MEET OUR ELDERS
Kristen Jerome
Where do you see God at downtown church?
In the music. It’s what first struck me about downtown church 14 years ago and still regularly moves me to tears.
If you could be a part of a fictional family (book, tv, movie) who would it be? The Dunphies!
What song would you choose to sing for karaoke?
Mariah Carey’s Vision of Love. She reminds us to take the trash cans to the road every Thursday night and my kids LOVE IT when I give them a private concert (they don’t love it)
Why did you agree to become an Elder at Downtown Church?
It was an honor to be nominated. I’m thrilled to be able to give back to a community that has given my family so much
Clay Parker
Where do you see God at downtown church?
In the few minutes before every worship service. I see inhibitions falling away. I see hearts opening. I see smiling faces. I see people coming together to listen, learn, sing, and worship.
If you could be a part of a fictional family (book, tv, movie) who would it be?
The Bluths from Arrested Development. So good.
What song would you choose to sing for karaoke?
Islands in the Stream...and I get to sing both Dolly's and Kenny's parts.
Why did you agree to become an Elder at Downtown Church?
Because I like this place...a lot. DTC brought me back to church after a number of years in the wilderness (not literally, but, you know, unchurched). I like thinking my service can allow others to enjoy DTC and grow without having to worry about the business of running the church!
CJ Cypress
Where do you see God at downtown church?
I see Him in the people. He is moving through us in such a real and refreshing way, and you can feel that every Sunday! Also, I think He makes the cookies taste better?
If you could be a part of a fictional family (book, tv, movie) who would it be?The Rocket family from Rocket Power.
What song would you choose to sing for karaoke?
Low Places — Garth Brooks
Why did you agree to become an Elder at Downtown Church?
I chose to say yes because my family and I have been so blessed to be a part of this community and benefitted so much from DTC on a spiritual level. To have the chance to help lead the church through this exciting period of growth is something I’m honored to be blessed with.
KRISTEN HORNE
Morgan Ruebusch
Where do you see God at downtown church?
In the mountains while backpacking when I want to give up and multiple church members and new friends come to walk beside me.
If you could be a part of a fictional family (book, tv, movie) who would it be?
I would be in Parks and Rec and Leslie would put me in charge of the summer camp programs in Pawnee.
What song would you choose to sing for karaoke?
Goodbye Earl by The Chicks OR literally anything by Taylor Swift
Why did you agree to become an Elder at Downtown Church?
Because I want to contribute to a community that helps raise another generation to show up in the world with love.
Katie Schanz
Where do you see God at downtown church?
I see God every Sunday through the laughter of both children and adults and the connectedness of DTC as well as throughout our community.
If you could be a part of a fictional family (book, tv, movie) who would it be?
I would be a member of the Weasley family so I can travel by the Floo Network.
What song would you choose to sing for karaoke?
Don’t Stop Believin’
Why did you agree to become an Elder at Downtown Church?
DTC is such a safe place for me and my family and has been the foundation for us during some hard times. I want to continue its mission as well as see it through these next couple of years to be the foundation to any and all people who may need a place like DTC in their lives.
David Staples
Where do you see God at downtown church?
I see God in the kindness exhibited. I didn’t grow up being taught about God being kind. DTC has helped me learn how kindness is a part of God’s nature.
If you could be a part of a fictional family (book, tv, movie) who would it be?
The Weasleys in Harry Potter. They were accepting and welcoming of everyone. They stood for what was right at great cost to themselves. And love was so present in their home..
What song would you choose to sing for karaoke?
Every Breaking Wave by U2. Acoustic version.
Why did you agree to become an Elder at Downtown Church?
I am a Hufflepuff (see answer to question 2), so I love serving and helping people. Being an Elder gave me more opportunities to help and more specific ways to support staff.
Courtney Delaney
Where do you see God at downtown church?
I see God in the amazing people and the music variety from week to week.
If you could be a part of a fictional family (book, tv, movie) who would it be?
I always wanted to be part of the Keatons from Family Ties when I was a kid.
What song would you choose to sing for karaoke?
Man in the Mirror
Why did you agree to become an Elder at Downtown Church?
DTC has been a very special place for my entire family since we began coming here in 2013 and I was excited for the opportunity to give back and serve this community.
Bunny Johnson
Where do you see God at downtown church?
Hearts, Hands, Feet, Messages, Music
If you could be a part of a fictional family (book, tv, movie) who would it be?
Marcellus, Remarkably Bright Creatures
What song would you choose to sing for karaoke?
Sweet Caroline, Neil Diamond
Why did you agree to become an Elder at Downtown Church?
I could never say no to Dawn
Brad Shell
Where do you see God at downtown church?
In the throngs of children running for cookies at Holy Interruption.
If you could be a part of a fictional family (book, tv, movie) who would it be? The Matthews Family from "Boy Meets World"
What song would you choose to sing for karaoke?
"Every Girl" by the Turnpike Troubadours
Why did you agree to become an Elder at Downtown Church?
It's pretty hard to say no when someone tells you that God is calling you to do this.
Liz Harbison
Where do you see God at downtown church?
I see God in all the faces on Sunday mornings— the happy smiles, the tired and stressed expressions, the awkward middle-schoolers, the hopeful high-schoolers, the old and feeble—the young and the spry
If you could be a part of a fictional family (book, tv, movie) who would it be?
Modern Family meets Arrested Development:)
What song would you choose to sing for karaoke?
Love Shack, but you really don’t want me to sing.
Why did you agree to become an Elder at Downtown Church?
I hope to actively contribute to the health and the growth of DTC.
Shige Kobayashi
Where do you see God at downtown church?
God is present in every scripture read, in each note sung, and in every interaction shared between those who can give or receive love. Downtown Church has so much of that.
If you could be a part of a fictional family (book, tv, movie) who would it be?
Were the Muppet Babies all one family?
What song would you choose to sing for karaoke?
You won't catch me at karaoke, and especially not mumbling through foreign lyrics of 60s French pop songs.
Why did you agree to become an Elder at Downtown Church?
I've spent my career supporting welcoming spaces and I was thrilled to be nominated to be useful to the Church in this role.
James Chavez
Where do you see God at downtown church?
Everywhere...in the message from our pastors, in the music ministry, in the laughter of the growing population of children, and in the diversity of our membership.
If you could be a part of a fictional family (book, tv, movie) who would it be?
Original Land of the Lost series.
What song would you choose to sing for karaoke?
Wanted by Bon Jovi or Hurt So Good by John Mellencamp.
Why did you agree to become an Elder at Downtown Church?
Because I believe I have a responsibility to give back to the Church that has given Stevie and I so many blessings.
Brook Andrews
Where do you see God at downtown church?
All over. Onstage with our musicians. At work in Downtown Kids. Whispering into the ears of Dawn, Charles, and Mary.
If you could be a part of a fictional family (book, tv, movie) who would it be?
Probably the third stepbrother in Stepbrothers.
What song would you choose to sing for karaoke?
Cracklin' Rosie. Go big or go home!
Why did you agree to become an Elder at Downtown Church?
This church and congregation have given our family so much. I am honored to give back.