Pastor Nicki

“I feel so blessed to be a part of building a new church in the Edgewater area.  We hope to build a church where everyone is welcome and God’s love can be felt and seen.  We enjoy being together in uplifting worship and praise of God and we take seriously our life in Jesus name as we gather in fellowship and strive to make a difference in our community and world where many are in need.” says Pastor Nicki.

Pastor Nicki has been ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church for 25 years and has served as youth pastor, a mission developer twice and in other pastoral leadership positions.  She enjoys growing and learning from others.  She has many years experience hosting international students and working with them regionally.  She has worked to develop soup kitchens in Bethesda and Prince Frederick and enjoys time spent on work projects through Habitat for Humanity or summer mission trips.  “God can be found in the most amazing people and places.”

“I am most blessed by my family and their support of what I have been called to do.”  Her husband, David, plays bass on the praise team and is the support for whatever is happening at the church.  He can often be found working on math equations and weather models at the Global Gift fair trade store run by volunteers.  Her two sons are both married.  Drew lives in St. Mary’s County with his wife Amanda and two young daughters, Lillie and Taylor.  Drew is a full time musician at Good Samaritan Lutheran Church.  Kevin lives in Ellicott City and teaches math and coaches basketball at Gaithersburg High School.  He is married to Kecia and has a young child, Addison.  “We are a close family and they bring much happiness to my life.”

Pastor Nicki was officially called as a mission developer for Joy Reigns Church (ELCA) in February, 2005.  “Our biggest challenge is growing leaders and ministries that offer well rounded programs for children, youth and adults, but we are learning that as we journey we discover our gifts and the gifts of others and deep friendships develop.  We are all “just too busy” and yet God wants to be in the center of our lives, shaping us into his people.  Sometimes God’s dreams and calling seem far beyond what we think we can do, but God is amazing and powerful when we open up ourselves in prayer and praise.   Who would have ever thought we would have a fair trade store and an office together, but God?  Who would have ever brought us a gifted and talented intern, Brian Spahr, this past year who would make Global Gifts a reality?  Each day people in the poorest countries in the world are offered a fair wage for their crafts and those crafts gift our store at 69 Mayo Road.

Thank you, God, for all you are doing in our midst.
May we never cease to be amazed at your involvement in our world
and may we always delight in your love for us
and your forgiveness and call to new life. 
Help us center our lives in you
that how we live will give you all our honor and praise!!!
Come, Lord Jesus, bless us with your presence and your power. 
In your name we pray.  Amen.