Emmaus Community Leader

What is your favorite bible verse? “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

What do you like about BCUMC? The people of Bee Creek UMC. All shine the light of Christ and the love of community.

What are you passionate about? First, faith, family, relationships and helping people. Then, bicycle riding, boating, and electronics.

Bee Creek UMC is a community where imperfect people are transformed by the perfect love of God and change the world together. What does our mission mean to you? A key word here is community. This mission shines the light on people helping each other by caring and giving love to one another as Christ would do for us.

Board Member, Admin Volunteer

What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you? Give yourself grace.

What is your favorite bible verse? “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion), And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]?” (Micah 6:8 AMP).

What makes you smile? A child’s laugh

Bee Creek UMC is a community where imperfect people are transformed by the perfect love of God and change the world together. What does our mission mean to you? I make a lot of mistakes and God can work through me to show His love.

Prayer Chain Leader

What is your favorite bible verse? “We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 CEB).

What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you? Don’t let anyone else be the ‘mirror’ for you to see your worth; look to the Lord and see it in Him.

What is a fact that most people don’t know about you? I spent some of my summers as a kid living in Iran and Saudi Arabia!

Bee Creek UMC is a community where imperfect people are transformed by the perfect love of God and change the world together. What does our mission mean to you? I discovered Bee Creek UMC by accident one afternoon as I was driving down Highway 71 and happened to notice the unmistakable United Methodist sign (actually, I’m pretty sure it was the Lord who told me to ‘look over there!’). I attended the next Sunday with my sweet daughters, and I just didn’t want to leave. At that time, I was in the middle of one of my life’s perfect storms, but was sure this would become my new church home. In the past 12 years at Bee Creek UMC, I have experienced an amazing amount of spiritual renewal and growth, discovered a loving, generous community, and found a strong purpose in involvement — all this as a personal reflection of the mission to transform imperfect people by the perfect love of God.

Adult Small Group Leader

What do you like about BCUMC/Bee Loved? Both Natalie and Shelby grew up in Bee Loved. Their teachers were so warm and loving. The name Bee Loved is very appropriate.

What makes you smile? I look forward to the smiles I give and receive every Sunday morning from across the sanctuary. One smile gets contagious, and the entire congregation spreads the joy.

Bee Creek UMC is a community where imperfect people are transformed by the perfect love of God and change the world together. What does our mission mean to you? I’ve always been comforted by the “imperfect” part. That immediately made me feel welcome at Bee Creek. The other phrase that really rings true is that we are transformed and change the world together. We are not alone in this journey, and we are so much more effective and powerful when we pull together to serve God.

Women’s Ministry Leader

• What is your favorite bible verse?
• “I will lift up my eyes to the hills —
• From whence comes my help?
• My help comes from the Lord
• Who made heaven and earth.
• He will not allow your foot to be moved;
• He who keeps you will not slumber,
• Behold, He who keeps Israel
• Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
• The Lord is your keeper;
• The Lord is your shade at your right hand.
• The sun shall not strike you by day,
• Nor the moon by night.
• The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
• He shall preserve your soul.
• The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
• From this time forth, and even forevermore” (Psalm 121 NJKV).

What makes you smile? Children — their beautiful spirits — genuine joy, sincerity and authenticity in experiencing life — from their very beginning.

What are you passionate about? I am passionate about helping people develop good physical and mental health in both caring for themselves and caring for others.

Board Member, Men’s Ministry Leader

What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you? My dad introducing me to the sport of golf and all of its unspoken lessons. And providing me with a strong example, without overdoing the advice thing.

What is your favorite bible verse? A tough one to single out. However, one of my favorites, that I used in my dad’s eulogy, is James 1:22-25. “Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like. But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God — the free life! — even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action.”

What makes you smile? Our 8 Austin grandkids ages 6-13. Crack me up, particularly when we get them without their parents around.

Design and Strategy

What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you? I don’t know if it’s truly the best piece of advice, but my dad told me “It’s better to be thought a fool then to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”

Name a role model who has inspired you in your career and why. My grandpa Lester Rabe was an Iowa farmer and didn’t go to school past the eighth grade, but he was one of the smartest, kindest, funniest, and hardworking people I have ever met. He never had anything bad to say about anyone. I watched him help his neighbors every day.

What makes you smile? Without fail dogs and puppies, hiking with friends and family, spending time with Laura and our daughters, swimming, wildflowers, the mountains.

Bee Creek UMC is a community where imperfect people are transformed by the perfect love of God and change the world together. What does our mission mean to you? We don’t need to be perfect to be loved. We all need to help each other with humility and kindness.

Treasurer

What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you? God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Being an engineer, a program manager, and a military officer, there is a high propensity to want to be in charge and fix everything! Unfortunately, it is impossible to find solutions for all issues — and many issues are not in my purview. Learning boundaries is difficult but very important, especially for me.

What are you passionate about? I am passionate about helping people. I did not know I had this passion until I opened a center for Veterans and had to appreciate social work. What an excellent learning experience this was and still is!

Share three words that your close friends would use to describe you. Detail oriented: Paul will identify all of the details and facts, examine cost and material options to recommend best value solutions. Dedicated: When Paul joins a program, you can expect him to dedicate time and energy to help with the success of the program or task. Compassionate: Paul always considers the human element on every situation. All efforts should encompass human elements and thoughtful consideration. When emotions, culture, and backgrounds are incorporated into conversations, good results will happen.

Board Member, Admin Volunteer

What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you? Let go and let God — stop worrying! I tend to try to solve unsolvable problems and try to tell God what I believe is the direction to go. God’s will is always much better than mine. When I give it to God and have that faith, it brings me so much comfort to know he is carrying that burden and my worry does nothing to help.

What do you like about BCUMC? We passed the sign for BCUMC along Bee Creek back in 2013. When I went to the website and saw the mission statement, I wanted to come check this church out. From that first visit back in 2013, when we were actually still living in Dallas, I have loved this sweet little church. The welcoming and kind people, the messages of hope and the amazing things that are being done for the community here and beyond are a few of the reasons this church means so much to me.

What is your favorite bible verse? “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV).

Board Member, Hospitality

What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you? I have been surrounded by people with great advice so it’s hard to say. Maybe it’s “surround yourself with great advisors!”

Name a role model who has inspired you in your career and why. My best friend Melissa is a retired nonprofit professional, and as an executive director (and a friend) she just does what needs doing. Just enough thought, but mostly action. She never assumes she can’t and figures that if others are out there doing the work, then she can too. I try to adopt that approach with ministry and work. Less talk, more action.

What makes you smile? Hummingbirds for sure. Grandkids, my husband, delicious food, and a warm day with a cool breeze.

Bee Creek UMC is a community where imperfect people are transformed by the perfect love of God and change the world together. What does our mission mean to you? It means we’re not here about the fancy, or appearances at all. We are looking for the change that the world needs, and that Christ modeled and being his instrument to do real meaningful things. And thankfully, anyone can be that instrument — especially the imperfect, since that is a) everyone b) the most powerful witness to God’s ability to use and transform. Stammering Moses, Zaccheus the tax collector, Saul, the prostitute Rahab — all imperfect but open to Christ and able to be transformed into a child of God.

Pastoral Care

Name a role model who has inspired you in your career and why. My mother who was very respected and successful at work, everyone called her Momma Crow. She was respected and honored by Senators, Governors and Lieutenant Governors for her dedication and abilities. She was as nice to the Governor as she was to the janitors. She never met a stranger.

What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you? Advice from a second mother! The advice from my Mom’s friend, which I considered my second mother, was to marry Richard. And never go to bed mad! And we never have in 43 years.

What are you passionate about? Making friends and caring for and about people.

Share three words that your close friends would use to describe you. Caring, understanding, and talkative.

Bee Creek UMC is a community where imperfect people are transformed by the perfect love of God and change the world together. What does our mission mean to you? We love everyone that comes through our doors. We love everyone outside of our doors too. And we all work together to change this world.

Lay Leader, Certified Lay Minister

What do you like about BCUMC? It is hard to describe an atmosphere or feeling. With BCUMC however, you can sense the atmosphere of dedication to the teaching of Jesus to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” At BCUMC you can sense the feelings of care and love not just for those inside the building but those outside as well. That translates into a commitment to service and to helping those that require understanding, companionship, food, or school supplies.

What is your favorite bible verse? “He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

What are you passionate about? Justice for those less fortunate.

What is a fact that most people don’t know about you? I was raised on a family farm in Idaho.

Board Chair

What do you like about BCUMC? What I love most about BCUMC is the sense of belonging I feel when I’m there. Every time I walk through those doors, it’s like coming home to family — where kindness, inclusion, and warmth are always waiting. The community is so genuine and caring; we share our joys, support each other through challenges, and grow together in faith. BCUMC has seen me through some of the very hardest times in my life. This is a group of people who embrace the messiness of life and lean in to support people. There’s this beautiful spirit of togetherness, and no matter what, I always feel seen and loved.

What is your favorite bible verse? Oh my goodness, I have to pick just one favorite?! This is the one that is on repeat right now: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Name a role model who has inspired you in your career and why. My dad has always been my greatest role model in my career and my life. Growing up, I watched him navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship with resilience, wisdom, a deep sense of integrity, and some very well-timed humor. He taught me the importance of hard work, but also the value of treating people with kindness and building lasting relationships. He really has a knack for lightening the mood and bringing people together, using humor and kindness to connect with people. These lessons have served me well in business and in life.

Master Gardener

Share three words that your close friends would use to describe you. While I hope they would include words like kind, respectful, friend and honest, they are more likely to say garden, dogs, and scattered.

What makes you smile? Happiness makes me smile. When I see or feel happiness in others or personally, I have to smile.

What is your favorite Bible verse? “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:27). There are so many favorites when it comes to verses in the Bible. Every time I read, I seem to have a new favorite, but John 14:27 has had a deep influence on my life in recent years. It has guided me thru sorrow, trials, needs, and so much more. It has been my promise of strength, worthiness, grace, and peace.

What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you? Always treat others with respect and never ask anyone to do something that you would not be willing to do yourself.

Bee Creek UMC is a community where imperfect people are transformed by the perfect love of God and change the world together. What does our mission mean to you? We are all sinners, but by leaning on and helping each other to follow the ways of Christ we can do our best and offer and invite that same faith and grace to all we come in contact with. We lead by example not words or judgement, offering a hand up to those in need.

Board Vice-Chair, Stephen Ministry Leader

Name a role model who has inspired you in your career and why. There are many supervisors who have changed my life. Sometimes, I tried to model myself after them. Others, I tried to change to not be like them.

What are you passionate about? Just about everything: religion, traveling, music, tennis, skiing, fishing, bird hunting and trees.

Share three words that your close friends would use to describe you. I hope it would be funny, mischievous, and interesting.

What makes you smile? Eye contact with people that result in meaningful conversations.

Bee Creek UMC is a community where imperfect people are transformed by the perfect love of God and change the world together. What does our mission mean to you? We are ordinary people, like the disciples, who through the love of God can make this community closer to being heaven on earth.

Women’s Ministry Leader, Admin Volunteer

What is a fact that most people don’t know about you? Most people that know me think that I am an extrovert. I am actually an introvert that fakes it well.

What are you passionate about? I am passionate about my dog, grandkids, fishing, crafting, shelling, and traveling with Jay in our R.V.

What makes you smile? Sunsets, flowers, watching people, unexpected things, rain, teaching someone something new, being with friends.

Bee Creek UMC is a community where imperfect people are transformed by the perfect love of God and change the world together. What does our mission mean to you? No matter where you come from, who you are or used to be, what you did or did not do, you can come to this church and be part of something bigger. You are accepted and loved unconditionally.

Board Member

What is your favorite bible verse? Golden Rule Luke 6:31 “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” I remember my mother always reinforcing this in our childhood, and I believe it captures in the most simple manner God’s message of love to us. It is always on my mind.

What is a fact that most people don’t know about you? My younger sister and I are grateful to have been adopted as babies by our wonderful parents through the Homes of St. Mark in Houston, Texas, which is now a part of the Presbyterian Children’s Homes & Services.

Share three words that your close friends would use to describe you. I would hope any set of three words could at least include sincere, loyal, and inclusive.

Bee Creek UMC is a community where imperfect people are transformed by the perfect love of God and change the world together. What does our mission mean to you? The mission statement was evident to me and our family before ever seeing it in print. We joined because it is a positive and faithful congregation that accepts its members for their beliefs in Jesus, which is the common ground that matters in our community. And we are not afraid to share this outside of our community as well!

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Share three words that your close friends would use to describe you. Social, caring, and creative (I asked a couple of friends).

What is your favorite bible verse? “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

What makes you smile? Positive people with positive conversations.

Bee Creek UMC is a community where imperfect people are transformed by the perfect love of God and change the world together. What does our mission mean to you? We are all flawed, improved by faith and help others.