Let’s share a little about ourselves!

[Ra Mendoza]

Let’s share a little about ourselves!

What are 5 important things you’d like us to know about you? How do these 5 important things help us better see you as the Beloved that you are? How can these 5 important things help us know how to care for you as we start this journey together?

You can share as much as you’d like! If 5 is too much or too little, feel the room to share what you feel is important to you.

[Chris Mowery-Bell]

Hi all –

Some things about me – I was raised in South Jersey (don’t hold Jersey against me) by a single mom who sent me to a Christian (assemblies of God) school which effectively led me away from church (however thats defined) for years as I found more of what Jesus was teaching at punk and hardcore shows than I did at that school. I went to NYU for college where I dove into volunteering in the city and practicing social justice in my daily life, leading me back to consider Jesus and separate him from my experience at church. I’ve been going to Redeemer here in the city since then and volunteer with 2nd and 3rd grade boys in Washington Heights with a program called Operation Exodus (though I don’t like the name).

Look forward to speaking with you all tonight 🙂
Chris

[Dave Murphy]

Dave Murphy –
5 Important things to know about me:
1. I have been married for 27 years and have 2 grown children
2. I do not attend any structured church (denomination)
3. I have lived my entire life in the deep south but have traveled extensively
4. I was born into poverty but today live what our society would deem a successful lifestyle.
5. I cherish every breath and my happy place is outdoors, living & experiencing life.

How do these 5 important things help us better see you as the Beloved that you are?
1. This has been my identity – I have a very deeply committed relationship and have tried to be an example and provider for my family.
2. I truly committed my life to Christ is 2013 but haven’t found a place to worship that reflects my experience in meeting Christ. I desire community.
3. I am seeking understanding and I am willing to challenge my own instincts.
4. I am not sure how to answer how this makes me beloved but I feel it is an important aspect of my desire to take this journey. Perhaps the self-awareness is key.
5. I try never to take anything for granted.

How can these 5 important things help us know how to care for you as we start this journey together?
1. I have a spirit of loyalty.
2. I am seeking a better understanding as well as a greater ability to extend grace as I have been extended grace.
3. Daily I have to “unwind” the cultural teachings of my youth. My travels as an adult has given me a unique ability to test this ideological misguiding and reshape my thought patterns.
4. #4 is very telling of my personality – I often find myself living in a space I don’t feel as though I fit into or belong.
5. I tend to be a bit private and reserved; soft spoken.

[Mark Clayton]

Hi,

I’m Mark. My wife, Grace will be joining in here too. We own and operate a small campground/RV park. We have a 6 yo daughter Alison. We’re in rural PA, just a couple of hours from TSW in Kensington. One of our customers lives right around the corner from their food pantry.

Probably the most important things to know about me are (in no particular order)
1 I rarely have a simple answer to a question. Also, I need time to think about how to answer and the best words to use. So please be patient with me 🙂
2 As much as I don’t like it, everything gets done at the last minute
3 My faith journey has been a long one but gets better each year.
4 I try to take Jesus’s words seriously and apply them in every situation
5 I love to see experience the Kingdom of God

[Grace Clayton]

As evidenced by this belated post, I’m often late to the party but when I’m there I’m 100% there!

Mark and I have been married for almost 12 years and we have a very lively 6 old daughter who keeps us on our toes! I waited a long time for a family and I thank God everyday for Mark and Ali and the crazy adventure our little family is on. I hope and pray that Ali will learn to love and follow Jesus.

I’m originally from South Africa. I lived in England for 6 years before coming to the USA 20 years ago.

I have had a varied career path including being a social worker, doing mergers and acquisitions for a large corporation, being general manager of a high-tech manufacturing facility, esthetician, massage therapist and a campground owner!

My faith journey has been a circuitous one … I fell in love with Jesus shortly after finishing high-school and grew rapidly in my faith. I entered full-time Christian ministry straight out of college but burned out after 4 years. I became disillusioned with Christians and the Church in general and I turned away from God. Over time Jesus drew me back to himself and I’ve been trying to walk more closely with him the past 15 years. I try to stay away from formal responsibilities within the Church as I find it quickly becomes a “job” for me. My understanding of what it means to follow Jesus has changed so much over the course of my journey and I know there is much more change to come!

I am naturally curious and I love to learn. I always have a question brewing or something that I’m cogitating on.

I am quite a driven person. I love new challenges and new adventures. I tend to over commit and work too hard. I often leap before I look and so get myself into ‘interesting’ situation which can be quite anxiety provoking!

I am trying to slow down and be more intentional. I am trying to foster more open, transparent relationships. I am trying to undo my cultural programming about the “right” way to live and instead respond to what Jesus is calling me to and order my life by his priorities.

I don’t think that’s 5 things but hopefully it gives you a little insight into me 🙂

[Author]

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