This week, we introduce four of our deacon nominees for the coming year: Aiden Salmeron, Kelli McCombs, Debbie Pittman, and Suzanne Taylor. Keep reading to learn about them and stay tuned for more introductions next week.
Aiden Salmeron has been a member of St. John’s for 1 year. Aidan is a member of the Chancel Choir. He is currently serving on the Website Resource Team and as a Room in the Inn volunteer.
In Aidan’s own words:
I first came to St. John’s around March of 2023. I came with my girlfriend Chloe Hall and my journey with God was somewhat up in the air at the time. Through my partnership with Chloe and the community, faith, welcoming, and love that St. John’s was able to provide, I was able to rediscover my relationship with God. I found this manifested itself through interactions with my brothers and sisters in the world, community service, serving others in ways that Jesus would, and learning about the Bible. Being called to serve Christ in the world is something incredibly important to me, and something I continue to strengthen every day. My vision for St. John’s involves a place of worship and congregation for those looking to serve Christ and their broader St. John’s community to those in need. Specifically, I want to use my influence and skillset to position St. John’s as a place that draws in young adults and families currently living in Charlotte or having just moved to Charlotte. Additionally, I would love to create more connectivity between members of different groups at St. John’s.
Kelli McCombs has been a member of St. John’s for 9 years. Kelli is a member of the Genesis Sunday School Class. She is currently serving as the Fellowship Resource Team Co-Chair and Charlotte Family Housing Liaison. She has previously served on the Messaging & Media Resource Team and as an Elementary Sunday School Teacher.
In Kelli’s own words:
I grew up going to church and had a fantastic experience throughout my childhood into my youth—I made some great friends, attended mission trips and conferences, and learned leadership skills. When Eric and I were dating, we knew that finding a church family was important for us and our future. After a quick Google search, we visited St. John’s and have been here since! We love that St. John’s has elements of a more traditional service, with an organ and a choir, while offering more modern views. We are happy to be raising our children in a church that is supportive of us and aligns with our personal views. As a parent of young children, my desire is for us to set up a future for our youth to be leaders of the church. I love having the children involved in services and guiding them in their faith. I pray that we continue as a united church who leans on the congregation for support on the direction of our future.
Debbie Pittman has been a member of St. John’s for 10 years. Debbie is a member of the Seekers Sunday School Class. She is currently co-coordinating the 2024 CROP Hunger Walk with James Laney. She also serves on the Women of the Church Events Team.
In Debbie’s own words:
At SJBC I previously served on the Personnel Committee. At my previous church, I served as Chair of the Personnel Committee, strategic planning facilitator, discipleship training coordinator, Sunday school adult class facilitator, and worship service host. One of my favorite areas of service was to serve as a coach to lay leaders to help them lead task team volunteers. I often conducted team-building sessions with committee leaders and their committee members to work together effectively. I traveled to Benoni, South Africa on missions where we worked predominately with orphanages with children whose parents had died of AIDS. We also worked in a village to witness and pray for those with AIDS. So many aspects of SJBC have significantly affected my journey with God. Through connection with others in class and book studies as well as worship, I feel supported and encouraged in my growth and journey with God. Dr. Foust’s messages help me in my daily walk with God. Studies in Seekers and the Women’s Book Study group challenged my thinking and helped me expand how I view and think about God. As a result, I am becoming more secure and grounded in faith with a solid Christian lifestyle and greater knowledge of God and the deep truths of faith.
Suzanne Taylor has been a member of St. John’s for 8 years. Suzanne is a member of the Joy Sunday School Class. She is currently serving as President & Chair of the Joy Class, on the Sanctuary Guild, Greeters, Banana Pudding volunteer, Sandwich Ministry, and Needle Ministry. She has previously served with the Backpack Ministry at St. John’s and with the Sunday School and Youth group of Neshaminy Presbyterian in Pennsylvania.
In Suzanne’s own words:
St. John’s is a church that lives the Christian teachings. It leads by example because its congregation is a living part of a group that lives in the world practicing what they deeply believe. St. John’s offers a welcoming experience to everyone who enters its doors. As such it has allowed me to grow in my Christian faith and embrace the opportunities to serve. I hope to see St John’s continue to grow, especially with younger members. It is wonderful seeing our younger members going out and celebrating their faith within the community and the world that awaits them. We share a vibrant and loving community within our walls and just think about what can be quietly achieved in this complicated world by all of us living by the example of love and grace.
