I feel so blessed to be the pastor of Tualatin United Methodist  Church, a warm and caring church with  many gifts of the spirit.  Every worship service and each committee meeting testifies to the spiritual vitality of this church community.

I'd like to share with you something about my life journey in pastoral ministry.  As a Christian, I believe that church life presents the best and most rewarding opportunity to grow into the spiritual image of Christ.  That doesn't imply that we are to expect ourselves and each other to be perfect as Christ was, but rather, that we strive for spiritual health and wholeness within ourselves and our relationships.  In other words, our efforts toward spiritual integrity and wholeness include prayerful awareness of all aspects of life. In essence, we are called to be "little colonies of heaven."

I am honored to offer my pastoral skills and experience to this little colony of heaven.  My pastoral journey includes eight pastorates, three of which were interim appointments; hospital chaplain in five different settings; a doctorate in clinical psychology with experience as a mental health counselor in three different county mental health centers and two pastoral counseling centers; work as an addictions counselor in both out-patient and residential recovery treatment centers; certification as a spiritual director; and certification as a clergy coach and church consultant.

One of the joys of being part of a spiritual community like TUMC is the opportunity to form new relationships.  The sharing that comes from positive relationships is a key aspect of my own spiritual growth and development.