been where the Lord has sent me to do his work. I consider it to be my primary mission field. More recently, through my brokenness, God has been working with me in order to come alongside others who are hurting with the challenges and tragedies we face in life.
What excites you about the future ministry of HCC?
I am excited about what is on the horizon for Harbor Covenant Church. We are taking seriously the great commission, and going out into our community to do the Lord’s work..
