This Sunday, at our Annual Meeting, Trinity will review the nominees for Elder and Deacon.
Elders exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and together (as a Session) have responsibilities for the life of the congregation. The office of Deacon is set forth in Scripture as one of compassion, witness and service after the example of Jesus Christ. It is a ministry of caring, a ministry of love, a ministry of compassion and a ministry of prayer. Trinity is glad to be reinstating the office of deacon this year. The 2016 Trinity Nominating Team brings the following nominees to the congregation for election as Deacons and Elders at Trinity.
Elder Nominees
Charlene Coates
You may recognize Char as a regular greeter at Trinity with her husband, Bob. They have attended for 14 years alongside their three chidlren, seven grandchildren, and great grand son.
With an undergraduate degree from Whitman College in Psychology/Sociology, and graduate work in Child Psychology and Education at UW and UPS, Char's vocational background includes work as a caseworker for DSHS, an elementary teacher, and a librarian. She has often volunteered in church, schools, and the community.
"I love Trinity, 'the church with heart!' I feel very blessed to have been led here 14 years ago, and have received so much; now, I would like to give back to Trinity during this important time in the life of the church."
Peter Elling
Peter and his wife, Kari Ann, have attended Trinity since moving to Tacoma in 2008. Both have come to love the city and the church they call home, and look forward to bringing their daughter, Svea, up in such a real, authentic community. Peter and Kari Ann hail from the mid-west, love being out of doors, and are well schooled in the culinary field of church potlucks.
"I am most excited for the opportunity to be a part of Session at Trinity to put service and faith together in a way that has not yet been available to me. For faith to be an integral part of service, in a community I am deeply invested in, means a great deal to me."
Mark Hillis
Mark has been a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church for the last 25 years. He and his wife, Cheryl, have been married for over 30 years. Together, Mark and Cheryl have 4 boys: JD, Cory, Chase, and Matthew, and a dog named Maia. An self-described "wannabe engineer," Mark has enjoyed his time as a part of the Trinity family.
"I've had the pleasure to watch Trinity go through a variety of changes. What's always seemed to be true and consistent is Trinity's commitment to the poor -- which, in my opinion, is the heart of the gospel."
Deacon Nominees
Bev Hatter
Bev has been a part of the Trinity community since 2000, holding roles from Elder, to participating in governence, to serving as a first grade Sunday School teacher. Bev retired from MultiCare, where she worked with Hospice, Pediatric Palliative Care, Grief and Loss services, and founded BRIDGES: A Center for Grieving Children. Widowed as a young mother, Bev has a heart for people of all ages who are going through loss.
"I love how Trinity is an outward focused body. But I also know, from my years as a social worker, that we need to care for the caregiver too. That balance act is complex and creative. I would like to be apart of a group that cares for Trinity, its members, pastor and staff."
Suzi Entwistle
Suzi grew up in the San Juan Islands and spent her high school years in Snohomish. She attended Seattle Pacific Univesrity for a year, and finished up at Western with her degree in Human Services. After a few years in Americorps, she returned to continue working in social work and attend Seattle University for a Masters in Pastoral studies. Who knew that Tacoma held her "destiny," where she met her husband Zach. Together, they have 2 energetic boys and are grateful to live is such a wonderful community.
"From the time I came to Trinity (2001), I felt like I had found a home. I have always appreciated how genuine the people are at Trinity. I appreciate our willingness to grow together and share our joys together. I am interested in being a Deacon because I feel a need to provide a more intentional way of coming alongside each other in the midst of our messes. God know we've all got messes."
Ruth Tiger
Ruth was raised in Eugene OR, daughter of a Lutheran minster and a teacher. She married her high school sweetheart, Alan, and they put each other through college and grade school. They now have 2 children and 3 grandchildren. Ruth was a speech-language pathologist, a special education administrator, and currently, the principal of a new Early Learning Center. Ruth and Alan settled in Tacoma in 1988, and started attending Trinity in 1992. She has served in many capacities over the years, especially regarding worship.
"I feel called to take this next step and minister to those who are hurting, grieving, and dealing with difficult life circumstances through prayer and presence."