Shepherds

Shepherds

Merlyn & Pat Hutchins

Merlyn & Pat Hutchins Patricia and I started dating in September of 1955 and were each baptized into the kingdom in 1962.. We were married that same year. We have two children, our daughter, Ady, and our son, Steven. Both are very active in the church, wherever they have lived. We started into the work of an elder in the mid 1980s. What are some of the responsibilities and work of an elder? *Reading and studing continually to be improving Biblical understanding in order to help others in their understanding. *Be involved in teaching *Encourage people to develop their spiritual abilities to the fullest extent *and listening.  

Kevin & Barb Ziegler 

 I love serving the Lord! I have been serving God for my entire life. I enjoy many different activities in my life, but each one of them in some way serves the Lord. I am married to Barb. We have 2 children, Kate and Kurk. Kate, is married to Travis Williams, with our only granddaughter, Hadassah. They are members of the Belpre church in Belpre, Ohio where Travis is the Family Minister. Kurk, is married to Amy Hardin and attends at New Beginnings. I am a farmer. I raise pigs and grow crops with my brother Ken, on a farm in Wellington. I am also very involved in sports. I have been the Varsity Soccer Coach for the Wellington High School girls program for the last 13 years. There are many activities in my life but one of the most rewarding is working with children. I have been a Bible class teacher for over 35 years. Primarily the teenage classes. I love to sing and use my voice to praise our God. I am involved in the Praise Team here at New Beginnings. I love the congregation at New Beginnings dearly, and my goal is to help us reach out into the community of Amherst and teach others about Christ.

Bruce & Vicki  Turner 

I have attended at Amherst since 1964 when my family moved from Medina County. Actively involved in the youth program through my graduation, I then enlisted in the Air Force. Upon my return I married to Vicki in 1977. Our daughter, Rachel was born in 1980 and our son Bob followed in 1982. Rachel continues to live in the area, having married Jason Lee from South Amherst. They have three children; Micah, Garrison and Parker. Bob married Andrea VanZant, from Memphis, Tennessee. They live there now with their daughter, Julia. Jason and Rachel attend here at Amherst; while Bob and Andrea attend at White Station church of Christ in Memphis.
     I was baptized at thirteen years old; chosen as a deacon at twenty-seven and appointed an elder on April 9, 2000. I have worked with the teens; taught bible classes of all ages; participated in all aspects of worship—even preached at times and sang in a gospel quartet for a couple of years. I have a special passion for Vacation Bible School and for North-eastern Ohio Christian Youth Camp; where I serve on the board and co-direct seventh and eighth grade week.
    How do I view myself as a shepherd? While my primary responsibilities are communication, benevolence and serving as an informal liaison between the church and WCWS; I share with the other elders in evaluating our various ministries, facing difficult challenges and fashioning a future course for the church here. I hold fast to the convictions that are stated in 1Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, but I also believe that an elder should be well read and knowledgeable of history, culture and the scriptures thus enabling him to discern between tradition and the Word of God. That he should think multi-generational as he listens and cares for the flock, not subscribing to the views of one group. Most importantly I feel that an elder must love his charges, not treat them as minions or lesser beings but esteem them even higher than he does himself and be willing to sacrifice for them. My final aspiration is that I will be remembered as a prayer warrior for my flock, for the kingdom and for the lost. Bruce


Share by: