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Called Meeting of the Congregation
Sunday, September 29 immediately following Worship
The Session calls a congregational meeting for the purpose of presenting and electing the slate of nominees for the offices of ruling elder and deacon. See below for more info about the nominees. Nominating Committee: Julie Tolle and Karen Jones, co-moderators; Jim Hobdy, Karen Dower, Mark Freeman, Debby Ishee, Linda Heilig, Ed Hiler, and Steve Pickett.
Lauri Goldston is nominated to be a Deacon. Lauri and her husband Steve have been married for 42 years, and she has adorable grandchildren. Lauri’s most meaningful experience with St. Andrew is being a part of the prayer team. The special bonds made through praying for one another and our congregation as well as being a part of Stephen Ministry. As a Deacon, Lauri hopes that God will use me to serve our church and our community in an intentional way and that I can honor him in my service.
Brenda Crawford is nominated to be a Deacon. Brenda is blessed to have 2 wonderful sons who also live in Denton. St. Andrew Presbyterian Church has a special place in my heart because my husband and I attended church at St. Andrew when we were students at UNT. When we decided to move to Denton after 58 years of marriage, we looked forward to becoming members of the St. Andrew congregation. Then my husband passed away suddenly after we had been members for only a short time. The St. Andrew congregation surrounded me and my sons with comfort and love for which I will always be grateful. As a Deacon, Brenda hopes to help care for the members of St. Andrew's congregation and to continue to support the good missions the congregation supports in our community and the wider missions of Presbyterian Church USA.
Jim White is nominated to fill a two-year unexpired term as Deacon. Jim is married to Joyce. Jim’s meaningful experiences at St. Andrew include being a Confirmand Mentor twice; Facilities Manager for approx. 17 yrs; and facilitator of weekly Men’s Bible study group. Jim hopes each member of the Diaconate is an active attendee and participant. If so, significant positive results will occur.
Karen Dower is nominated to be a Ruling Elder. Karen is married to Bill and they have three children - Bill, Jenn and Lauren. I am blessed with six precious grandchildren that live all over the world. Karen has had many amazing experiences during the thirty years as a member at St. Andrew, but Stephen Ministry has been an incredible group of caring people. As a Ruling Elder, Karen looks forward to the visioning process as we move forward here at St. Andrew!
Kirsten Brown is nominated to be a Ruling Elder. Kirsten and her partner Ron Harris have been members at St. Andrew for many years (although, Ron would like to point out that he joined St. Andrew a year before I became a member). Of the many meaningful experiences that Kirsten has had at St. Andrew, this past year’s Fall Festival of Faith shines bright in my memory. The time spent learning from and making music with Dr. Phillip Shoultz, fellow Chancel Choir members, and UNT students continues to uplift me and enrich my spiritual formation. I also cherish the time I spend with my church family at Theology on Tap, sharing fellowship and growing in my understanding of God’s love. Kirsten is humbled and honored to be nominated to serve St. Andrew as a Ruling Elder, and I look forward to continuing to serve this congregation wherever there is a need.
Sara Armstrong is nominated to be a Ruling Elder. Sara is married to Everett and has three children--Sophia, Ella, Rett. St. Andrew has been the foundation of Sara’s spiritual life: she was baptized here as an infant, participated in many activities as a youth, returned as an adult to be married, and now raise my own children within the church. As a Ruling Elder, Sara is ready to serve and participate in a new way as a ruling elder. I hope to discover what God desires in me and to have the possibility of new understandings in my faith. Learning and participating with the other leaders will broaden my understanding of the church and I hope to gain a deeper appreciation of how decisions are made for the good of the congregation.
Caia McCullar is nominated to be a Deacon. Caia is married to David McCullar and enjoys being aunt to five nephews, four nieces-in-law, and great aunt to four great nephews and one great niece.
Caia counts the wonderful music and exciting worship services among the most meaningful experiences at St. Andrew, along with her work in the Stephen Ministry program. One of the most joyful times during worship is the inspirational and powerful singing of hymns by the congregation.
As a Deacon, Caia’s desire is that God will provide strength, energy, and opportunities to be a kingdom servant through the ministries of the church.
David McCullar is nominated to be a Ruling Elder. David is married to Caia McCullar and is uncle to five nephews, four nieces-in-law, and great uncle to four great nephews and one great niece.
He enjoys being a part of the Stephen Ministry team and serving as a member of the Worship and Music Committee. Among his richest experiences at St. Andrew include creative and meaningful worship, excellent music, and intergenerational participation by all age groups, along with the caring and inclusive nature of the church membership.
It is truly an honor and privilege to be asked to serve as a Ruling Elder as important decisions are made with vision and wisdom that further the calling and mission of St. Andrew.
Steve Danbom is nominated to be a Deacon. Steve is married to Susan, and has two children. Moving to Denton from Houston in 2016 was in response to a direct request from our daughter-in-law, Alisha. I am glad she asked us as this makes Susan and me one driving-day closer to our daughter, Shannon, in Kansas City and only 10 minutes from our son, Scott. In addition, this has made us quite close to Susan’s sister and family in Dallas, and, until last year, her mother, Twila. For Steve, music has been a hobby for me for the fifty plus years I have been a member of the PCUSA. It goes without saying that the worship music of St. Andrew is astounding and spiritually fulfilling. After serving as a Ruling Elder six times for five congregations, Steve looks forward to continuing to serve this congregation as a Deacon in whatever way our Lord chooses.
Ed Hiler is nominated to be a Ruling Elder. Ed has been married to Arminta since August 12, 2023, and has sons, Scott and Richard and families, and children of daughter, Karen (deceased).
Some of Ed’s meaningful times at St. Andrew include: being with Pastor Richard at wife Pat’s passing; Ed’s marriage to Arminta; Men’s Group; Stephen Ministers; Theology on Tap; Pastors’ Class, and church services. As a Ruling Elder, Ed hopes to provide positive leadership for others in the Church and beyond.
Sylvia Hobdy is nominated to be a Deacon. Sylvia’s family originally settled in Missouri in a small town of Sedalia, where I grew up. My husband Jim’s family also lived for some years there, and that’s how I met him, only 52 years later. It was truly love at first sight for me, and we have been thoroughly blessed since. Sylvia’s most meaningful experience at St Andrew has been my involvement with Presbyterian Women, a place of gathering for truly dedicated, inspiring, and loving workers for the glory of God. Each woman has been pivotal in some way of my joy, growth and love.
Sylvia hopes that as a Deacon she can further serve and explore ways to help and embrace our church membership.
Lynda Schupp is nominated to be a Deacon. Linda feels like St. Andrew is the church my life has been leading me toward. I love the worship including liturgy and music and especially the focus on God. And my new church family is like none other. My most significant memories so far are being commissioned as a Stephen Minister and Stephen Leader. As a Deacon, Linda hopes to continue to love and serve God, by living and serving God’s people.
Teresa Golden is also nominated to be Deacon.
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