What do you enjoy most about your ministry: I love meeting with people one on one to be an encourager as they grow in God's grace and find God's purpose for their lives. It is amazing to see the transformation that happens when people have a deep relationship with Jesus Christ!

Favorite quote: "Faith is a place of mystery, where we find the courage to believe in what we cannot see and the strength to let go of our fear of uncertainty." -- Brene Brown, "Gifts of Imperfection."

Top three books/podcasts: I am a voracious reader and there are too many to list, so I will share my current favorite podcasts: "The Bible Project," "Unlocking Us" and "Daring to Lead" by Brene Brown. This was really hard to choose!

Preferred genre of music: Oh, another hard choice. I have eclectic taste in music from Christian music, pop and some country. Pop Christian right now and especially Lauren Daigle, who really speaks to me.

Hobbies/volunteering/other careers: I am blessed to coach other pastors in the conference on Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.

What I enjoy most about my ministry: The kids! I love seeing young people questioning and learning about the Bible and their faith.

Favorite quote: That's a hard one. I'd like to get really deep here but one thing my mother always said that I seem to remember a lot is "It is what it is." That has always helped me be more accepting of things in my life.

Top three books: Oh, but there are so many to choose from! Of course, the easy answer is the Bible because of all the wonderful stories. Other personal favorites include: "The Hobbit," "Lord of the Rings" and "I and Thou." So, clearly I enjoy good fiction but have a deeper side, too.

Preferred genre of music: I love music! Especially jazz and classic rock.

Hobbies/volunteering/other careers: Outside of church I keep busy reading, geocaching and munzeeing, crafting, and I love a good puzzle. I haven't had a career outside the church in more than 20 years but I do substitute teach for Columbia Public Schools--that is more an act of kindness than a job.

What I enjoy most about my ministry: This is literally my dream job. I love designing worship, directing the choir, helping lead services and working behind the scenes. I'm also serving in communication and membership.

Favorite quote: "This, too, shall pass."

Top three books/podcasts: "The Wisdom of the Enneagram," "How to Win Friends and Influence People," and the Harry Potter series.

Preferred genre of music: Since I have spent the last several years immersing myself in contemporary Christian music, I would say that's my favorite. I also like choral arrangements of spirituals.

Hobbies/volunteering/other careers: I spend most of my free time working out, walking with friends, and hanging out at home with my husband and twins. I also teach piano to beginning through early intermediate students.

What do you enjoy most about your ministry: Helping those who stop by the church office with a question or who need assistance planning a meeting or event.

Favorite quote: "We do not remember days...we remember moments."

Top three books/podcasts: Favorite children's book -- "Charlotte's Web," favorite classic novel -- "To Kill a Mockingbird," last great read -- "A Gentleman in Moscow."

Preferred genre of music: country/country rock

Hobbies/volunteering/other careers: I'm a Certified Tourism Ambassador which gives me the chance to talk about Columbia's restaurants, shopping, festivals, etc. I actively follow most Mizzou sports and also serve on the board for the Boone County Chapter of the Mizzou Alumni Association.