Staff
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Pastor
Pastor Don has been fixing bikes since the eighth grade. He worked in bike shops in three states (WA, OR, and OH) where he especially enjoyed tinkering and fixing bikes that appeared irreparable. God's Spirit has a tendency of doing the same thing: fixing wayward souls and repairing broken hearts so they can be vessels of love and grace for a world that longs for them. Don was born a triplet in Olympia, WA. One of six children, he and his family grew up there. He was involved in the usual things (school, athletics, 4-H, etc.) and eventually found First United Methodist Church of Olympia where God started tinkering with him. He soon found a home there where he developed enduring friendships and an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. God wasn't done with Don but called him into parish ministry his HS junior year. Inspired by grace and unconditional love at church, Don aspired to foster these in his parishes. He attended University of Oregon and studied geography. Graduating Magna Cum Laude, he promptly married and moved to Dayton Ohio to commence his theological studies at United Theological Seminary as its Presidential Scholar. He was ordained a deacon of the United Methodist two years later and subsequently ordained an elder two years after that. He has served churches in Rockford, WA Colfax, WA Olympia, WA Orting, WA and Shelton, WA. He has served churches for over twenty years. God isn't done with him yet. Through painful trials, trying hardships, as well as rich blessings, God continues to tinker with him, his character and his talents. Don still fixes bikes, too. Owning too many bikes (as he admits), Don insists it's just a happy diversion that has brought him satisfaction since middle school. No doubt God will still fuss with him since United Methodist founder John Wesley insists that we are going on towards perfection (which is ultimately achieved at our deaths). Mindful that God isn't done with him yet (nor God's church), Don looks forward to see where God will lead him and his parish. Don was appointed (assigned) to Camas United Methodist church in 2017. |
