PASTORAL CARE WEEK

beth balmer - Lead PAstor

What brings you the most life/joy as a pastor?

Praying and worshipping with our congregation on a Sunday morning and being around the people of Grace - we're truly a pretty epic bunch if you take the time to get to know and appreciate people.

What is the biggest challenge as a pastor?

Being fully present/available to each person to whom I’d like to be present/available.

What's your favorite movie and why?

Waking Ned Divine because it's hilarious and Irish.

How can we pray for you?

I found a lot of joy and light heartedness in my recent sabbatical - I really desire to carry that into my return to work and serving. Please pray that the weight of responsibility won't squeeze the joy and fun outta me!

jake barnes - High School Pastor

What brings you the most life/joy as a pastor? 

The walks I take with students. Our high schoolers truly are something else. They are, to use Paul’s words from Phil, my “joy and crown.” They are what bring me life as a pastor. Also, leftover food around church. 

What is the biggest challenge as a pastor?

Honestly, fear of making wrong decisions. 

What's your favorite movie and why?

Singin’ In the Rain. It’s a technicolor whirlwind of fun that shows what emotions feel like. 

What are your favorite treats?

Social List or MVP’s (Restaurant) , Wrigley Coffee (Coffee), Twix (Candy) , Cheeto Puffs (Snacks)

brandon roa - PAstor of worship

What brings you the most life/joy as a pastor?

Two things come to mind immediately: one is spending time with the incredible staff of people I get to work with every day and the other is getting to play music with people who I love and count as friends every Sunday morning.

What is the biggest challenge as a pastor?

Pastoral work can be really hazy in terms of what the goals actually are/how you define success/who gets to define success and it can be really difficult to sift through the multitude of voices that want to weigh in on those questions (even the good and helpful voices sometimes!).

What's your favorite movie and why?

Hard to pick just one. Here's a bunch that come to mind: Sound of Metal, either of the Spiderverse movies, JoJo Rabbit, Trial of the Chicago 7, Minari, The Big Short, Past Lives

What are your favorite treats?

A recent fav date night spot for me and my wife is Manaow Thai.

How can we pray for you?

Worship is a really significant aspect of the church's life together and requires a lot of care/attention (more than one person can offer on their own!), so please pray that we - as a staff and worship leaders -  would be wise, loving and skilled as we shepherd and nurture the church's time in corporate worship.

JAylene Greene - Children’s Pastor

What brings you the most life/joy as a pastor? 

As a children's pastor, what brings me joy and life is witnessing the spark of understanding and excitement when kids start to grasp who God is and how much He loves them. Seeing children grow in their faith, ask questions, and form a genuine relationship with Jesus is the absolute best. Kids ask the best questions when it comes to faith and I love walking through understanding those questions with them! It's an honor to be a small part of a kid's faith journey and to be able to support them and their families anyway that I can. 

What is the biggest challenge as a pastor? 

One of my biggest challenges is making sure I have a meaningful connection with each person in the ministry. I want everyone involved, whether participating or serving, to feel safe, cared for, and experience the love of Jesus in a meaningful way.

What's your favorite movie and why? 

An Extremely Goofy Movie is my favorite movie! It's fun and packed with important lessons that we can relate to any stage of life that we are in. Goofy’s relationship with his son Max, it can feel similar to our personal relationship with God, reflects the balance of love, guidance, and letting go as kids grow, a dynamic pastors often relate to. The movie also teaches valuable lessons about friendship, perseverance, and embracing who God created you to be!

What are your favorite treats?  

In & Out! I could eat that everyday for the rest of my life. I love Phil'z coffee! But happily will have coffee from anywhere. M&M's - only the plain one's, they're the best!  Popcorn, bread + jam? is that allowed? I love to eat bread + jam. 

How can we be praying for you?

I would love prayer for the ability to build strong, meaningful relationships with the children and their families, fostering a sense of community and trust.

will vucurevich - Lead Pastor

What brings you the most life/joy as a pastor?

Hearing about how people are growing in their faith and sharing it with others. Seeing people realize more and more of who Jesus is and wants to be in their lives. 

What is the biggest challenge as a pastor?

Never being able to fully live up to what we preach, teach, and call people to. Wanting so much more for our community than I am able to provide.

What's your favorite movie and why?

This is a hard one. Probably Black Panther for a few reasons. There is a ton of biblical imagery throughout the movie. He is such a cool character. We have so many friends who deeply resonated with the representation of a superhero of color. Our entire family loved it. And, it’s just a fun movie!

What are your favorite treats?

Lola’s, Tierra Mia Coffee, Hot tamales or Peanut M&M’s, Amazon, Wasabi flavored almonds and cool ranch Doritos

johanna turner - Middle School Pastor

What brings you the most life/joy as a pastor?

I find much joy in watching students discover their spiritual gifts and then step into leadership, using those gifts to serve others. It’s incredible to witness that moment of transformation when they really start to live out their desire to be like Christ in all areas of their life—it’s what makes ministry so fulfilling for me.

What is the biggest challenge as a pastor?

Honestly, the hardest part is balancing the tension between being fully present with my family and being able to serve the church. Both are so important to me, and navigating that can be challenging at times.

What's your favorite movie and why?

Oh, this is tough! I’m notorious for falling asleep during movies, so I don’t often make it all the way through. But the movie I probably have the most lines memorized from is She’s the Man. It's not a cinematic masterpiece by any means, but it’s light-hearted and always makes me laugh!

What are your favorite treats?

I’m a creature of habit! My go-to spot is Simmzy's on Second. For coffee, I’m a fan of chai tea with almond milk or matcha with oat milk from places like Colossus, Cyclops, or Stereoscope. Shopping-wise, I love Stitch and Feather and Madewell. I’m not really into candy, but give me some pistachios or freshly made tortilla chips with spicy salsa, and I’m happy!

How can we pray for you?

Please pray for my heart to remain open to the growth Christ is leading me through in every role I have—wife, mom, friend, and leader.

Daniel Long - Lead Pastor

What brings you the most life/joy as a pastor?

TBD

What is the biggest challenge as a pastor?

TBD

What's your favorite movie and why?

TBD

What are your favorite treats?

TBD

How can we pray for you?

TBD