My husband, Dean, and I have two children. Bret and Bethany live in Chicago. Bret is a member of the band Anathallo, and Bethany works downtown at Aramark's Regional Staffing Center. My parents are Malcolm and Margie Brown. Dad was the first minister of Community Church.

Dean and I are charter members of Community Church.

I have always been active in Children's Ministry at Community Church. I believe I have been a member of the Children's Ministry Committee for over 20 years. I especially enjoy being part of a drama team at Vacation Bible School and at KidZtime. For the past four years I have served as a member of the Trustee board.

I made my own personal commitment to faith in Jesus when I was in Junior High school. I attended a Billy Graham movie presented by a campus group in Anspach Hall. I went up front after the movie and was given a copy of the gospel of John and an accompanying workbook. This was the first time I really started digging into the Bible on my own, and it changed my life.

I am a Learning Disabilities teacher for the Alma Public Schools. I teach at Pine Avenue Elementary, team teaching with two teachers in fourth and fifth grade. When I can help a struggling student discover the joy of reading, or realize they can do long division, I feel great happiness.

Last summer I spent a week with my parents at Silver Lake. Every afternoon my dad and I went out sailing, one of my favorite things to do. Some of my best memories are taking our little Sunfish sailboat on Lake Michigan. This time of year I enjoy reading. I am currently reading "The Art of Racing in the Rain", a very interesting novel told from the point of view of the family dog, Enzo.

I have a beautiful wife, Bethany. We officially joined Community Church together, two years ago.

I first came to Community Church as a college student. When I was a freshman, I attended with my brother. A real love for God was evident everywhere and the sound, biblical teaching brought us back every week.

I first got plugged in at Community Church after I had attended about a year. I was invited to join one of the praise teams. It was a wonderful opportunity to serve with others on a regular basis and to see some of the behind-the-scenes work required for Sunday mornings!

Another volunteering opportunity that got Bethany and I involved was teaching Large Group time during Sunday morning KidZone. We have also been actively involved in VBS, food pantries and the New Member Care Team.

I was blessed to be raised by two Godly parents in a loving home. I claimed salvation at a young age, but it was in high school that I truly gave my life to God. Now, it is a daily renewal to live for Him.

If I could share just one thing with our church family, I would share that I believe that every day God does one of two things for us, and sometimes both; either He will protect us from trials, or He will give us the strength to overcome the ones we face. Often, it is only our perception or attitude that prevents us from seeing Him at work.

Currently I work in the area of apartment management and maintenance. I do some small scale home repair and remodeling and residential construction, as well. On a part time basis I have begun training as a fire fighter.

If I could recommend a book, I would recommend anything by C.S. Lewis; especially his Space Trilogy. Right now I am reading Pride & Ownership; A firefighter's Love of the Job, by Richard Losky.