I am most interested in Theology. I love learning about God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Gary supports staff with computer issues, acquires and maintains church technology equipment (such as computers, backup systems and network equipment) and works on projects such as the move of the sanctuary audio/visual operation to its new location.

“This is the best job I have ever had. I enjoy the variety of technology here at Immanuel.  But the best part is working with the staff.  They are a joy!”

In his spare time, Gary also enjoys playing chess and reading. You may know Gary’s wonderful wife, Liza, and their children, Rachel, Matthew, and Joshua.

Gloria has been on staff at Immanuel since 2012 and has quite a variety of tasks from day-to-day. Sunday mornings are for checking in with all the teachers and programs to say, “Hi!” and see if they need anything.

“I will sit in classrooms and sing along with our kids; or listen to the Bible lesson with the children; or assist during craft time.”

Gloria also checks in with our babies and toddlers on Sundays, and enjoys conversations with parents.

Wednesdays include checking in with our Word of Life Leaders and Nursery, then assisting wherever needed.

Gloria also recruits volunteers and coordinates Vacation Bible School, special children’s programs, Operation Christmas Child, and many community service opportunities, reaching out to our neighbors in nursing homes, elementary schools, fire stations, and the community center.

“All in all, my days are spent serving the needs of our children and parents in our church, and as a liason in our local community.”

In her spare time, Gloria enjoys reading, running, biking, and cooking, spending time with friends at the beach, Busch Gardens, the park, or the mall – as well as the peace and quiet as the morning dawns:

“I like to sit on my deck and enjoy the peace and quiet as the morning dawns or as the stars twinkle in the sky at night. I enjoy embracing life in the present.”

“I am delighted to have a supporting role to the work that is happening in the body of Christ here at Immanuel!”

Liz started as a junior church pianist at 12 years old. By 15, she was regularly playing for worship services. All of her early music teachers were church musicians, which she considers a great blessing. Along the way, Liz learned to play woodwind instruments, percussion, and organ. She is a 1991 graduate of Bob Jones University in piano pedagogy. She learned choir leadership under the direction of Dr. Fred Coleman at BJU and Mr. Larry Carrier at Morningside Baptist Church.

Liz’s music ministry experience includes teaching music to students of all ages in studio, classroom, and choir settings, serving as church pianist at Community Baptist Church in Bradenton, Florida, and leading as Music Director at Evangel Baptist Church in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Liz also organized the church music as she and Jon planted LifeSpring Baptist Church in Arkansas.

All of her training and experience prepared Liz for a role as Immanuel’s Music Director working with the pastoral staff to coordinate worship gatherings, overseeing the worship leadership calendar, directing the adult choir seasons, leading the Easter Good Friday service and the Christmas Eve Candlelight service, and mentoring music department leaders and volunteers.

Sarah has served on the Women’s Ministry Leadership Team since 2013 and accepted the role of Immanuel’s Women’s Ministry Director in 2020. She also works full time as a Clinical Supervisor at a local community service board.

“I enjoy loving and serving Jesus with my brothers and sisters in Christ.  Along with that, I enjoy seeing women, specifically, valued as equal image-bearers in the church, reflecting and declaring God’s glory as they are encouraged to be who God made them to be in His redemptive story.”

Sarah also loves exploring Richmond’s awesome food scene with her family and friends, including her husband, Michael; two kids; and their dog, Oh Most Excellent Theophilus Feiler (Theo, for short).