Good Eggs

This being Pastor Appreciation Month, I thought it would be a good idea to recognize the fabulous team of people I have the privilege of working with. Pastor Ray had an endearing way of affirming people. When he wanted to pay me a compliment he would say, "Pagel, you're a good egg." So in honor of Pastor Appreciation Month, I want to hand out some "Good Egg" awards to some of the "coolest" people I know!

• Erin Bird - Erin has brought life of our church through his ministry to our young adults. He is creative, adaptable and innovative. What more can I say, Erin was born to be a flock pastor!
• Mark Eades - Mark loves his job so much he practically lives at church. Actually he lives just two houses away! He is faithful, sincere and enthusiastic. Mark is as cool as a hot tub in January without a heater!
• Mark Forstrom - Mark loves our teens and models the Christian life in an authentic way for them. He is real, creative and out of the box. Mark invented "just in time" ministry!
• Gary Hoobler - Gary brings our church family into the presence of God each Sunday, directing the talents of over one hundred musicians and vocalists. He is a team player, loyal and a great friend to many. Gary has been known to occasionally sneak over to the Nelson Meat Market when he gets a "hanker'n for some meat!"
• Tye Male - Tye has stepped into our team and contributed right away overseeing the Impact Groups this fall. He is enthusiastic, honest and an eager learner. Tye is the new kid on the block, and the only staff person that is allowed to "blow his own horn!"
• Colette Rieck - Colette has a heart for pre-school children, shepherding them with tender care. She is caring, full of grace and joyful. The only children Colette loves more than her New Covenant flock is her own grand daughters!
• Pat Rieck - Pat has endless energy and boundless enthusiasm, with a passion for helping women grow in their relationship with God and one another. She is fun, spontaneous and enthusiastic. Pat takes a back seat to no one until her older brother Ken, walks into the room!
• Mick Schultz – Mick is a kid magnet, leading children to the feet of Jesus. He is positive, flexible and fun to be around. Mick will give you the shirt off his back, and he will even throw in two or three more if he has them in your size!
• James Wartian – James has the distinction of leading two areas of ministry – Mature Adults and Missions. He just completed his first year and has done an outstanding job; helping to establish the Project CR Partnership and launching a new mature adult ABF. James is glad that Tye has arrived so that he has someone to pick on!
• Bob Westfall – Bob has a passion for communicating the Scriptures with clarity for life application. He is real, humble and balanced. The only things Bob loves more than a Flying Weenie hot dog is Leesa, his girls, Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns!

At New Covenant we value character. We look for people who aren’t interested in talking about themselves and don’t care who gets the credit. Our team is the “real deal.” Our pastors and directors are not only competent in their area of ministry, but they are also devoted to the Lord and their family and friends. Please join me in expressing your appreciation during the month of October to our equipping staff. Erin, Mark, Mark, Gary, Tye, Colette, Pat, Mick, James and Bob; you are Good Eggs!