Plenary Speaker

Steve Allred, an attorney and ordained minister, served as an academy Bible teacher and church pastor for more than 14 years before taking a hiatus from church employment to practice law.He holds a Master of Divinity from Andrews University and a Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. In addition to his law practice, Steve serves as of counsel for the Church State Council and as the religious liberty liaison for the Northern California Conference. He is the author of the recent book, Do Justice: The Case for Biblical Social Justice. He lives in Northern California with his lovely wife, Cheri, and their three children, ages 7, 5, and 2.

Ready, Set, Go!

Michael Brown, Michael Brown is the current associate director for Philanthropic Service for Institutions (PSI) where he oversees programs.

He is the former president of Targeted Insights, a marketing consultancy he founded to serve the donor communications, research, and fundraising needs of nonprofit clients.

Before launching Targeted Insights, Michael was Senior Vice President for one of the largest faith based advertising agencies in the country. He has served an array of nonprofit organizations including Wycliffe Bible Translators, Moody Bible Institute, Northwestern University Radio Network, Mercy Ships, Alliance Defense Fund, Feeding America, and many others.

After earning his B.A. in Mathematics & Computer Science from Oakwood College, and his MBA in Marketing & Finance from Tulane University, Michael began his marketing career by spearheaded product innovation and business research efforts for Fortune 500 and Global organizations like The Dallas Morning News, Verizon, and Hallmark Cards.

Over his twenty year career, Michael has had the honor of serving as adjunct marketing faculty at Webster University, faculty at the Christian Leadership Alliance’s Engstrom Institute, and is a national conference speaker and trainer on nonprofit brand strategy.

In addition to his marketing and cause branding project leadership on the Pulitzer Prize winning book Eyes of the Storm, Michael’s publications include Michael’s publications include Building Brands: Essential Paradigm Shifts For Today’s Ministries for the Christianity Today’s Outcomes Magazine.

Michael is currently authoring two chapters to be added to the popular book Successful Fundraising and remains an avid writer.

Michael is an impassioned Bible Bowl Ministry leader, lover of instrumental and choir music, and Toastmaster’s International member. When not speaking and conducting training on personal finance and church stewardship, he and his wife Laura lee find their greatest pleasure in helping their three daughters (Christian, Olivia, and Lauren) and one son (Michael, Jr.) to pursue and embrace their kingdom-driven life’s purpose.

Plenary Speaker

Tiffany Brown’s passion is to create relevant bridge ministries to connect unreached people to Jesus through genuine relationships. After pursuing graduate degrees in Development and Pastoral Ministry, Tiffany served as a pastor for a church plant before directing an urban evangelism school. Today she has the pleasure of teaching students from around the world, sharing Christ and building eternal relationships with those around her.

Pathway to a Successful Major Gifts Program

LuAnn Davis, CFRE, is Vice President for Advancement at Union College, Nebraska, a position she accepted at her college alma mater in 1992. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with an emphasis in management. LuAnn went on to receive an MBA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1996. She has actively maintained her Certified Fund Raising Executive credentials since 1990.

Davis administers the development, alumni activities, and college promotion functions at Union College.  A comprehensive approach to philanthropy has resulted in $94.5 million for three major capital campaigns, numerous special projects across campus, increasing the endowment more than ten-fold and providing support for academic and student life programs. The creation of focused activities in planned giving, major gift solicitation, prospect management, annual fund, and alumni activities have worked together to yield positive results for Union College. She is most honored to have taught and mentored many students and young professionals who now work in Adventist organizations across North America.

LuAnn was deeply honored to be recognized by her peers in Adventist philanthropy with the 1999 Trailblazer in Philanthropy award and the 2018 New Horizons award. Her real pride and joy are her family; husband, Lynn, serves Union College in the Student Success Center and daughter, Caitlynn, is a nursing major at Union College with the Class of 2022.

The Christian Response to the Poor

Byron Dulan, currently serves as the Vice-President for Regional Ministries, Outreach Ministries and Human Relations of the North Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Under Outreach Ministries, he gives oversight to Adventist Community Services, Disaster Response, Prison Ministries, and Urban Ministries. His service for the Adventist Church includes college administrator, pastor, church planter, conference departmental leader and union officer. He has pastored urban churches in Compton, Los Angeles and Seattle.

In his roles as a ministry organizer and meeting planner, Pastor Dulan is always looking for opportunities to bring leaders together for mutual education, inspiration and united action. He serves, with a talented team of local conference leaders, as Convener of the Urban Ministries Convention 2021.

In addition to his work for the church, Elder Dulan has served on numerous community organization boards and committees.

Pastor Dulan is happily married to Linda Dulan, a Licensed Family Therapist. They are the proud parents of Adina Dulan Wright and Alison Dulan Francis, and have six grandchildren.

Understanding Urban Institutions: Government, Business, Religion, Cultural and Philanthropic

Panelists

Jennifer Samuels is a public servant of Seattle and formerly with the State of Washington. She is a wife, mother, sister, writer, political advisor, and, foremost, a Christian. Jennifer formerly served her community as a non-profit leader, business manager, judicial aide, and Chief of Staff. She serves her community to meet this moment of unprecedented challenge and opportunity. Jennifer has lived experience in tackling big issues, including: Homelessness, social justice, food instability, immigration, and public safety. She served as a liaison between the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government for the former Washington State Supreme Court Justice Robert F. Utter, as well as the former Seattle City Council President and Mayoral Candidate Bruce A. Harrell.

In the 1960’s, Jennifer’s family transferred from the shadow of the United States Capitol, Washington, D.C, where they came from a long line of public servants in the United States Navy. Her parents loved the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and made Seattle their home. When Jennifer made the decision to attend college, she received a senatorial nod and was tapped to attend Annapolis Naval Academy. Women were being incorporated into the institution for the first time in Naval history. At that time, former Rear Admiral and U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black would have been Jennifer’s chaplain and teacher at the Academy had Jennifer accepted the appointment. However, she elected to pass on the Naval Academy — she felt that God was calling her in a different direction. In 2000, Ms. Samuels was selected and admitted to the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. She has served on the boards of numerous community-based organizations, including Adventist Community Services, Washington Conference.

Jennifer is married to Elder Hector Samuels. This year, they are celebrating their 40^th anniversary. They have three adult children, a daughter- and son-in-law, and seven grandchildren.


Colette Newer, is the Associate Director for Adventist Community Services at the North American Division. Prior to this she served as the Outreach Ministries at Washington Conference, serving Adventist Prison Ministries, and Adventist Community Services. In these capacities, she loves watching God call and empower church members to establish new and innovative ministries in their communities. She considers it a privilege to be part of that process by coaching ministry leaders to expand their capabilities and vision.

Colette holds a Bachelors in Sociology from Whitman College, Master’s in Administration from Andrews University and Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Lilly School of Philanthropy, IUPUI.

Colette and her husband, Brad Thurber have one grown son, Jacob. To recharge her batteries, Colette will go kayaking, work in the flower beds at home, or seek out an experience with art.


Pastor Derek Lane completed undergraduate studies at Oakwood University, graduate work at MS State University in Leadership, and is certified with NELI – the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute at Sanford University. He served as an ordained minister for 13 years before transitioning from full-time ministry to launch the Lane Consulting Group, a fundraising consulting business which launched scores of non-profit agencies and secured over $20 million in funding for clients throughout the U.S. In 2019, he returned to full-time pastoral work and serves at the Maranatha and Lighthouse SDA churches in Seattle, WA. He also serves as a fundraising consultant for the North American Division’s PSI Department (Philanthropic Services for Institutions). He has a passion for community development and social justice work. He is married to Mae Aldridge-Lane and they have four adult children and one grandchild, Ms. Zoe Abigail.

Moderator

Byron Dulan, currently serves as the Vice-President for Regional Ministries, Outreach Ministries and Human Relations of the North Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Under Outreach Ministries, he gives oversight to Adventist Community Services, Disaster Response, Prison Ministries, and Urban Ministries. His service for the Adventist Church includes college administrator, pastor, church planter, conference departmental leader and union officer. He has pastored urban churches in Compton, Los Angeles and Seattle.

In his roles as a ministry organizer and meeting planner, Pastor Dulan is always looking for opportunities to bring leaders together for mutual education, inspiration and united action. He serves, with a talented team of local conference leaders, as Convener of the Urban Ministries Convention 2021.

In addition to his work for the church, Elder Dulan has served on numerous community organization boards and committees.

Pastor Dulan is happily married to Linda Dulan, a Licensed Family Therapist. They are the proud parents of Adina Dulan Wright and Alison Dulan Francis, and have six grandchildren.

Introduction to Thrifting with Social Media

Annette Emery, Portland ACS, PACS thrift store manager, and architect of PACS’ online selling process.

Dan Howard, Portland ACS, PACS Marketing and Development coordinator responsible for social media and fundraising.

Plenary Speaker

John Freedman, NPUC president, creates a shared vision of the Adventist mission to the Pacific Northwest and develops strategic plans to move that mission forward.

John also helps develop the next generation of leaders around the union. He serves on and chairs many boards and committees across the North American Division as well as NPUC. He leads the way as people come to Christ, lives are changed and miracles are happening. “Working in a collaborative relationship with all the Christ-centered, committed and engaged conference and lay leaders across the NPUC is very rewarding,” John says.

After attending Rutgers University for a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting, John received his Master of Divinity degree at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University. He also has training in coaching and mentoring, conflict and time management, and prayer and spiritual gifts ministry.

Refugee & Immigration Ministry

Scott & Julie Griswold, My ministry with ASAP is primarily a focus on the incredible mission field that has moved to North America. We are now surrounded by many of the “least reached”: people from Buddhist and other backgrounds that have come as refugees, immigrants, and international students. I developed a cross-cultural missions kit called “Reach the World Next Door” to help church members know how to find, befriend, and introduce Jesus to people in their communities from Southeast Asian background. I hope to partner with training programs, schools, conferences, and churches to use this kit to mobilize greater mission among these unreached people.

Went to Cambodia in 1992, and started working with ASAP in October 2012.

Plenary Speaker

Roger Hernandez, is a father of four, a husband of one, and a pastor to many. Presently is the Ministerial and Evangelism Director for the Southern Union Conference (of SDA). He has served in the ministry for over 28 years. One of six pastors in his family, Pr. Hernandez received his BS degree in Theology as a graduate of Columbia Union College, now Washington Adventist University. He received his MDiv. from Andrews Adventist Seminary. Born in Cuba and fully bilingual, Pastor Hernandez has participated in events in both English and Spanish. Roger is a speaker that motivates people to action and has spoken all over the world, effective in both the faith-based and business spaces. He speaks on leadership, evangelism, accountability, and diversity (LEAD). Roger connects well with all audiences of all generations and is known for delivering messages in a style that is clear, simple, and engaging. He has the gift of practicality.

Pr. Hernandez’s hobbies are reading, writing, traveling, and playing a variety of sports. His love for Jordan’s is well known. Some of his passions are mentoring, public speaking, church planting, and helping in the revitalization process of congregations. Roger is a prolific writer and the author of over 30 books, including the Sharing book of the year twice. They are titled “Failure is Not Final and “We All Have Problems.” He also had the privilege of writing the Discipleship Book of the Year: “Everyone Welcome.” The most recent book he has written is “The Pain of Planting of a Church,” published in 2019. Roger’s family includes his wife, Kathy, four adult children Yessenia, Deisy, Vanessa, Jonathan, and two granddaughters, Sara and Maya.

Plenary Speaker // Prison Re-entry: From Custody To Community

Cleveland Houser, is an ordained minister of the gospel in the Seventh-day Adventist church.  He is a graduate of Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama; Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and Gulf Coast Seminary in Panama City, Florida.  He served as a pastor in the South Central Conference for ten years and as a Psychiatric Chaplain for the Tennessee Department of Corrections for sixteen years. He was adjunct professor of Sociology for the American Baptist Theological Seminary in Nashville, Tennessee for five years; associate professor of Social Science at Selma University, in Selma, Alabama and John C. Calhoun State Community College in Tanner, Alabama for four years. Dr. Houser has since earned a Doctorate of Ministry in Urban Ministry and Christian Education from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

In 1988, Dr. Houser founded Don’t Follow Me, a non-profit, anti-drug, alcohol, crime prevention and intervention organization, composed of men and women who have served time in Department of Correction Facilities. These men and women educate young people regarding the detriments of alcohol, drugs and criminal behavior.

Dr. Houser is a prolific writer having been contributing editor for the Regional Voice, and the Southern Tidings Magazines, the author of the Credit Restorer, and Don’t Follow Me newsletters.  His participation in community outreach has won him numerous awards, honors, and citations from USA Today, the Philanthropic Award from Fisk University for youth outreach, and a humanitarian award for “His War on Drugs”.  Dr. Houser was cited by former governor Ned McWherter of Tennessee, for leading the war on drugs among Tennessee youth.

Dr. Houser and his wife, Joyce, have united their efforts to continue to reach out to those who are shackled by the vices of Satan, helping them to know and to come to Jesus Christ. Currently, he is the Executive Director of Don’t Follow Me as well as the Prison Ministry Coordinator and Trainer for the North American Division.

Benefits of Health Resources Facebook Group

Elida Jerez, MHA, Master of Health Administration, Director of Health Ministries at the Washington Conference.

Claiming Your Second Wind – There Is Hope

Juleun Johnson, Dr. Juleun A. Johnson, serves as a Director of Mission and Ministry in the Central Florida Division of AdventHealth.  He is also Lead Chaplain of AdventHealth Celebration. He is a graduate of Oakwood University, Andrews University, and Claremont School of theology with a Doctorate in Spiritual Care and Counseling. He has been in ministry for 20 years.

He is a director of mission and ministry in central Florida. He has served as a pastor in Alabama, Illinois, Florida, and Mississippi, an adjunct professor, doctoral advisor and serves on several hospital committees. He is a board member of the Interfaith Council of Central Florida.

He desires to empower, encourage, and equip leaders to live their best lives. He is the author of two books. “Five Minutes On Purpose” available on Amazon.com and “The Built To Thrive Discovery Guide”.

He is married to his college sweetheart Melissa and they are the parents of two daughters. He enjoys photography, meeting people, and traveling.

Plenary Speaker // Cultural Intelligence: Managing Unconscious Bias

Sung Kwon, served as the Executive Director of the North American Division Adventist Community Services (ACS) from 2001- 2021. He is an ordained minister of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Though he grew up in a family with Buddhist and Catholic beliefs, he became a baptized member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1991.

After becoming an Adventist, he served as the Executive Director of the Good Neighbor House, an ACS agency in Dayton, Ohio, for eight years. He was also the vice president and, later, president of the North American Association of Community Services Directors (NAACSD) during that time.

Dr. Kwon serves as a Chaplain (Captain) for Civil Air Patrol, US Air Force Auxiliary. He has served on the boards of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (NVOAD), National Interfaith Coalition on Aging (NICA), and National Mass Care Council.

He studied business administration at the University of Maryland, received a bachelor’s degree in theology from Washington Adventist University, earned a master’s degree in public administration from Wright State University, received a Milton Murray Fellowship for Harvard University Business School’s Executive Education program, and received a doctorate (Ph.D.) in leadership at Andrews University. Currently, he is enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Urban Ministry program at Andrews University.

How Church and School can Partner Serve the Urban Community

Polly Johnson, also known as Mom, Grandma, and Teacher Polly…my three favorite titles! Many years ago, I was in the second Early Childhood Education class to graduate from Walla Walla College (now University). I started my formal career of working with children, parents, and families immediately following graduation, though I had been working with children since I was a child myself. Forty-five years later I still love going to work each day. What I do doesn’t feel like a job. It feels like a gift to spend my days with Jesus’s favorite people, telling them about Him. I also get to share His Love with their parents, grandparents, and other family members! I am so grateful that the Mt. Tabor Seventh-day Adventist took a leap of faith 32 years ago, in an effort to serve their urban community, and opened Discoveryland Child Care Center (now Discoveryland Child Development Center). Together church and school have witnessed to over 2,000 families.

Kaetlyn Weakley, is a pastor of Mt. Tabor Seventh-day Adventist church in Portland, OR. The Pacific Northwest has long been her home and the people are close to her heart. Kaetlyn holds a degree in religion and psychology from Walla Walla University as well as a Masters of Divinity and Masters of Social Work from Andrews University. She has spent time as a program director and an educator, and loves working with children and teenagers. One of her passions is to create opportunities for churches to connect with their local communities, which is why she is excited about Discoveryland and the lasting impact it has had upon so many people!

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

Pam Keele Cress, PhD, MSW, CT, has been a social work professor at Walla Walla University since 1996 and served as Dean of the School of Social Work and Sociology from 2006 to 2015.  In July, 2015 Pam took over the position of Associate Vice-President of Academic Administration at Walla Walla University.  Her primary responsibilities include Graduate Studies.

Before coming to WWU, Dr. Cress practiced as a mental health and administrative social worker in the Walla Walla community for over 10 years.  In addition to her administrative role at the University, Pam has been certified as a Thanatologist since 2009 through the national Association for Death Education and Counseling and has taught the Loss and Bereavement content for the school since 1996.  Students from various disciplines who have taken her class, “Death and Dying,” are frequently animated about a subject many people are more comfortable avoiding.  Dr. Cress considers herself a “Reluctant Thanatologist,” having been drawn to the formal study of death, dying, and bereavement out of her own experiences of loss rather than pure academic curiosity.

Pam is very active in her local community serving on many local boards and committees.  She is currently a board member on the Washington State Children’s Home Society Board and a member of the Walla Walla Noon Rotary Club where she served as President of the club in 2017-18. Pam and her husband, John, have two adult daughters and four beautiful grandchildren, Zoe, 9 Isla, 8, Lincoln, 4 and Indiana (Indy), born in February, 2021.

Plenary Speaker // Social Justice as Repair

Jaime Kowlessar, began his ministry at City Temple as the Youth and Young Adult Pastor in 2013, and was officially called to serves as Senior Pastor in 2016.  After completing his undergraduate studies in theology at Atlantic Union College (2003), as well as his Masters of Divinity at Andrews University (2006), Dr. Kowlessar spent the first six years of his ministry in his native New York City.  During this time, he was ordained as a minister of the gospel.  Then relocating to Dallas, Dr. Kowlessar completed and obtained his Doctorate of Ministry from the united Theological Seminary in May, 2017.  The title of his dissertation is “School’s in Session: Reversing the Mis-Education of the Adventist to Create Ministries of Social Justice and Political Activism”.

As pastor of City Temple, Dr. Kowlessar has relentlessly pursued community activism and involvement, challenging the church to heed to the call of Christ to be relevant and present in the lives of those in need.  He has led those efforts by joining with community and local church leaders to implement strategies the improve the economic, educational and spiritual conditions in the Cedar Crest community. He is also the chairman of the “Clergy Table”; for Faith in Texas which leads and appoints clergy from Catholics, Muslims, Jews, and Christians to fight against injustice. At the moment, he is working on his next degree which is a PhD in Public Policy and Social Change, with an emphasis in Martin Luther King’s beloved community.  He lives by four words; Resist, Redeem, Reclaim, and Renew.

Currently, Dr. Kowlessar spends time leading workshops and training sessions at various churches, schools and businesses on how to develop and implement a sustainable ministry that speaks to the spiritual and social conditions in our world.  He has just published a book entitled “Justice or just Us, Sermons and Reflections on Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”, which is available for download on Amazon. Dr. Kowlessar has been married to the love of his life, Carlene, since 2008, and together they have two daughters, Katelynn and Amber.

Meet the Funders

Pastor Derek Lane completed undergraduate studies at Oakwood University, graduate work at MS State University in Leadership, and is certified with NELI – the Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute at Sanford University. He served as an ordained minister for 13 years before transitioning from full-time ministry to launch the Lane Consulting Group, a fundraising consulting business which launched scores of non-profit agencies and secured over $20 million in funding for clients throughout the U.S. In 2019, he returned to full-time pastoral work and serves at the Maranatha and Lighthouse SDA churches in Seattle, WA. He also serves as a fundraising consultant for the North American Division’s PSI Department (Philanthropic Services for Institutions). He has a passion for community development and social justice work.  He is married to Mae Aldridge-Lane and they have four adult children and one grandchild, Ms. Zoe Abigail.

CERT: Community Emergency Response Training

Derrick Lea, serves as the Director of North American Division Adventist Community Services. He retired as Deputy Chief over operations after 20.5 years of service for the Prince George’s Country Fire/ EMS Department in 2011. Using the background developed in Public Safety, he began consulting and creating Development Plans for organizations. This led to the largest Muslim organization in the United States, Islamic Relief USA asking him to lead their effort in forming a Disaster Response Team. After 3 years of successful work assisting those experiencing crises, the organization asked that he lead all of their US Programs, which included Community Engagement, Grants, and Disaster Relief work.

Additional service activities include serving on the Emotional/Spiritual care Committee for the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), working as a board member of the Community Blessings Center in Danville, VA along with working as past chair of the Maryland Emotional Spiritual care Committee. Derrick also holds certifications as an EMT B, Hazmat II and Executive Level credentials for County Government. Derrick has been married for 20 plus years, has two adult children, and his favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:6, in all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.

Volunteer Appreciation in a Virtual Climate

David Lopez, is the Executive Director, Center for Humanitarian Engagement.  David Lopez is the founding Executive Director of the Center for Humanitarian Engagement at Walla Walla University. He previously served as Director of Volunteer Projects for Maranatha Volunteers International. While at Maranatha he worked in more than 30 countries with thousands of volunteers. He has over 15 years of volunteer management experience and has received a master’s degree in International Development with an emphasis in volunteer leadership from Andrews University. David, his wife Alisa, and their four boys a family they enjoy summer camping and winter skiing in the Blue Mountains and taking over the cul-de-sac to play a game of hockey.

S.T.E.A.M. AHEAD – Creative Ministries On A Budget

Patty Marsh, Patty Marsh serves as Director of Adventist Community Services, Children’s Ministries, and Women’s Ministries for Upper Columbia Conference.  Special interests includes reaching our cities as an ambassador for God’s love, all aspects of nature – God’s second book, and people!

Gayle Haeger, serves as urban ministries coordinator for the Spokane area under Adventist Community Services in Upper Columbia Conference.  She retired in 2015 from over 30 years of teaching science as well as serving as missionary to Peru, health educator, and pastor’s wife.  Then she began anew with urban ministries in Spokane.  She says, “Every day is an exciting adventure when you work in God’s vineyard! No two days are alike, and there are always opportunities to serve God’s children. The rewards are out of this world!” Gayle and Gerald have three grown children and seven grandchildren.

Part 1: How Can Your Church Assess Community Needs?

Patty Marsh, Patty Marsh serves as Director of Adventist Community Services, Children’s Ministries, and Women’s Ministries for Upper Columbia Conference.  Special interests includes reaching our cities as an ambassador for God’s love, all aspects of nature – God’s second book, and people!

Part 2: How Can Your Church Assess Community Needs? – In Action

Mark Witas, is the lead pastor at Sunnyside SDA Church

Jackee Duvall, is the Children’s Ministries Director at Sunnyside SDA Church

Jonathan Russell, is the pathfinder director at Sunnyside SDA church.  He is the assistant to the president for communication at the Oregon Conference.

Diann Glovatsky, is the head deaconess at Sunnyside SDA Church

Shirley Allen, is the children’s ministries director for the Oregon Conference

Donations Management in the PNW Part 1 & 2

Larry Mays, is a retired pastor who served in Northern California, Ohio, and Upper Columbia Conferences for a total of 38 years before retirement. Though retired, he still preaches about once a month as a guest speaker, and for nearly ten years now; Larry has been serving as the Disaster Response Coordinator for the North Pacific Union Conference. He is also presently working as a Case Manager for the Pine Creek Community Restoration for a small town of Malden, Washington, which was 85% destroyed from a wildfire in September 2020.  In addition, he answers questions for Bibleinfo.com.  Larry’s hobbies are skiing, hiking, working outdoors and enjoys traveling. He grew up in a logging family; worked in that industry and as a long-haul truck driver. He is a veteran, having served in the US Army. Pastor Mays has been married to his wife, Lynell for 51 years. They have a daughter and family living in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and a son and family, who live in Walla Walla, Washington; and they have 5 grandchildren.

Gabriele Laub, ACS Disaster Response Coordinator, Montana Conference. After retiring from her Information Technology career in 2016, Gabriele got actively involved at the Kalispell, Montana, church in the area of Community Services.  Gabriele served as Director for the Kalispell Community Service Thrift Store for two years and arranged for training sessions in the Disaster Response area.  Subsequently she was invited to help Barry Taylor, then Ministerial Director for the Montana Conference, to help with Disaster Response education and promotion at the conference level.  Since then, Gabriele, as volunteer ACS Coordinator, has helped teach and organize training, has coordinated distribution of flood buckets, served in warehouse management during hurricane Harvey in San Antonio, distributed pandemic PPE supplies provided by FEMA, and helped procure the NAD Covid-19 Food Bank for the Conference.  As part of the position, Gabriele represents ACS at the Montana State VOAD.  Gabriele believes in helping churches meet local needs and being prepared to help throughout the NAD with trained volunteers.

Doug Venn, Sr., Regional Disaster Response Coordinator, Upper Columbia Conference

Doug Venn Sr. is retired from Civil service after 26 ½ years in the welfare, correctional and community resources work throughout Washington State.

Venn Sr. has served on a number of boards and committees. Elected positions include serving as the President of the Northern ACS Federation in the Washington Conference and the South-Central ACS Federation in Upper Columbia Conference (UCC) and UCC Federation.

In addition, Venn has served as ACS Director for the Washington Conference, UCC southern area ACS Disaster Response Coordinator, President of WAVOAD and NPUC ACS DR Coordinator.

Venn has responded to several disasters including Carlton Complex fires in Central Washington, Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey, and Hurricane Harvey in Texas. Recently he and his wife Maria were part of the leadership team for a multi-agency warehouse in Grants Pass, OR and currently is the Co-chair of the Blue Mountain Area Long Term Recovery Group responding to the 2020 flooding.

Doug Venn Sr. met his wife Maria while serving in the PeaceCorp in Columbia. They have been married over 50 years and have three adult children and five grandchildren.

Coping with Trauma in Prison

Floyd Marshall, is the Coordinator of Prison Ministries for the Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He has served in Prison Ministry for 15 Years and is a member of the Board of Directors for the HOPE House of Tacoma. Floyd Marshall has worked as a Pastor with the East Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He holds a Bachelor of Theology degree from Caribbean Union College (now University of Southern Caribbean), a master’s degree in education with a major in Educational and Developmental Psychology from Andrews University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Organizational Behavior from the University of London. He is a Certified Provider of the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P), and has always had a passion for helping people to live productive lives.

Floyd Marshall has worked as a Pastor, Human Resources Officer and Human Resources Director. He and his wife Shirley live in Graham, WA.

Mental Health & Best Practice Toolkit

Lander Mitchell, M.S. Clinical Psychology, Purdue University and B.A. Religion Degree, Andrews University.

Lander is a dedicated Professional Mental Health Therapist with extensive experience who worked in a multidisciplinary team environment. She has worked with various types of behavioral health symptoms whether these issues are Anxiety, Major Depression, Bipolar, Anger, Trauma, ADHD, Self-Esteem, PTSD, and Alcohol or Substance Use issues. Lander has proven her ability to address these problems while worked for community healthcare organizations such as DESC, Valley Cities, Sunrise Community Health, and Sound Mental Health Services. Lander has a passion for helping people who struggle with some form of behavioral symptoms, which caused a great deal of stress in one’s life. According to the apostle Paul 2 Cor 12: 9 “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” KJV. Lander’s prayer and position are to bring therapeutic services to those who are troubled and assist clients in ways that bring healing to their psyche. Lander also believes working with individuals to make reasonable choices and encourage individuals to look beyond their psychological illnesses or substance use problems by focusing on clients strengths and to manage their symptoms in living a healthy lifestyle.

Ministry Jumpstart: Beginning and Building the Ministry God is Calling You to Do

Colette Newer, is the Associate Director for Adventist Community Services at the North American Division. Prior to this she served as the Outreach Ministries at Washington Conference, serving Adventist Prison Ministries, and Adventist Community Services. In these capacities, she loves watching God call and empower church members to establish new and innovative ministries in their communities. She considers it a privilege to be part of that process by coaching ministry leaders to expand their capabilities and vision.

Colette holds a Bachelors in Sociology from Whitman College, Master’s in Administration from Andrews University and Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Lilly School of Philanthropy, IUPUI.

Colette and her husband, Brad Thurber have one grown son, Jacob. To recharge her batteries, Colette will go kayaking, work in the flower beds at home, or seek out an experience with art.

Plenary Speaker

Lyle Notice, grew up in city of Toronto. From a young age he had a passion for the stage and set his sights on becoming a Hollywood actor. He met a local actor by the name of Charles Officer from Toronto East who recommended him to an agent Lisa Burke. Lyle began acting and was destined to be star in Hollywood. One day as he was practicing method acting auditioning for a movie role, he was caught in a battle of spiritual warfare. After that experience he felt God calling him to ministry. In 2001 he enrolled at Canadian University College and prepared for pastoral ministry. Upon graduating in 2005 he then went on to Andrews University where he completed his MDiv. In 2008 he accepted a call to become the youth pastor at the Ottawa, Orleans and Kanata Seventh-day Adventist Churches. In 2012 he received a call to become the Associate Youth director of the Alberta Conference. Since 2014 he has been serving as the Youth Director of the Alberta Conference where he works with adventures, pathfinders, urban ministry, community outreach, mission trips, disaster response and media ministry. Lyle is a bit of a bookworm who recently defended his Doctor of Ministry degree in Urban ministry from Andrews University 2019. He has recently started a PhD program in the area of Church and Society, focusing on race and diversity, creating and fostering non-racialized Church communities. He loves youth culture, skateboarding, fashion, social media, entrepreneurship and venture capital investing. He is married to Cheri who is a grade 6 teacher. He has a 4-year-old daughter Marlowe-Rae and son Cairo who is 2.

Church & the ACS Thrift Store

Collette Pekar, Senior Pastor of Port Townsend Church. Collette Pekar is the Pastor of the Port Townsend Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the Associate Pastor of the Sequim Church, which she co-pastors with her husband, Mark.  She holds a Masters of Divinity from Andrews University Theological Seminary.  After nearly 40 years of leading congregations, she is passionate about the power of prayer, equipping church members to serve, and the miraculous transformation that occurs in authentic Christian community.   She lives in Sequim, Washington where she spends her leisure hours praying as she tends the flowers in her hillside garden.

Fran Carey, Community Services Direct for A Better Living Center, Port Townsend Church

Telling Your Story for Results

Carrie Purkeypile is a professional fundraising writer who has written for many organizations including Maranatha Volunteers International, Voice of Prophecy, Union College, and many others, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars from donors. www.fundraisingwriter.life.

Special Stars: Leaders Who Want to Empower Special Needs Community

Nitza Salazar, Washington Conference Children’s Ministries Director, is passionate about evangelism. Previously, she worked as a high school teacher in the Flint, MI area, mentoring at-risk teens. She believes that ministering to children is the best job that could ever exist. She also enjoys long hikes, photography and time with friends.

Plenary Speaker

Doug Venn, Jr., seeks to UpLift Christ in the cities in response to God’s grace through his relationships, life long – learning, and global service.  He serves as the director of Global Mission Urban Center, coordinating the GC “Mission to the Cities” Initiative https://gc.adventist.org/initiatives/.  In this role, he works with the divisions to develop comprehensive urban mission strategies to share the Three Angels’ Messages of Revelation 14:6-12, with a focus on starting new groups of believers among urban unreached people groups, using Christ’s Method.

He was raised in the Pacific Northwest in a bi-cultural home with his father, Douglas Sr. and his mother, Maria from Colombia, South America. 

Doug met his “forever” bride, Dawn in Palau, and they have been happily married for 29 years.  They have two children – Joshua age 23 & Hannah age 22.

His formal education includes BA in Theology with a minor in Business Administration from Walla Walla University, and MDiv from Andrews University, and he is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Missiology from Andrews University.

Starting ministry in 1992 in Spokane Valley, WA Doug gained urban ministry experience working with Adventist Community Services, and served on the board of the Spokane Valley Center, known today as Spokane Valley Partners.  During 1998-2006 they were part of a team that planted a new church that had two outpatient medical clinics, in Pullman WA & Moscow, ID.  During 2006 – 2012 the Venn family served in Bangkok, Thailand starting new groups of believers with urban centers of influence, and from 2012 – 2016 they served as the Adventist Mission Director for the Southern Asia Pacific Division, coordinating urban mission in the 14 countries of this territory.  In 2016, the Venn family was called to serve at the world headquarters of the Adventist Church.

Plenary Speaker

Tara Vincross, Tara VinCross, DMin. serves as the Senior Pastor at Azure Hills Church. She is married to Caleb, a hospital chaplain, and they have two incredible kids, Josiah and Ava, both welcomed into their family by adoption. Pastor VinCross was raised in the Seattle, WA area, and over the last 20 years has served churches in Washington, Pennsylvania, and California. She is passionate about helping people create space in their lives to become deeply rooted in the love of God and serve the world from their passion and giftedness. She is the author of the Deep Calling, a Discipleship Series, and a children’s book titled, God Loves Me and All My Feelings.

The VinCross family loves the outdoors, spending time hiking, camping, and paddling in this beautiful Southern, CA area. They enjoy discovering new vegan restaurants as they travel together. Tara holds a Doctor of Ministry degree in Biblical Spirituality and Discipleship from Andrews University. “I am convicted that God believes in the church. God believes in us and wants to show up to love our community through this body of Christ.

 Connect with her at taravincross.com.

You Can Do Comprehensive Health Ministry

Cindy Williams, RN, BSN, currently serves as the Upper Columbia Conference Health Ministries Coordinator and as the school nurse for Upper Columbia Academy. She enjoys helping people learn how to live a joyful, healthy lifestyle and working with churches to reach out to their communities. She and her husband, Grant, have two adult children and three wonderful grandchildren. Cindy enjoys hiking, backpacking, reading, and sewing when she has free time.

Introduction to Thrifting with Social Media

When a Plate is Donated, What Happens?

Tim Zollbrecht, Portland ACS, graduated from WWU with both business and theology majors.  After several years pastoring and working at camp, the opportunity came for him to join PACS as the thrift store manager and half-time chaplain.  Within 2 months of starting, PACS doubled the size of the thrift store which pushed the time allocation away from a chaplaincy focus to a business focus.  However, he believes that thrift stores are amazing open doors to our community and provide untapped opportunities to minister to people in our communities that may never enter our churches.  In the last 15 years of working at PACS, Tim has overseen the continued growth of the thrift store.  Tim is now the Associate Director of PACS and has moved his focus to managing the food pantry program while continuing to encourage and support those managing the thrift store ministry.