Favorite bits of life: I love the unexpected journey of life. Our relationships, creation, and spiritual life are constantly changing, and it is exciting and to be on such a wild ride! I love how each stage of my boys' lives means learning new ways to parent and new activities. I love how my marriage has morphed and changed over the last 25 years as both my wife and I have changed. I love how my understanding of God's role in my life has constantly been on the move. 

Favorite aspect of God: While everything above is constantly changing, God's love for us is constant! I've realized the more I understand and lean into God's love for others and myself, the more grace becomes more amazing, service becomes more critical, people become more valued. 

Favorite thing about GFLC: It's a welcoming community that is willing to embrace where the Spirit is leading us! I love knowing there is a community that strives to continue on the journey of faith, to give thanks for God's love, and then dare to try and change ourselves and the world around us.

pastorandrew@gracefirstlutheran.org

Favorite bits of life: I'm so grateful for my amazing family: my husband, my three kids and our two wonderdogs. Playing piano and composing are some of my favorite things to do. I also love being in nature - forests, rivers, oceans, etc. I read a lot and write even more... from poems to plays, and I have created several homemade board games just for fun!

Favorite aspect of God:  I am continually amazed and filled with wonder at how big God is, how loving God is and how present God is. 

Favorite thing about GFLC:  My favorite thing about GFLC is how real, warm and inviting the people are. It's a great big family where you can be authentic. I also love how much this church loves to sing! 

kids@gracefirstlutheran.org

music@gracefirstlutheran.org

Favorite bits of life: I feel extremely grateful to call Bend home and raise my family here.  We enjoy spending time in God's beautiful creation surrounding Central Oregon.  We love to ski in the winter and hike, bike and climb in the summer.  I am an avid roller skater and can be found roller dancing, trail skating or dropping in at the skatepark.  

Favorite aspect of God:  Knowing God loves each and everyone one of us helps me humble myself and give thanks for the small things.  Everyday is a gift and I want to wake up, be thankful and spread love everyday.

Favorite thing about GFLC: I love the community here at Grace.  We are all walking together in life.  Whether during times of trouble or times of joy, my church family is by my side.  

youth@gracefirstlutheran.org

Favorite bits of life: I love to explore the world with my husband, my three kids and our two chocolate labradors! My favorite days are spent out in God’s creation especially skiing, hiking and traveling internationally. And I would never be unhappy about an hour with a good book and a journal in a coffee shop.

Favorite aspect of God: God is our loving creator! My heart is at peace when I know that God made us perfect in his image; he loves each one of our unique and different and good selves!

Favorite thing about GFLC: Community! My dearest friends are here at Grace. I know that in a tiny pinch or a big emergency, I could count on my people at GFLC to drop everything to help me. We are doing life together at our kids’ schools, on the baseball field, at the mountain. When things are joyful and when things are hard, God has called us to care for one another.

community@gracefirstlutheran.org

Favorite bits of life: I feel so grateful to live in Bend with my husband and two sons. I love hiking with my golden retriever Lucy, doing deep water aerobics, collecting things with rainbows, cheering on the Portland Timbers, and having coffee every morning with my husband.

Favorite aspect of God: My faith in God gives me hope! I know that God's grace is real and is for everyone, and there is true joy that comes from experiencing and sharing that grace.

Favorite thing about GFLC: My favorite things about our GFLC community are the lifelong friendships I have built here and being able to learn and grow from believers of different generations. It is a true gift to share life's highs and lows with this group of people.

admin@gracefirstlutheran.org

Favorite bits of life: I love to spend time with my family who fortunately live here in Bend. My granddaughters are such a delight and my husband and I really enjoy each other’s company whether traveling, playing sports, or just relaxing. I love to read, hike, oil paint, play pickleball, knit and travel. Life is a journey and I am excited with each new day that God has provided.

Favorite Aspect of God: I am so thankful for God’s grace and love. I am led by the Holy Spirit who continually guides and strengthens me. What an amazing gift to have God’s love!

Favorite things about GFLC: It is a welcoming community! GFLC is Christ centered. The congregation is open to change and willing to be guided by the Spirit to do His will. The church family is always there to help in good times or bad.

parishnurse@gracefirstlutheran.org