Tell us about yourself and your work. Where are you located? What do you do with your time? Do you have any hobbies?
I am a recovering investment banker turned non-profit executive that gave it all up to have children later in life. We live in Incline Village, Nevada – a small community at Lake Tahoe on the California border. We love the community (five minutes from skiing and boating) along with the eclectic people that live here: entrepreneurs selling companies, retirees enjoying the outdoor lifestyle, and young Europeans getting a college degree while enjoying being part of a ski team.
Much of my time is spent with my children and serving my community. I sit on boards or use my knowledge of the non-profit sector to assist many small non-profits from fundraising to internal organization. My children attend a Spanish immersion school and I spend one day a week volunteering in the classroom and sharpening my Spanish language and assisting the amazing teachers. I also volunteer with my daughter’s ski team and find it rewarding to watch my children flourish on the mountain and develop a lifelong love of skiing and the outdoors.
Hobbies are skiing, hiking and reading. I am an avid reader and attending monthly book club meetings is a wonderful way to spend adult time.
How did you come to or find the Episcopal Church?
My husband was raised Lutheran and I was a serious evangelical Baptist but through the years I strayed away from the Baptist religion after college and my husband hadn’t been to church since he was in high school. It took a little convincing, but my husband agreed to be married in the Episcopal Church then we both agreed it was time to get back to our Christian roots, especially after having children. We have enjoyed our reunion with Christianity and I am so thankful that I married a man that shared my love of spirituality and God.
What does it mean to be an evangelist?
An evangelist is someone that wants to share the love they have for Jesus with others. I have always been a social person and I enjoy bringing like-minded folks together to celebrate. God and church have given me the tools to make this a passion and I find myself being the shepherd of young families in our community.
Have you registered for Evangelism Matters 2018? Learn more here.
What do you want the whole Church to know about evangelism?
How being an example is not always enough. We need to share our love of God in any way it makes sense in our world, but sharing is important as many folks are seeking a relationship with God and we can be light to guide the way. We do not need to know all answers – that is an important point, we only need to share our love of God.
Where do you see Jesus in your daily life and work?
I see Jesus through my children. I love to see them talk about God, Jesus, and our church. The light that shines through them will always be my reminder of the power and grace of God.
Evangelism catalysts, invited by their bishops, will meet the day before Evangelism Matters 2018 – March 14, 2018 – to learn from and network with other evangelists from across the Episcopal Church. Interested in joining? Contact your bishop’s office!