Elizabeth Coppedge-Henley
Senior Pastor
Favorite Bible Passages:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." John 3:16 NRSV
"He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8 NRSV
John 3: 16 is Christianity 101 for me. Faith is God reaching out to us in love so that we might be in relationship with him. I love that this verse is one of the most well-known texts in the Bible. Micah 6: 8 is the follow up. Jesus, the living word, modeled what faith looks like. It’s active: doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly with God. Christians are called to live as he did. So together, these texts tell us how much God loves us and has done for us; AND they tell us how we can respond in love and live for God.
Kyle McCain
Associate Pastor
Favorite Bible Passage:
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God--- what good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 NRSV
Saint Paul’s words in Chapter 12 of his letter to the Romans serve as encouragement to me for how to live a life of faith, rooted in the teachings of Jesus. I find permission to live differently than the culture around me and to say no to cultural influences that create tension and conflict. I think Paul’s reference to “this world” points to the physical world that operates under political, social and economic systems that create competition and division. Instead, he offers up a transformative alternative by the “renewing of your minds”, that is the mind of Christ. This renewal is the process by which we discern the will of God for our lives, testing it at every step to be sure we are following where God is calling, leading and sending us. God spoke so clearly to me through this passage at a time when I was questioning what I had been pursuing for so long. After 20 years of chasing success by the worlds standards, I was encouraged to take a different path. The daily study of scripture and weekly group meetings with others became the instrument of God’s renewing effort. Over time the thing I was wearing myself out to gain diminished in value and the pursuit of God’s will for my life became my new center. It was then that God revealed His call to pastoral ministry and I am so pleased to have heard and responded. I am blessed use the gifts God has given me to do the work He has called me to.
Karen Perry
Office Administrator
Favorite Bible Passage:
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
This verse provides so much comfort, reminding us that God is always near. In particular, I love the statement that God is guarding not just our hearts but also our minds, caring for our physical, emotional, and mental health needs. I am thankful to God for loving our whole selves and reassuring us with his gift of peace at all times.
Jillianne Booth
Director of Youth Ministry
Favorite Bible Passage:
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Matthew 19:14 NRSV
John 3: 16 is Christianity 101 for me. Faith is God reaching out to us in love so that we might be in relationship with him. I love that this verse is one of the most well-known texts in the Bible. Micah 6: 8 is the follow up. Jesus, the living word, modeled what faith looks like. It’s active: doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly with God. Che did. So together, these texts tell us how much God loves us and has done for us; AND they tell us how we can respond in love and live for God.
Kelly Regueira
Director of Children's Ministry
Favorite Bible Passage:
But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs." Matthew 19:14 NRSV
Jesus wants a relationship with everybody, no matter how small! This verse drives our ministry with children here at Harrison. Every child should feel welcomed and loved here, when they are worshiping with their parents, attending Children’s Worship or Sunday School, or attending a special event. We strive to help children understand that they are a special and important part of the church family. Children are never too young to begin learning about Jesus and his love for them!
Amy Bridges
Communications & Children's Ministry Assistant
Favorite Bible Passage:
One of my favorite passages is 1 Corinthians 16:14, “Do everything in love.” When things feel complicated or overwhelming and I’m not quite sure what to do, it reminds me just to act in love and let go of everything else.
Having grown up in a Methodist youth group and having the privilege to volunteer with the youth at Harrison, Numbers 6:24-26 also holds a special place in my heart as a prayer I pray for those around me and for myself. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.”
Jennifer Siebenaler
Contemporary Music Director
Favorite Bible Passages:
But Ruth said, "Don't force me to leave you; don't make me go home. Where you go, I go; and where you live, I'll live. Your people are my people, your God is my god; where you die, I'll die, and that's where I'll be buried, so help me GOD - not even death itself is going to come between us!" Ruth 1:16-17
Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:19-20
Jill Willis
Traditional Music Director
Favorite Bible Passages:
"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is a thirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." Revelation 21:1-7 KJV
This is my "go to" verse for the promise of salvation, for comfort, and as a salve to my heart whenever life is challenging! Behold, I make all things new! It's a beautiful promise and just makes my heart sing!