About Grace

meet our leaders

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What do you like about working at Grace Church?

The clear sense of vision, as well as a staff and congregation that make this feel more like a family than an organization.

Who are the special people/person in your life?

My wife /best friend Nancy, as well as my two married daughters Rachel and Kristin, their husbands Josh and Luke, and my two grandsons, Rush and Fox.

What are the top 3 songs on your iPod/Music player?

Creation Song, by Fernando Ortega. Strength Will Rise (As We Wait Upon the Lord) on Promise Keepers album. Then They Do, by Trace Adkins (country music song)

What is something most people don't know about you?

I was a vocal and violin music major in college.

What are you reading right now?

Part 2 of THE HUNGER GAMES, "Catching Fire" (a novel), by Suzanne Collins

What place would you like to visit before THE END...and why?

Sweden and Germany. Nancy's grandparents immigrated to the US from Sweden. My grandfather was born in Essen, Germany.

Best Meal/Drink Ever?

Spaghetti with rich tomato sauce and sweet Italian sausage. Iced Americano from Starbucks

What's something God's teaching you lately?

The overwhelming depth of His grace that He has lavished on me.

What excites and gets you dancing?

Nancy.

Favorite movie, and why?

The TEN COMMANDMENTS, starring Charlton Heston, which hit the big screen in 1956. My Mom took me to see it when I was 4 years old. (I remember seeing it in the Victoria Theatre in Ossining, NY. I remember how awed I was when I saw God use Moses to part the waters of the Red Sea.

What do you like about working at Grace Church?

The opportunity to challenge others to follow the Spirit of Christ and be challenged in return.

Who are the special people/person in your life?

Cassandra, Cam, Kris, and Jack

What are the top 3 songs on your iPod/Music player?

The Bucks of Oranmore; Spatter the Dew; My Gatheharp

What is something most people don't know about you?

Favorite Car: 1969 Cadillac Coupe De Ville Convertible

What are you reading right now?

A History of the Middle East by Peter Mansfield

What place would you like to visit before THE END...and why?

Antarctica - it sounds cool

Best Meal/Drink Ever?

My dear bride's lasagna and Canada Dry Ginger Ale

What's something God's teaching you lately?

Much of life is about faithfulness

What excites and gets you dancing?

Excited??? What's that - they tell me I'm an Englishman?

Favorite movie, and why?

“Master and Commander - the far side of the world.” Why? It reminds me that life is a spiritual battle where deceptions abound, people are in peril, and we have but one life to live for the Master [Jesus].

Who are the special People/person in your life?

My beautiful wife and friend, Modupe; and my little awesomeness, Nathaniel.

What do you like about working at Grace Church?

The welcoming and inviting culture, the freedom to use my gifting creatively, Armin, and the awesome REMIX Peeps!

What are the Top 3 songs on your iPod?

“Champion” by Chipmunk, “Wavin’ Flag” by K’naan, “No Sweeter Name” by Christ for the Nations Music

What is something most people don't know about you?

I wanted to be an R&B recording artist.

What are you reading right now?

Just finished, “The 12th Imam” by Joel Rosenberg. Currently working through, “What the Dog Saw” by Malcolm Gladwell and "Hunger Games Trilogy" by Susan Collins

What place would you like to visit before you die...and why?

Israel. (Cos Jesus partied there!)

Best Meal Ever?

My wife’s egusi stew & curry turkey!

What's something God's teaching you lately?

He is God and will move when He’s good & ready. In that moment when He does move, no force on earth or spirit in the heavenlies will get in His way.

What excites you & gets you dancing?

Nathaniel’s smile, my wife’s dancing, artistic videography and graphic arts.

Favorite movie, and why?

Braveheart. One word, “Freeeeeeedooooooom!”

What's your idea of an awesome retreat?

Hanging out at a fancy beach resort with family and a few close friends.

What do you like about working at Grace Church?

I love the vision of this church “To raise up a generation of families built to last”. Combine that with a staff and congregation that embrace this vision, and it’s a great combination.

Who are the special people/person in your life?

My wife Heather, (Yea, maybe I won’t put her age), my daughter Trinity (9), my son Aiden(7), and my son Cael(5).

What are the top 3 songs on your iPod/Music player?

Cannons- Phil Whickam, The Outsiders- NEEDTOBREATHE, Thank you- 33Miles

What is something most people don't know about you?

I love Banjo and Bluegrass style music, and Mary Poppins is amazing. Shhhhhh! don’t tell the kids!

What are you reading right now?

Identity: Who Do You Think You Are by: Mark Driscoll; and the Explicit Gospel by: Matt Chandler.

What place would you like to visit before THE END...and why?

Israel, and Ireland.

Best Meal/Drink Ever?

Steak and Potatoes, (Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse), Drink is easy Redbull: it gives me wings.

What's something God's teaching you lately?

Patience, I am a doer, and love to have things done on my time schedule. However, God rarely seems to agree with me. Turns out, I am always wrong

What excites and gets you dancing?

My wife and daughter, can always get me dancing. My sons beating people up on the wrestling mat tends to get me dancing to, I know this is weird, sorry.

Favorite movie, and why?

Rocky 1-4, “Eye of the Tiger” Baby.

Who are the special people/person in your life?

My wife, Sherri and my son Nick and daughter Emily

What do you like about working at Grace Church?

I love working with people who share my desire to reach others with the Good News. I also love working with the amazing congregation here at Grace.

What are the top 3 songs on your iPod/Music player?

I enjoy classic hymns, easy listening and new artists

What is something most people don't know about you?

I coached high school football, basketball and tennis.

What are you reading right now?

"Onward" by Howard Schultz

What place would you like to visit before THE END...and why?

Australia, it sounds so beautiful and varied in its geography

Best Meal/Drink Ever?

Shrimp Cocktail from St. Elmos Steakhouse in Indianapolis

What's something God's teaching you lately?

Be constantly on guard against attacks

What excites and gets you dancing?

NOTHING gets me dancing! A plan coming together makes me happy.

Favorite movie, and why?

"To Kill a Mockingbird" and "Saving Private Ryan"...classics.

What do you like about working at Grace Church?

Working with people who love and care for one another!

Who are the special people/person in your life?

If there's only room for one person, it will have to be Dewey. If space is unlimited, then I have to go with Dewey, Scott, Ann, Molly, Emma, Ben, Cindy, Megan, Brian, Jeff, Chris, Lauren, Katie, Nathan, Michele, Joe, Jen, Tyler, Kelly, Ava and Daisy! Whew!

What are the top 3 songs on your iPod/Music player?

My iPod is a repository for books, books and more books. No music!

What is something most people don't know about you?

I LOVE tea and collect tea pots and tea cups.

What are you reading right now?

Bringing Up Girls by Dr. James Dobson

What place would you like to visit before THE END...and why?

Israel. I would love to walk where Jesus walked.

Best Meal/Drink Ever?

Drink of choice: home brewed iced tea. Meal: Thanksgiving Dinners

What's something God's teaching you lately?

God’s been teaching me to live with a heart and mind turned towards eternity!

What excites and gets you dancing?

My family – fun times with grandchildren!

Favorite movie, and why?

“Gone With the Wind” I loved the book. I was not allowed to see the movie when it came out because of the last words spoken by Rhett Butler (portrayed by Clark Gable), so I had to wait until I was an adult to see it!

What do you like about working at Grace Church?

I get to spend time with a lot of little people.

Who are the special people/person in your life?

My husband of 23 years (boyfriend for 27),my kids Brittany 19, Tyler 16 ,Jared 12

What are the top 3 songs on your iPod/Music player?

Free to be me, (just a different age bracket) by Francesca Battistelli.

I will not be moved, Sound track from transformers

What is something most people don't know about you?

I have raised seeing eye puppies

What are you reading right now?

Bailey Flannigan series by karen kingsbury

What place would you like to visit before THE END...and why?

Atlantis/Bahamas. I’ve never been south of Orlando and it looks amazing

Best Meal/Drink Ever?

Grilled chicken with watermelon salsa/ crystal light mint mehito yum

What's something God's teaching you lately?

Shut my mouth!

What excites and gets you dancing?

Watching kids sing and dance praising God!

Favorite movie, and why?

Movie of my life…it’s been wonderful!

Who are the special people/person in your life?

Anita, Tobias, and Izzy

What do you like about working at Grace Church?

The people- they're real (which I find very refreshing)!

What are the top 3 songs on your iPod/Music player?

"All My Tears" by Julie Miller, "Calvary" by Levon Helm, "One Voice" by The Wailin' Jennys

What is something most people don't know about you?

I was very addicted to alcohol as a young man. I haven't had a drink in 22 years. [I'm especially looking forward to the wedding supper of the Lamb:) ]

What are you reading right now?

"Confronting Powerless Christianity" by Charles Kraft

What place would you like to visit before THE END...and why?

I don't really feel urgency to visit anyplace before the END because I know I'll be around after the END with more time on my hands to travel then. If you press me on this, I'd have to answer Little Valley, NY- the home where my mother's parents used to live and I used to visit as a child. That place is enchanted in my memory.

Best Meal/Drink Ever?

I am on a life quest for the ultimate cheeseburger. I'll let you all know when I find it.

What's something God's teaching you lately?

Lately, I think He has me on a journey to specifically learn about and experience life more guided and empowered by His Holy Spirit.

What excites and gets you dancing?

First- my wife, Anita. Very close second- my kids.

What do you like about working at Grace Church?

I like everything and everybody at Grace Church..seriously!

Who are the special people/person in your life?

My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my family and friends.

What are the top 3 songs on your iPod/Music player?

Favorite Bands/groups 1. CCR 2. Hillsongs 3. Petra...I love too many songs to pick 3

What is something most people don't know about you?

I used to be very quiet and shy as a teen...unbelievable, isn't it?

What are you reading right now?

"Onward" by Howard Schultz

What place would you like to visit before THE END...and why?

Italy! my family came from Italy, it's a breathtakingly beautiful country, I've never been there.

Best Meal/Drink Ever?

My Aunt Ange's Aircraft Carrier(14 layers) Lasagna with mini homemade meatballs inside. Watermelon lemonade

What's something God's teaching you lately?

I am learning to be much more patient and forgiving in my daily walk

What excites and gets you dancing?

Only one song will make me dance..cannot tell anyone!!! toooo embarassing!!

Favorite movie, and why?

Mitch Albom's "The Five People You Will Meet In Heaven" It portrays a man who feels he let his life slip away and accomplished nothing of importance, when in retrospect, he indeed touched so many people thru direct and indirect relationships. These, and his greatest act of herosim to save a young girl from certain death, that took his life instead, finally are revealed to him by 5 people in his lifetime that he meets in heaven. Jon Voight was so terrific, he captured the essence of Eddie better than the man I had envisioned when I read the book initially.

Who are the special people/person in your life?

My husband, three daughters, three son-in-laws and grandson

What do you like about working at Grace Church?

The people.

What are the top 3 songs on your iPod/Music player?

Alpha & Omega, At The Cross, O Love That Will Not Let Me Go

What is something most people don't know about you?

I know how to cane chairs

What are you reading right now?

“While My Pretty One Sleeps” by Mary Higgins Clark and “Copper Scroll” by Joel Rosenberg

What place would you like to visit before THE END...and why?

A place where my WHOLE family could be – children, mom, grandson, and 1st, 2nd & 3rd cousins because we have soooo much fun when we all get together.

Best Meal/Drink Ever?

Pot roast cooked with carrots and onions, mashed potatoes, homemade noodles and green bean casserole; top it off with plain white cake and a little bit of sweet sauce! YUM! Country cooking is the best.

What's something God's teaching you lately?

How to rest in Him during troubled economic times.

What excites and gets you dancing?

Being with my family and teaching the next generation how to have a healthy marriage & family.

Favorite movie, and why?

“Sound of Music” because we watched it many times with our children, and we have fun memories of watching it together.

What do you like about working at Grace Church?

The PEOPLE! We are a great team. We pray, laugh, and support each other. But most of all we respect each other. It's the best job I've ever had.

Who are the special people/person in your life?

My husband Chris and my children, Samantha and Evan.

What are the top 3 songs on your iPod/Music player?

Well....I don't own an iPod (believe it) but I do like the group Journey. Their songs: "Don't Stop Believin", "Lights" and "Faithfully" are my favorites. I'm a "Journey" girl all the way!

What is something most people don't know about you?

Hmmmmm....my pajamas HAVE TO MATCH!

What are you reading right now?

James Patterson's "Worst Case"

What place would you like to visit before THE END...and why?

Bora-Bora. I want to stay in a hut that is over the water.

Best Meal/Drink Ever?

I like many kinds of foods...

I'd have to say potatoes. Any kind, any way. A great comfort food!

What's something God's teaching you lately?

He has perfect timing in every situation and to trust Him. "TRUST in the LORD with all your HEART and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways; ACKNOWLEDGE Him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

What excites and gets you dancing?

My part-time makeup artistry for weddings When I transform the bridal party with makeup magic and know that they feel beautiful! Makes me happy

What's your favorite movie, and why?

I am an "old" movie fan and would have to say, "Meet Me In St. Louis" with Judy Garland. It's a great family movie and I love to see Judy singing on the trolley car.

What do you like about working at Grace Church?

The family atmosphere. I grew up at Grace, and it has always felt like a second home.

Who are the special people/person in your life?

My family, my husband, and my beautiful baby boy, Joey.

What are the top 3 songs on your iPod/Music player?

I don't have one.

What is something most people don't know about you?

Even though I work and come to church at Grace, I live in Monroe, NY, almost an hour away (yes, I love Grace that much)

What are you reading right now?

Lineage of Grace series by Francine Rivers

What place would you like to visit before THE END...and why?

I would like to go on a Mediterranean cruise and see all the places Paul visited during his missionary journeys.

Best Meal/Drink Ever?

I'm pregnant, that changes hourly.

What's something God's teaching you lately?

God's blessings come when you least expect them and from unexpected people.

What excites and gets you dancing?

Working with kids and watching them grow...but I don't dance.

Favorite movie, and why?

Princess Bride, it makes me laugh.

What do you like about working at Grace Church?

I love the people I work with, they are amazing! Working at Grace also helps me to meet more people here.

Who are the special people/person in your life?

Dennis is my dream man/husband & our three kids are the super coolest!

What are the top 3 songs on your iPod/Music player?

Love the Lord Your God, Let it Rise & Revelation Song (which, in my opinion, is better sung live by Grace's own Nancy Stopa)

What is something most people don't know about you?

I was a wild child.

What are you reading right now?

I'm studying the Celebration of Discipline & just fininshed Onward...the book about Starbucks that Armin gave me.

What place would you like to visit before THE END...and why?

I would love to visit the place in Austria where my grandma was born & try to find the fountain she described so many times.

Best Meal/Drink Ever?

Dennis rocks the kitchen & I love everything he makes, but my favorite is roast beef sliced thin with sweet fried peas. I am also hooked on chocolate chai tea.

What's something God's teaching you lately?

His plan is bigger & better than mine.

What excites and gets you dancing?

It doesn't take much.

Favorite movie, and why?

I love the depiction of Heaven in What Dreams May Come, because it's a lot like the one in my own imagination.

What do you like about working at Grace Church?

I love the people I work with.

Who are the special people/person in your life?

My husband Tom and my kids Andrew, Evan, Shannon and Timmy

What are the top 3 songs on your iPod/Music player?

Don’t own one

What is something most people don't know about you?

Lots of stuff...I'm a mystery!

What are you reading right now?

A book by Alexander McCall Smith and "Onward" by the Starbucks guy

What place would you like to visit before THE END...and why?

Alaska and Australia because I have always wanted to go there

Best Meal/Drink Ever?

Anything made by someone else and Mocha Frappes at McDonalds

What's something God's teaching you lately?

To be anxious for nothing and patience in trials

What excites and gets you dancing?

Color, fabric, making quilts!

Favorite movie, and why?

Sound of Music.....it makes me happy.