Who's Who at AC3--Chad Dodds

In our mission to be a safe church for seekers, we sometimes hear those attending say that they don't know who someone is. We want you to get to know the faces you see around AC3. We are starting with the Triad, and last time we introduced you to Braeden Crain. Next up, we have Chad Dodds, one of our AC3 Board members.

Questions: Spiritually-minded

• How I clear my mind after a challenging day:

Loud, very loud music on the drive home, typically rock or metal; I try to get the frustrations out and leave the problems behind me. I also try to stop and workout on the way home, which works even better! On the drive in, I usually listen to worship music to charge me up for the day.

•  Advice to a person of faith dealing with a broken relationship with their church:

My advice here is to do what I say and not what I do! I left my childhood church and didn’t go back to church regularly for 20 years. I knew something was missing from my life and so we went searching. We were very fortunate to find AC3! We love it. My advice would be to attempt reconciliation, but then don’t hold a grudge against God or all Christians based on the fallen people of one church.

• When I declared I was going to walk along with God, instead of away from him:

As soon as I saw the profound, positive changes he was working throughout my family very shortly after we opened our hearts to him.

• Change I’d like to see among Christians today:

Chad and wife of almost 19 years, Jaime

Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Matthew 7:3 (NASB). I am guilty of this, judgmentalism, and a few other things. I find it far more valuable to try focusing on my own issues instead of complaining about or judging others for their own flaws.

• Moment I saw significant change in my servant life:

Right around the same time God pointed out my own flaws for me! (See the previous answer.) I had never wanted to volunteer for anything, even when I was in the military and it was highly encouraged. I was always too self-centered to spend my time worrying about others. Now, I enjoy serving others, mostly in the background, and just wish I had more time to do so (maybe after school ends!).

• How I found my way to AC3:

Google! I’m not even joking. We searched and created a list of churches and were going to start shopping until we found one we liked. AC3 was at the top of the list and we loved it right away, we never even visited church #2 on the list.

• Advice I’d give to Younger Me:

You have a lot to learn, you do not know everything; don’t pretend that you do.

• Gifting I most admire:

Compassion and Mercy

• Favorite serving experience: 

First Fruits Farm! I miss going there on Saturday mornings. It sounds weird and smells even weirder, but the smell of compost in the morning can be very therapeutic after a tough work week. It always put me into a better frame of mind for the rest of the weekend.

• What I tell others about serving:

YOU will gain more from serving than you will ever be able to share with others.

Questions: Secular-minded

• If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Ribeye steak and baked potato, mmmmm...

• There is a zombie apocalypse...What is your weapon of choice?

A huge double-bladed ax! Zombies aren’t so tough without their heads or limbs.

• What is your dream vacation?

Any place that does not require work or allow me to receive messages from work. Sun, water, and maybe a beach are bonuses. I would also sign up for historical sites where I can see or learn from something ancient, but I don’t want to be on the run the entire time. Oh, and I need at least a week of vacation to mentally disconnect from work before the real vacation starts. Where do I sign up?

• You have a day with NOTHING planned and no responsibilities! What do you do? 

Hang out with friends, grill or smoke some meat to enjoy, maybe watch a movie or two.

• What is the last thing you binge-watched? 

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. I’m only about halfway through Season 5, no spoilers. 

• Morning person or night owl? 

Night owl, but I have trouble sleeping in past 7:00 AM most days now so that may be changing.

• What is your favorite sport to watch? Team to follow?

Pool. I like Efren “Bata” Reyes, The Magician, Shane Van Boening, Earl Strickland for the drama, and a guy I played against named Brandon Shuff. I don’t watch a ton of professional sports, but I have liked hockey (Capitals) for a long time. I am a fairly new football fan; I only became interested after we moved to Seattle in 2010 and got pulled in by the 12s. They are contagious!

• You can only listen to the same song OR watch the same movie for the rest of your life. What do you choose? 

That sounds dreadful! One song? I don’t even get to pick a band? I feel like I’m getting better value from a 90+ movie vs. a 4-minute song so I’ll pick The Matrix.

• What are your top 3 hobbies?

Pool, video games, and just about anything technical (spreadsheets count, right Dan?).

Chad, wife Jaime, daughters Hannah, Courtney, and Amelia

• Marvel or DC?

Marvel. No doubt.

• Favorite season? Why?

Spring. It’s like the rope that someone throws you to pull you out of the cold, wet, dark winter slush.

• Beach or Mountains? Why?

Beach! You don’t have to climb a beach.

Best advice I’ve ever gotten:

Don’t eat yellow snow.

• Something that your mother/father said to you when you were little that you now say to your kids (or did when they were younger.)

Close the window/door! I’m not paying to heat/cool the entire neighborhood!

Who's Who at AC3-Braeden Crain

In our mission to be a safe church for seekers, we sometimes hear those attending say that they don't know who someone is. We want you to get to know the faces you see around AC3. We are starting with the Triad, and last time we introduced you to Rick Thiessen. Next up, we have Braeden Crain, our Youth Director.

Questions: Spiritually-minded

• How I clear my mind after a challenging day:

If you had asked me a year ago my answer would be different… I would never have had imagined myself saying this but these days I clear my mind best when I go for a run. A good 3 mile run gets my mind straightened out usually. 

•  Advice to a person of faith dealing with a broken relationship with their church:

Don’t give up. People are broken, the church is not perfect and people hurt people. But don’t give up on Christ’s bride. Be a peacemaker and seek out resolution and restitution. Find a trusted friend to walk the path with you and a mentor to guide you through it. 

Braeden and her husband, Brandon

• When I declared I was going to walk along with God, instead of away from him:

I was seven years old, sitting next to my dad in church. I have a Bible that I wrote down my commitment to him. Pretty cool to be able to look back on that and see the faith I had as a young child. Helps me remember what my faith should look like today. 

• Change I’d like to see among Christians today:

Oh gosh, let's not go down that rabbit trail. There will always be things we need to change. We will never be perfect. Each person has their own journey and their own struggles. I don’t know that I could name one single thing that needs to change for “all Christians”. 

• Moment I saw significant change in my servant life:

My first global leadership summit I ever attended I heard a women speak who completely changed the way I look at service. Mother Maggie was her name. It’s hard to describe the impact she had on me, if you weren’t there. I don’t know if you’ve ever been in the presence of someone who radiates Christ… When she walked up to speak the whole room was silent and you could just feel it… I felt like it would be similar to being in the room with Mother Teresa. Anyways after she was done speaking I came away thinking “With all that Jesus has done for me, why would I not give him every ounce of everything I have? Every minute, every ounce of energy, every dollar, why would I not give it to him?” And since then that has been my motto. 

• How I found my way to AC3:

My family was looking for a church, and my mom new some of the founding members from Smokey Point Community Church. She actually played basketball with Rick on the weeknights. Anyways we found them when they were meeting at the hotel (before the school years) and we fell in love and never left. Now AC3 is my family. 

• Advice I’d give to Younger Me:

Relax. And try not to get diabetes

• Gifting I most admire:

Humble and gentle leadership.

• Favorite serving experience: 

I love Love LOVE serving in all the areas I currently serve. But probably my favorite experience ever was doing lights and building sets for some of our bigger shows like Imagine Christmas. It was just an absolute blast.

• What I tell others about serving:

I don’t know that I tell people things… but I guess if someone were to ask me “hey, tell me about serving” I’d say something like…: Serving requires a constant examination of your heart and motives. If you can get that in the right place and serve for the right reasons, you will grow more in your walk with Christ then you ever would just sitting in a chair listening to a sermon. (No offense to the awesome people who teach sermons…)

• 3 disciplines/habits that keep me connected to community:

Accountability with my small group/mentor, serving in the church, attending weekly services. The last one seems like a given but honestly if I don’t show up on the weekends when everyone else is here, I disconnect very quickly.

• 3 disciplines/habits that keep me connected to God: 

Prayer, Scripture study along with journaling, meeting consistently with a mentor


Questions: Secular-minded

• What book left a lasting impression on you?

Beautiful Outlaw. Very cool to be able to learn more about the personality of Jesus.

• If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Kraft thick and creamy mac and cheese… mmmm….

• There is a zombie apocalypse...What is your weapon of choice?

hm. Shot guns always seem to work well in those zombie shows.

• What is your dream vacation?

1 month, somewhere tropical, learning to surf!

• You have a day with NOTHING planned and no responsibilities! What do you do? 

Sit on my couch with my dog and do nothing. Or go to the beach.

• What is the last thing you binge-watched? 

Currently binge watching Hawaii five-o. I think I’m on season 5.

Braeden, husband Brandon, son Crosby, and daughter Charlie

• Morning person or night owl? 

Both

• What is your favorite sport to watch? Team to follow?

Football. Seahawks.

• You can only listen to the same song OR watch the same movie for the rest of your life. What do you choose? 

I boycott this question… I don’t want to choose…

• What are your top 3 hobbies?

Is being a mom a hobby? I feel like that counts as 3.
I like my dog, is that a hobby?
Or running… but that’s more just cause I wanna be healthy and not lose my toes due to necrosis.

Or maybe it's sarcasm. That’s it. Sarcasm’s my hobby. 

• Marvel or DC?

I don’t care… I love both types of movies. Why do I have to choose?

• Favorite season? Why?

Winter. Cause Christmas, duh.

• Beach or Mountains? Why?

Beach. I do love the mountains, the snow, the rivers, the lakes, the hiking. But the beach has my heart. The sand, the smell, the power of the waves. My soul is at peace when I’m there.

Who's Who at AC3-Rick Thiessen

In our mission to be a safe church for seekers, we sometimes hear those attending say that they don't know who someone is. We want you to get to know the faces you see around AC3. We are starting with the Triad, and last time we introduced you to Sarah Ade. Next up, we have Rick Thiessen, our Senior Pastor.

Questions: Spiritually-minded

• How I clear my mind after a challenging day:

I usually unwind on my Kindle, some games and recreational reading.

•  Advice to a person of faith dealing with a broken relationship with their church:

Don’t avoid the “Tunnel of Chaos”.  Broken relationships tend to stay broken because we live with a tolerable amount of awkwardness and pain that we suppress.  Moving past this means a temporary bump up in the pain and awkwardness as we approach rather than avoid the person, by committing to examine ourselves, and speak the hard truth in love.  So that’s the “tunnel”. But as we all know about tunnels, there’s light on the other side!

• Change I’d like to see among Christians today:

Reject the lure of pleasures and worries to live radically and sacrificially for Kingdom priorities now, not “someday”.

• How I found my way to AC3:

As a 27 year old youth pastor in Arlington, I was invited to be the senior pastor of AC3 by 2 courageous couples in Marysville (the Holland’s and Getty’s) who had already formed the core of a vision for a church for the unchurched.  It took me a while to say yes for many reasons, but AC3 has become my life’s work and God has blessed that risk we took over and over in hundreds of changed lives.

• Advice I’d give to Younger Me:

Your wife is always right!

• Gifting I most admire:

Mercy or Administration.  These people baffle me with their wizardry around people or details.  What kind of magic is this? Oh, right, the Holy Spirit!

• 3 disciplines/habits that keep me connected to community:

a. Commit to a small group. b. Get real in the small group or else it’ll die or grow stale c. See a & b

• 3 disciplines/habits that keep me connected to God: 

1. I prayer journal.  Besides a regular time of prayer on my knees in the morning, I write out prayers and significant dreams and spiritual musings a few times a week.  It helps both reveal and cement what the Holy Spirit is saying, doing or changing in me. 2. I read the Bible every morning when I walk the dog.  I’m reading the Old Testament thru this year. 3. I take a once a year (or so) spiritual retreat.  Usually three days, just me, my journal, a bible and a couple of books.

Questions: Secular-minded

• What book left a lasting impression on you?

I’m sorry to be so cliché, but it must be Lewis.  I’ll try to be slightly original and say that Problem of Pain probably outranks Mere Christianity in its formation on my thinking.  You know an author has had a lasting impression on you when you can’t tell which thoughts you read and which are yours.

• If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Rick, wife-Johnna, sons-Joren and Jaden,
daughters-in-law-Becca and Ariel

Pasta!

• There is a zombie apocalypse...What is your weapon of choice?

Does Fallout Shelter count as a weapon?

• Beach or Mountains? Why? 

Cannon Beach may be my favorite place on the planet (and I’ve been places!) so I’ll say beach.

• Favorite season? Why? 

Fall and Spring.  Temperate weather, and change.  I love change.

• What is your idea of a dream vacation? 

Being with my extended family for a week or two with nothing to do but joint outings, games, movies, great food and watching the grandkids (and great-grandkids) play together.

• You have a day with NOTHING planned and no responsibilities!     What do you do? 

First, marvel at the unique miracle that just occurred. 

Rick, wife-Johnna, daughters-Layla and Marley

• What is the last thing you binge-watched?

Lost in Space!  (The Netflix version – Robbie’s robot has changed!)

• Morning person or night owl? 

Yes, all that.

• What is your favorite sport to watch? Team to follow?

Sing it with me: Da… Hawks, Da Hawks, Da Hawks, Da Hawks, Da Hawks!

• You can only listen to the same song OR watch the same movie for the rest of your life. What do you choose?

I guess I choose a movie, and make it “Saving Private Ryan” because a 3 minute bit on repeat would get a lot older faster than a 2 ½ hour epic story.

• What are your top 3 hobbies? 

Basketball, Golf & my backyard

Who's Who at AC3-Sarah Ade

In our mission to be a safe church for seekers, we sometimes hear those attending say that they don't know who someone is. We want you to get to know the faces you see around AC3 . We are starting with the Triad, and last time we introduced you to Twila Crain. Next up, we have Sarah Ade, who is our Office Administrator and is involved with our Youth Ministry and on the Drama Team in addition to serving in other areas.

Questions: Spiritually-minded

• How I clear my mind after a challenging day:

Talk to God or talk to people, sometimes both.

• Advice to a person of faith dealing with a broken relationship with their church:

Don’t run away from it. The pain will just follow you wherever you go. The best thing you can do is to be the peacemaker, even if it’s not your fault, even if you really don’t want to, even if you really, REALLY don’t want to. If you do EVERYTHING you can to make it right, then either things will be made right, or you will have the higher ground and know that you did everything you could.

• Moment I saw significant change in my servant life:

I was reading through Hebrews (I LOVE Hebrews!) and I got to what many people call the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11). And as I was reading this list of people who were of great service to God I started to realize that they were just regular people. At the same time that I was reading through this, the church did a series called Step into the Story, and I was one of the actors. I played a variety of Old Testament characters, many of them mentioned in the Hall of Faith that I was reading through. It hit me like a ton of bricks, the biggest aha moment: God uses regular people to do extraordinary things, and I’m a regular person.

• How I found my way to AC3:

I came to AC3 during a season of hurt from a previous church. I was desperate for friendship and human connection. My brother already attended AC3 and I knew he liked his friends so I came here in an attempt to steal them away from him. (Plan worked, his friends are my friends now!)

• Advice I’d give to Younger Me:

Pay attention!

• Gifting I most admire:

Giving. I know we typically look at this gifting as mostly financial givers, but really they’re just people who say yes. I appreciate the confidence in that, the self-sacrifice in that, and the faith of it all is just kinda inspiring.

• What I tell others about serving:

Do it!

• 3 disciplines/habits that keep me connected to community:

Serving, intentionally inviting people – even when I’m feeling uninvited myself, and doing things you don’t want to do

• 3 disciplines/habits that keep me connected to God: 

Journaling my prayers, reading, not just my bible, but faith-inspired books too, and talking with my closest friends that hold me accountable to God’s plans.

Questions: Secular-minded

Sarah, her sister, Anna, and brother, Tim

• If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Carrot cake! (Carrots are a vegetable, raisins are a fruit, and walnuts are a protein source, it’s really a completely balanced meal if you think about it…)

• There is a zombie apocalypse...What is your weapon of choice?

Friendship.

• Marvel or DC? 

Yes. Wonder Woman is my favorite superhero, and she is DC, but overall I would probably prefer Marvel.

• Beach or Mountains? Why? 

Beaches. Because mountains just sound like so much work.

• Favorite season? Why? 

Season 3 of the second Dr Who series, because David Tennant and Catherine Tate. (Fall because I love the rain…)

• What is your idea of a dream vacation? 

Some place with a pool and shopping and in walking distance of tacos

• You have a day with NOTHING planned and no responsibilities!  What do you do? 

Eat cookie dough and watch TV.

• What is the last thing you binge-watched?

Probably ER or Grey’s Anatomy

• Morning person or night owl? 

Permanently exhausted pigeon.

• Best advice I’ve ever gotten:

Always pack extra socks and underwear.

Who's Who at AC3-Twila Crain

In our mission to be a safe church for seekers, we sometimes hear those attending say that they don't know who someone is. We want you to get to know the faces you see around AC3 . We are starting with the Triad, and last time we introduced you to Nate Crain. Next up, we have Twila Crain, who is one of our staff members highly involved with Kreek Kids, Seeds of Grace, and she has many other responsibilities around  AC3. 

Questions--Spiritually Minded

• How I clear my mind after a challenging day: 

Usually, eat too much and watch a few TV shows.

• Advice to a person of faith dealing with a broken relationship with their church: 

Don’t get mad, get busy. Get busy discovering your part in the brokenness and talking to those in the brokenness with you. Read an applicable book or two and seek wise counsel from those that can help fix or advise next steps for your specific situation.

• When I declared I was going to walk along with God, instead of away from him: 

I was about 5 years old. I remember walking down the aisle at the First Baptist Church in Colorado Springs. This historic church building is still being met in by believers today.

• Moment I saw significant change in my servant life: 

Probably when I created a personal mission statement; To live life fully, faithfully and fruitfully. That’s the shortened version.

Twila and her husband, Tracy

• How we found our way to AC3: 

An AC3er suggested we invite our sister-in-law, who was looking for a local church within 20 minutes from her home to check out AC3. We visited AC3 with her a few times, our kids loved it and we’ve been here ever since.

• Advice I’d give to Younger Me: 

There will always be someone smarter, richer, funnier, skinnier, prettier and more popular than you. Just be your true self, the one who God created you to be.

• Gifting I most admire: 

Those with a shepherding gift.

• What I tell others about serving:

Just do it. Don’t wait until you decide exactly what you want to do or you’ll miss the joy in the journey getting there.

• 3 disciplines/habits that keep me connected to community: 

Serving, attending services regularly, involved in small group and mentoring relationships.

• 3 disciplines/habits that keep me connected to God: 

Listening to or reading the Daily Bread devotional, listening to a variety of worship music and podcasts relating to issues I’m dealing with at the time.

Questions--Secular Minded

• What book left a lasting impression on you? 

When Helping Hurts

• Marvel or DC? 

I marvel over a lot of things and would love to visit DC😊

• Beach or Mountains? Why? 

Twila, Tracy, and (L-R) son Nate,

daughter-in-law Amanda, daughter-in-law Braeden,

son Brandon

Beach. Water and sun feed my soul.

• Favorite season? Why? 

Summer. The odds increase for warmer and sunny weather.

• You have a day with NOTHING planned and no responsibilities! What do you do? 

Watch TV, shop at thrift stores, drink coffee and each chocolate

• What is the last thing you binge-watched? 

Worst Cooks in America (yep, I know…)

• Morning person or night owl? 

Neither but my bent has been night owl over the years.

Who's Who at AC3-Nate Crain

In our mission to be a safe church for seekers, we sometimes hear those attending say that they don't know who someone is. We want you to get to know the faces you see around AC3 . We are starting with the Triad, and last time we introduced you to Dan Hazen. Next up, we have Nate Crain, one of our AC3 Board Members. 

Questions--Spiritually Minded

Nate and his wife, Amanda

• How I clear my mind after a challenging day:

Spending time with my best friend, my wife. 

• Change I’d like to see among Christians today: 

Be more real. Don’t be something you’re not.

• How I found my way to AC3:

My Dad knew someone at AC3 through a job and we were looking for a new church the summer after I graduated high school in 1998.

• Moment I saw significant change in my servant life: 

2009 when my first son Jonah was on the way.

• Advice I’d give to Younger Me: 

It’s not all about you.

• 3 disciplines/habits that keep me connected to community: 

Being involved in a marriage group and a men’s group.

• Gifting I most admire: 

Thinking before speaking.

• Favorite serving experience: 

Filming video blogs with Rick and Dan.

• What book left a lasting impression on you?

Radical and Crazy Love.

• 3 disciplines/habits that keep me connected to God: 

My morning chair time with God. 

Questions--Secular Minded

• What is your favorite sport to watch? Team to follow? 

Golf/Baseball. Mariners. 

• If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

A Ram Brewery hamburger.

Nate, his wife Amanda, and their sons, Luke and Jonah 

• Marvel or DC? 

Marvel

• What is your idea of a dream vacation? 

Amanda and I, no kids and location doesn’t matter.

• Beach or Mountains? Why?

Beach. Less bugs.

• Favorite season? Why? 

Summer. Better golfing conditions.

• What are your top 3 hobbies? 

Golf, Golf, and Golf.

• Morning person or night owl? 

If I have to choose....morning.

• You have a day with NOTHING planned and no responsibilities! 

What do you do? Golf.

• What is the last thing you binge-watched? 

The 100.

Who's Who at AC3--Dan Hazen

In our mission to be a safe church for seekers, we sometimes hear those attending say that they don't know who someone is. We want you to get to know the faces you see around AC3. We are starting with the Triad, and last time we introduced you to Scott Taylor. Next up, we have Dan Hazen, our Executive Pastor here at AC3!

Questions--Spiritually Minded

• How I clear my mind after a challenging day: 

Brenda calls it “talking to my plants”. I like to walk through the vegetable garden, pluck weeds, check on things, maybe pick some food for dinner…remember that the Creation still obeys God in the midst of crazy human turmoil. If it’s not garden season, then a walk or brain cleansing TV might do the trick.

• When I declared I was going to walk along with God, instead of away from him: 

Probably around the time Kellie, my oldest daughter, was born. Looking back on it, I felt I needed to be able to give her some guidance, and though I didn’t know who/what/if this God was, I was not going to quit until I got answers.

Dan and Brenda, his wife

• Change I’d like to see among Christians today: 

A commitment to move away from Imperial values and embrace Kingdom values. Chief among these would be selfishness vs. servanthood. The current empire (right/left, east/west, gay/straight, white/black, whatever) is built on the same value: self. Too many Christians have embraced self-expression, self-promotion and self-serving, but are convinced it’s o.k. because it’s been decorated with some Christian frills. I would love to see more Christians make significant lifestyle changes that reflect the three Loves: Love God by embracing spiritual disciplines, not just once a month church attendance. Love the church by really getting involved in service and in groups. Love the world by living differently, living simply so they have margin to share with open hearts and hands to engage with outsiders. 

• Moment I saw significant change in my servant life: 

When I was invited to be part of the church band, even though I was not a Christian yet, my hair was WAY too long for most church-folk, and I had a little bit of an attitude. But I was allowed to bring MY gifts to the game. I found others who cared about the craft of making music as much as I did, and who welcomed me just as I was. I realized that serving WITH others was a pathway to loving them, loving God and being loved in return.

• Advice I’d give to Younger Me: 

Don’t be so concerned with what other people think of you. Slow down.  Brush your teeth regularly. Stop wishing you were someone else and get busy being who God made you to be.

• Gifting I most admire: 

Helps. There’s something magical about watching people with this gift in action (my son-in-law Tim, Mark Holland, Dea Braaten). It’s like they have a sixth sense, and they know when they’re needed…they just materialize at your side like a super-hero. It’s counterintuitive, but it’s one of the more visibly super-natural gifts.

• Favorite serving experience: 

Toss-up between spiritual direction and drumming. The first has all the potential and intimacy of a counseling session, but without the grief that usually precipitates it. And there’s nothing like making music with others, especially when you sense that you’ve helped moved a whole room of people closer to God.

• 3 disciplines/habits that keep me connected to God: 

Silence. Solitude. Stillness.

Questions--Secular-minded 

• What book left a lasting impression on you? 

The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning.

Dan and his daughters, Kellie and Robyn

• If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Pud Kee Mao. Pork. 5 stars.

• There is a zombie apocalypse...What is your weapon of choice? 

Sarcasm.

• Marvel or DC? 

Comics are non-binary. Archie and Jughead.

• Beach or Mountains? Why?

 Mountains. I mean, I love the beach – it’s a family tradition. But there’s a diversity and connectedness I find in the “big trees”. You can’t get “inside” the ocean around here like you can get “inside” the mountains.

• What is your favorite sport to watch? Team to follow? 

Dude. Sports?

• Favorite season? Why? 

Used to be Autumn…Spring is now gaining favor. I think as I get older, the arrival of new life takes on more meaning.

• What is your idea of a dream vacation? 

Walking the El Camino De Compostela with family and friends.

• What are your top 3 hobbies? 

Gardening. Music. Hiking.

• Morning person or night owl?  

Morning.

• Best advice I’ve ever gotten: 

It’s not all about you, so relax.

Who's Who at AC3--Scott Taylor

In our mission to be a safe church for seekers, we sometimes hear those attending say that they don't know who someone is. We want you to get to know the faces you see around AC3. We are starting with the Triad, and last time we introduced you to Johnna Thiessen. Next up, we have Scott Taylor, one of our Board Members at AC3!

Spiritually Minded Questions

• How I clear my mind after a challenging day:

            Find something to read.

• Advice to a person of faith dealing with a broken relationship with their church:

The Church is made of broken people. Focus on God

and the people part will be easier

• Change I’d like to see among Christians today:

Belief that we are all on the same team.

• Moment I saw significant change in my servant life:

Scott and his wife, Sarah

When Sarah and I decided to marry.

• How I found my way to AC3:

My girlfriend, now wife (Sarah) brought me.

• Gifting I most admire:

Serving the sick.

• Favorite serving experience: 

I love greeting people.

• 3 disciplines/habits that keep me connected to God:

Bible reading, admiration of nature, and music

Secular-minded Questions

• What book left a lasting impression on you? 

Lord of the Rings trilogy

• There is a zombie apocalypse...What is your weapon of choice? 

I have so many, hard to pick one. I love me some shotguns, though.

• Marvel or DC?

Marvel

• Beach or Mountains? Why? 

Mountains...the majesty

• What is your favorite sport to watch? Team to follow?

SEAHAWKS!!!

• Favorite season? Why?

Fall-it feels like the end to a good book.

• You can only listen to the same song OR watch the same movie for the rest of your life. What do you choose?

Pride and Prejudice (2005 version)

• You have a day with NOTHING planned and no responsibilities!  What do you do?

I must be dead, so sing with the Heavenly Host.

• What is the last thing you binge-watched?

Series of Unfortunate Events

• Morning person or night owl? 

Night

• Best advice I’ve ever gotten:

You have time to do what you want.

Who's Who at AC3--Johnna Thiessen

In our mission to be a safe church for seekers, we sometimes hear those attending say that they don't know who someone is. We want you to get to know the faces you see around AC3. We are starting with the Triad, and last time we introduced you to Shea Caperoon. Next up, we have Johnna Thiessen, our Creative Teams Director at AC3...and rumor has it she may have a family member or two who also work at the church!  She would also like noted on her permanent record that when asked to fill out this survey, she did so happily, promptly, and without complaining.  

*Just how the rest of you should be when filling out your Visioncast surveys. 

Questions -Spiritually Minded

• How I clear my mind after a challenging day:  

Music is a powerful tool for me to express my frustration.  I have go to songs for when I’m sad or angry or discouraged that remind me of who God is and who I am.  Those usually right size things for me. If it’s really bad, I send up the bat signal for an emergency coffee with one of my friends.

• Advice to a person of faith dealing with a broken relationship with their church:

Reconciliation isn’t one of the options God gives us…it’s the ONLY option he gives us.  God’s whole plan here is reconciliation. I know it’s hard…I do. I’ve been there…especially when you are hurt and it feels hopeless.  Find someone to walk the road with you, someone who loves God and his peacemaking plan. NOTHING feels better than when something you thought was broken forever gets fixed God’s way.

Johnna, her husband, Rick, and their two daughters, Laila and Marley

• Change I’d like to see among Christians today:

I wish we would all realize how much we need each other.  We live such isolated lives. We need to be in church together, in small groups together, eating meals together, walking the hard roads together.  

• How I found my way to AC3:

I was here on day one…but we planted this church because we felt strongly that there needed to be a place like this for people who didn’t feel comfortable in “normal” church services.  Church shouldn’t just be comfortable for people who have always gone to church. It needs to be understandable and accessible for people who have questions they need answered, who haven’t grown up in the church but want to explore what Jesus has to say…and to be a place where you know you can bring any friend and they’ll feel welcome.

• Advice I’d give to Younger Me:

Judge less…love more.  Major on the majors and stop sweating the small stuff.

• Gifting I most admire: 

I wish I could sing.  I’m so moved when one of our vocalists expresses what my heart wants to say through a song on Sunday morning.  I wish I could show people what’s in my heart that way…but I also know NOT being able to sing forces me to find other creative ways to communicate and that’s probably good too.

• Favorite serving experience: 

I’ve had so 23 years of serving experiences to choose from so it’s hard to pick just one.  I love what I do! I love when I see a new person join one of our teams and get amazed by what God can do through them.  I love seeing our young people finding their voice for God. I love when people really get that they were made to serve and feel the joy that comes from being right where God wants them to be.

• What I tell others about serving:

My sweet friend Chrissie once said that everything we create for God is like pictures that we bring home and God hangs them on his fridge because we’re his kids and he’s proud of us.  I LOVE that imagery. I love knowing that when we use whatever God has given us to use, when we do it his way for his reasons…it goes on the fridge. Each week, our goal should be to add another piece of art to the fridge collection.  

Johnna and her small group

• 3 disciplines/habits that keep me connected to community:

1)  Attending church regularly, making it a priority  2) Be in a small group…a group of people with whom I feel safe and can be real (walls down) 3)  Make time for people…get them on my calendar, prioritize time with my community.

Questions-Secular-minded

• If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Cookie Dough Ice Cream

• Marvel or DC?

Marvel all the way.  DC hasn’t got it dialed in yet.

• What is your favorite sport to watch? Team to follow?

SEAHAWKS!!!

• You can only listen to the same song OR watch the same movie for the rest of your life. What do you choose?

Groundhogs day…see what I did there ☺

• What is your idea of a dream vacation?

I just took a dream vacation so now I need a new dream.  I think those floating hotel rooms off the coast of Africa would be so cool!  Maybe that can be my 35th anniversary trip.

Johnna's idea for her 35th wedding anniversary
trip...Hint, hint, Rick

• What are your top 3 hobbies?  

I love to read…I love Netflix…I love games

• You have a day with NOTHING planned and no responsibilities!  What do you do?

Sleep in…stay in my jammies all day eating ice cream and rotating between reading, watching tv & playing games.

• Something that your mother/father said to you when you were little that you now say to your kids (or did when they were younger.)

Take everything as a compliment…unless specified otherwise.

• What is the last thing you binge-watched?

NCIS

• Morning person or night owl? 

Night owl.  I think DAY should start about 11am ☺