What We Are Most Proud Of

Mile Hi Church Ministers and Staff Share 2023 Accomplishments They Are Most Proud Of

The best part of my job is getting to talk and interact with our Mile Hi congregants while registering them for our spiritual education classes and workshops. This year I had the pleasure of supporting nearly 2000 congregants in their spiritual growth. Lisa Berquist

I am proud of the many moments we were able to create for families to be in a spiritual community with opportunities for joy, learning, and support. Stacy Butters

My proudest work-related adventure was participating in an awesome Rainbow Day Camp in June; singing, writing songs, and having fun. Dr. Barry Ebert

My greatest accomplishment this year is making online viewers feel they are a part of the Mile Hi Community no matter where they are, where they live, or why they attend online. We see them, engage with them, and are grateful they join us every Sunday. Jillian Estes

This year, I’m most proud of the massive tree-trimming campus beautification project, which was spurred on by a special gift from a generous Mile Hi’er. Todd Graves

Our Make a Difference Ministry team is made up of over 100 Mile Hi’ers who have a great passion and love for helping our community partners through our seven annual events like the Giving Tree Program, School Supply Drive, and the Sock it to Em-sock drive; and they regularly volunteer at many of our partners’ locations including the Action Center, Habitat for Humanity, Florence Critton Services and the Lambuth Family Center. Rev. Jackie Harris

Our Interfaith Ministry’s building of bridges of connection with the Jewish Hebrew Education Alliance and Kabbalah Experience community with our co-created Seder as well as the return of Kirtan as a spiritual practice which fostered community connection with nearly 500 people during these three events!
Rev. Zemirah Jazwierska

I am most proud of the 20+ people who join the weekly Healing Connection Support Group online on Wednesday evenings. Some attend our church, some live too far away, and some join from their hospital bed. Rev. Linda and I collect prayers and offer spiritual, scientific, and healing information for discovery and discussion. Rev. Kay Johnson

I’m proud to have launched a new ministry specific to our teens and tweens—the Teen Underground Ministry of Prayer. Jackee Leonard

The Music Ministry is so proud to cherish our amazing staff of musicians, both vocal and instrumental, while continually nurturing gifted, young musicians who love Mile Hi Church and can benefit so much from playing with all of us. Thom Lich

I’m so proud to lead the amazing Mile Hi Church band on Sunday services. Rob Lowe

My proudest work accomplishment this past year has been creating and supporting a new position, Coordinator and Manager of our Prayer Care department. Also, our Sacred Earth Ministry has shared Earth-nurturing solutions with our church facilities team, and in the face of change and challenges upon the Earth, we are inspired by the wisdom of nature and guided by sustainable, Earth-nurturing solutions. Dr. Patty Luckenbach

I love making great music with great musicians! Stu MacAskie

I’m proud to have successfully upgraded the video systems in the Teel Sanctuary and in the Vogt Center Auditorium, as well as adding a new lighting console in the Sanctuary. Nathan Marschall

I’m proud that I get to help children learn, grow, and shine. Katie Meurer

I have had the privilege to be present and support our Ministry of Service Sunday volunteers nearly every single Sunday at Mile Hi Church. Ken Nakamura

As production director, I am extremely proud of how we have continued up-leveling our services with new lighting, new video equipment, and a talented staff! Rama Newton

I’m very proud of the phenomenal growth in Nautilus Society membership, these dedicated Mile Hi’ers are ensuring our church will continue to thrive for generations to come. Mark Pino

I’m so proud of the two Ukrainian teaching chapters that are sponsored by Mile Hi Church. We are translating Science of Mind materials, creating trauma and grief classes, and supporting local people through an orphanage and wounded soldiers in hospitals. Rev. Chris Plym

I am honored to write features on Mile Hi’ers who make a legacy impact through their generosity to our community. Dr. Kent Rautenstraus

What a joy to thank Mile Hi supporters for their continued support of the online Healing Connections Support Group; over twenty sturdy souls continue to gather weekly (7+ years now) to receive and offer divine care and comfort to kindred spirits. Rev. Linda Rengel

We continue to evolve the School of Spiritual Leadership ministerial training program, and this year, many classes were changed, up-leveling the program tremendously. Jennifer Severance

My proudest accomplishment is that I have learned so much about composition and what it means to get “the right shot” for a service. I’m grateful to have helped create and produce the most meaningful live services Mile Hi Church has to offer. Elliot Stein

I’m proud to be part of a team that is always available to serve and that it’s done with compassion and love. Whether it’s a memorial of a loved one, a visit to someone in need, a prayer in a time of fear, or a one-on-one session to listen and talk things through—the Mile Hi Church Prayer and Care Center is, in all ways, deeply devoted to our congregation. Jerilyn Thiel

Rejuvenated the Renowned Speaker series by producing a near-sellout first event, Dan Harris. Karen Thomas

This year our ministers officiated over 45 memorials, and we made over 120 “Compassionate Connection calls/visits” to congregants and mailed cranes and cards to over 60 people letting them know they are being held in love and peace through any difficulties they are encountering. I’m always humbled to provide these types of services to people experiencing pain, loss, and grief. Sandra Troyano

Tending to the well-being and care of our amazing Mile Hi staff is my calling, which I’m so proud to do each and every day. Rev. Carol Wilke

All of these accomplishments are possible because of the generous support of those who give to this ministry. To learn more about giving to Mile Hi Church, please visit our giving page.