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Living Hope

Meet Our Members

We want you to get to know us through the thoughts and reflections of various members of our church family. We have profiled here a few individuals from different walks of life, vocations, and backgrounds to give you a sense of our diverse membership.

Please click on a name to read his or her responses to these questions:

• Nelvia Brady: Professor of Business/Director of Ethnic Diversity at Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, IL
• Melissa Groot: web director at CHANGEffect, Darien, IL
• Mary Beth Palmer: Third grade teacher at Roseland Christian School, Chicago, IL
• Clayton Quinn: Employee at Family Christian Bookstores, Tinley Park, IL

Nelvia Brady, Professor of Business and Director of Ethnic Diversity, Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, IL

What attracted you to LHC? 

I had been searching for a new church for quite awhile and when I learned that LHC was going to be an intentionally multicultural, diverse church, I decided to check it out. I've spent quite a bit of time talking with Pastor Sam during the process and have come to know him better. I think he has the heart for such a church.

What are your profession/vocations?

I am currently a professor of business and director of ethnic diversity at Trinity Christian College. I have a long career in educational leadership and corporate work focused on equity and educational opportunity.

What most excites or intrigues you about the mission of LHC?

The basic mission of a multi-ethnic congregation that has the goals of passionate worship, relevant teaching, authentic community and dynamic partnership is most attractive to me.

What do you consider to be your biggest challenges as part of the LHC fellowship?

I don't see any immediate challenges so far. I'm just anxious to get going and see what happens. How we manage to maintain diversity in the congregation and in the leadership will be important to me.

Melissa Groot, Web Director, CHANGEffect, Darien, IL

What attracted you to LHC?

Part of what attracts me to Living Hope is the multi-ethnic dimension of Living Hope and how that translates into the worship style. I enjoy the thought of worshipping as part of a community that may reflect the diversity of heaven. I am also drawn to and grateful for the Reformed perspective with which Living Hope aligns itself. I strongly believe in that perspective and am glad I have the opportunity to further my commitment to it.

What are your profession/vocations?  

I am web director at CHANGEffect in Darien, Illinois; I also do freelance photography, writing, and design. I am a child, sister, and aunt. I am a friend. I graduated from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois, with a bachelor of arts in communication arts with minors in English, graphic design and political science. I am originally from Grandville, Michigan, and now reside in a south suburb of Chicago.

What most excites or intrigues you about the mission of LHC?

We provide hope for what matters to everyone, no matter where they are on their journey. It is a constant hope that encompasses all areas of life. We are focused on providing hope to individuals and enfolding them into a fellowship of believers. I am excited to see how we will live out that mission - how we embrace people and bring them into community, and experience my own personal growth as well. I, too, often need to be reminded of the message of hope, and am glad I have found a place of worship where hope is available to everyone.

What do you consider to be your biggest challenges as part of the LHC fellowship?

I think one challenge is the commitment to a church plant and the extra work that involves - time commitment, etc. With a smaller group at the start, the core group is depended on to lead the way and be strong. It's also challenging to spread the word and determine the best ways to do so. And, at first, with a church like Living Hope, the multi-ethnic aspect can be challenging and perhaps intimidating, but as we move forward, I believe it will be fully rewarding and glorifying to God.

Mary Beth Palmer, third grade teacher, Roseland Christian School, Chicago, IL:

What attracted you to LHC?

I had gotten to know Pastor Sam while I was a student at Trinity Christian College. I moved back to Arizona after graduation but kept in contact with him. After spending time talking to Sam and his wife Deb, I caught the vision! I loved the idea of being a part of a body that looks different. When Pastor Sam told me that he wanted our church to be a diverse place where we could come together and praise God the way he intended us to, I was interested. I was thinking about moving back to the Chicago area to pursue my dream of teaching in an urban setting; knowing that I could be part of putting this project into motion made me want to be back all the more. I love worshiping with people from all walks of life- it is authentic and beautiful!

What are your vocations/professions?

I am a third grade teacher at Roseland Christian School. In the summers I work with Restoration Ministries and Trinity Christian College to provide summer camp for the children in Harvey. We provide an all-day camp along with two meals. Part of the grant is to create a cultural experience for students- we take them weekly to galleries, museums, and restaurants.

What most excites or intrigues you about the mission of LHC?

I love the idea of being in community with others in an authentic way!

What do you consider to be your biggest challenges as part of the LHC fellowship?

There are always challenges with starting something new! I think I worry that we will not have the support that we need to get our church going- but I know that God will provide the families that are to be a part of our ministry.

Clayton Quinn, employee at Family Christian Bookstores, Tinley Park, IL

What attracted you to LHC?  

I had previously attended Palos Heights Christian Reformed Church and learned a lot from Pastor Sam. When he said he was leaving (that church), I decided to go with him and try to help start a church that had the same ideals as me.

What are your profession/vocations?

I work for Family Christian Bookstores.

What most excites or intrigues you about the mission of LHC?

The thing that intrigues me the most is the opportunity to bring a multi-cultural church to the suburbs.

What do you consider to be your biggest challenges as part of the LHC fellowship?

Just trying to get it off the ground is a huge challenge.