Louise O’Connell –  Until recently, I was a lifelong resident of Michigan, growing up  25 miles outside of Detroit.  Throwing caution to the wind,  I relocated to The Woodlands Texas in 2018 for a job opportunity, leaving behind my old life.  I have two adult children.  Melissa lives in Manhatton, New York and Ryan lives in Clayton, Ohio  with his wife.  I was raised Catholic, but changed to Lutheran.  Aside from working, I enjoy attending  concerts, playing card games, and traveling. Two years ago, I finished visiting all 50 states, ending with the State of North Dakota and becoming a member of their “Best for Last Club.”

 

Denise Domingue – I am from Lafayette, Louisianna. Although I just officially moved here four months ago, I have been attending services at LOL with my children and grandchildren every time I visited them. I am so excited to officially become a member of this wonderful congregation. I am enjoying every aspect of Texas living and having the opportunity to watch my four beautiful grandkids grow up. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, cooking, shopping, and making new friends. After leaving the Catholic Church, I began attending First Lutheran Lafayette (ELCA) Church in Louisiana, where I really rediscovered my faith and love in Christ. I am very thankful that my family and I have found such a wonderful, welcoming, and loving community at LOL.Thank you all for welcoming my family and I with big, open arms, and I cannot wait to get to know each and every one of you.

 

Natalie & Jake Controne, Cooper & Clara – Natallie and Jake are Texas natives (Houston and Dallas) who met in college at Oklahoma State University. They were married in 2019, and now have two beautiful children, Cooper (3) and Clara (5 months). Natallie was a middle school choir teacher for 6 years before stepping out of education to be a stay-at-home mom. She has also been a worship leader in the 11:00 service band since 2017! Jake is a safety professional for ExxonMobil, and though his work has taken him all over Texas and beyond, the Contrones call Magnolia home. Their favorite place to visit as a family is South Padre Island, and in general love spending time outdoors as long as the temperature permits. The Contrones are so joyful to (finally!!!) join the Lord of Life family!

 

 

Debbie Shoyket – I’ve lived in The Woodlands since 2004, when I relocated from my home state of New Jersey for my job in information technology. I attended university classes part-time for several years and, thanks to the Lord and supportive coworkers, I earned a degree in 2001. I live with my three cats and dog who keep me entertained. I enjoy reading, walking outside, music, podcasts, movies, and being with friends. I grew up a Presbyterian and was re-baptised in 2012 at the United Methodist Church. It is my pleasure to grow in the love of Christ.

 

 

 

Kristian Houck – I was raised Lutheran in Pennsylvania but lived in the Washington DC area and Colorado before moving to the Woodlands area in May.  I studied Spanish at the University of Pittsburgh and work as an IT Project Manager with the US Department of Agriculture.  While employed at the State Department in Washington, I traveled to over thirty countries and spent six months in Afghanistan as a civilian.  I still enjoy travel but prefer trips closer to home.  I also enjoy movie nights, going to the gym, and trying out new restaurants in the area. 

 

Tina Hallare –  I have been married to my husband Michael for 25 years and we have 2 boys: Miguel, who is 24 years old, and Santino, who just turned 19.  I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines, but we have lived in the Woodlands for 17 years. I am an early childhood educator. I taught Pre-K at Interfaith Child Development Center and am now working as a Kindergarten Teaching Assistant in The John Cooper School. I love listening to music and podcasts, watching movies, reading, and gardening.  My husband and I were born into the Catholic faith and educated in a Jesuit University but for a time, we were “lapsed Catholics.” We found Lord of Life when our son Santino served as an assistant to the Lord of Life Choir during his senior year of high school. Initially, we attended the services to hear our son sing, but we quickly discovered that the church’s teaching resonated with us. We were especially drawn to its message of acceptance and inclusivity and the warm sense of community.

 

 

Erica & Greg Avedikian; Amelia, Jackson – The Avedikians moved to The Woodlands in 2015. Greg is originally from Ohio, and Erica grew up in Texas and Illinois. After a chance meeting in Virginia, Greg and Erica married in Houston in 2005. Greg’s career in the United States Marine Corps took their family to Washington, North Carolina, and Louisiana before they settled in The Woodlands. Greg flies for United Airlines, and Erica works for Child Advocates of Montgomery County. Their daughter, Amelia, is a junior and their son, Jackson, is a sophomore at The Woodlands High School. The family is grateful and excited to have found a church home that truly welcomes all people so that they may have life through the love of Christ. 

 

 

Laura Odelius – I live in Spring with my husband, Dwight, and twin boys, Alexander and Daniel (15). I grew up in Houston (attending South Main Baptist Church), spent 10 years in Chicago, and moved back in 2001. My husband and I run a small design/communications agency. Before that, I taught history for several years at HBU and spent a decade as an information management consultant. I started coming to LOL with my mom, Rose Sinclair, who has been a member since 2013. I’m a lifelong singer and love being part of the choir and music at the 8:30 service. I appreciate LOL’s focus on grace, and the way its members consistently and without fanfare make a difference in the community.

Paul and Kristina Otterstrom – Paul was born and raised in Spokane, Washington. Kristina grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. James and Caroline were born in and adopted from China. Paul and Kristina were both raised Mormon but left the Mormon church in 2016 and found a wonderful Lutheran congregation at St. Timothy in Houston. As a family, they were baptized on Easter Sunday, 2017. In 2020, they moved to The Woodlands to be closer to Paul’s work as a Finance VP. Kristina is an attorney and is on leave of absence since they are expecting a baby girl at the end of May. As a family, they enjoy playing tennis and golf and Kristina loves singing.

 

 

Allison McGeever – I was raised going to the Episcopalian church In Dallas, Texas. My husband and I met in college at Texas A&M University our freshman year, married in 2011 and have lived in the Woodlands since 2014. We have two living children Penelope (5) and Benjamin (3). In August of 2017 we had our first son Jonathan, who was stillborn at 22 weeks. I have a passion for working with senior adults in our community and I’m currently a companion for a local senior when my kiddos are in school.  Our family loves a good park date, live music or a good meal with friends. We look forward to developing relationships and putting down roots at Lord of Life.

 

Elisa Annelin – I grew up in The Woodlands and left for college and graduate school.  After school, I worked and lived in Houston and Washington, DC before moving back to The Woodlands area about six years ago.  My sister started attending Lord of Life years ago and is now a member.  I like the inclusive nature of Lord of Life and everyone I have met while visiting is friendly and inviting.  Last summer, I volunteered at VBS and had a blast.  I have a daughter, Stella, and son, Sean.  They enjoy the events at church and Sean is well known in the nursery.  All of us enjoy swimming, traveling, and reading books.

 

Michael Hallare – Michael is from the Philippines and moved with his family to The Woodlands in 2007. As Catholics, they were introduced to Lord of Life when their son Santino joined as an assistant to the choir two years ago. The community welcomed them warmly every time they attended services as guests. The values at Lord of Life, as reflected through the sermons of Pastors David and Cassandra, resonated with MIchael. They align closely with his faith. Discovering Lord of Life has been a blessing. 

 

 

Lou Gold – I lost my most precious spouse Ronald Williams 2 years ago. I had 2 sons, one of which I lost 15 years ago.  My other son, Nathan, is living in Colorado. I came to Houston from Colorado to work for Compaq Computers which later became Hewlett Packard and worked for them for 17 years. My academic teaching background is teaching at the Jr High, Sr High, College, and Graduate level; in business, new hire, management and executive training/coaching. 
Some of my career I was a reporter, the Rocky Mountain News advertising manager and the communications manager for March of Dimes. I am an author of “Discover Denver”. I have 2 fabulous rescue greyhounds – Summer and Winter and I enjoy gardening.  I have 12 years of Catholic education and searched for several years for a church that I could call “home”.  I am now at “home” at LOL, where all are welcome.  It is a joy to become a member here.

 

Jim Annelin – I was born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I graduated from Midland High School and attended the University of Michigan, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law before marrying Mary Jane Gaskin and taking my full-time position with the Disciples of Christ Church in Indianapolis. Mary and I moved to the Woodlands in 1982 and practiced law together for about 35 years here. We have three children and five grandchildren all of whom are members of this church except my son who lives in California. Mary passed away on Good Friday 2023.

 

Debbie Welshons – I was raised Lutheran in a small town in Wisconsin. After attending the University of Minnesota, I began working in Hastings, Minnesota where I met and Married Joel. In 1982, we moved to Houston, were blessed with two children, and celebrated 45 years of marriage before Joel passed away. Now that I am retired, I enjoy having more time for reading, working in my yard, or just walking outside, enjoying nature. I feel Lord of Life is a caring community with many opportunities to grow in faith.

Susan Welbes – I’ve lived in South Montgomery County since 1997 and the Houston area since 1974. I’m a mother of two adult girls and my husband and I have been married for over 35 years. I was the Director of Human Resources for The Woodlands Township from 1998-2020, and currently serve as the Administrative Services Division Director for Travis County’s Transportation and Natural Resources Division (where they support remote work, so I can remain in the area!). I have attended church throughout my life primarily at Missouri Synod or WELS Churches. I find that my beliefs and faith are more closely aligned with the ELCA and have enjoyed visiting our State and National Parks.

 

DeLynne & Andy Ano – We have recently moved back to The Woodlands after 10 years and are so grateful we found Lord of Life. We have two sons – our oldest son is in Ohio with his wife and our 3 grandchildren, our youngest son and his husband are here with us. Andy plays guitar and enjoys fishing and boating. DeLynne loves to travel and read.

 

 

Bob & Kristie Bailes – Bob and Kristie have lived in The Woodlands for 10 years and Texas for 25 years. Bob is a Chemical Engineer recently retired after 38 years with ExxonMobil. Kristie is a retired Operating Room Registered Nurse. They have two grown children and two granddaughters. Through many ExxonMobil relocations over the years, Bob and Kristie attended a variety of churches. They have served as youth group leaders, Sunday School teachers, ushers, communion assistants, and church board members at various points along the way. Now in retirement Bob and Kristie split their time between The Woodlands and their home in NW Montana. In addition to spending time with their children and grandchildren, they enjoy golf, pickleball, hiking, boating, fishing, and traveling.

 

Matt and Julie Speilman and Alex – Matt was born in Flint, Michigan, and grew up in Minnesota. Julie grew up nearby in Prestonwood. Alex was born on St. Patrick’s Day 2015 also in Flint. We came to Houston in 2020 from Dublin, Ireland, having lived there for 2 years. Matt grew up in a Lutheran family, first Missouri Synod and later ELCA. Julie grew up attending Lakewood Methodist Church. We have attended non-denominational churches since we were married. We are happy to find an inclusive church home as we look to settle in the Woodlands through Alex’s school years. We enjoy travel, exploring and walking in nature. We are all big readers. We recently welcomed two kittens into our family. They are our third generation of cats.

 

Shirley Czerwinski – I live at the Conservatory in The Woodlands where I am involved in many activities such as games, exercise, bible study and I am a Hug a Bear volunteer. I was raised Catholic but for many years I’ve gone to the Community Church in Montgomery. I have two sons. One is a member of Lord of Life. While raising my sons I spent 10 years on my hometown farm in Bremond, TX. It was a wonderful experience for all of us as we had a veggie garden and fruit orchard. I moved back to Houston once my sons went off to college. I enjoy volunteering at schools, Vitas Hospice, hospitals, The Wolf Sanctuary, Assistant League Thrift shop and Crisis Hotline. Presently my goal is to be a good grandmother to my 4 grandchildren and to be more involved in my relationship with my heavenly Father. I look forward to friendships at Lord or life and attend the Women of the Word bible study.

 

Brad & Chris Haney – My husband and I moved here in December of 2023 with my parents – also new members of the church – for a new adventure. We are excited to find a church that is so welcoming and accepting of all people, no matter their journey. Both my husband and I are avid gym-goers, love a good movie night, and enjoy connecting with others. We are thankful to have found Lord of Life and look forward to meeting everyone!

 

 

Emilie Grohmann; Keegan, Kade, Karter – I was raised a Lutheran in the Tomball/Magnolia area and attended a Lutheran church in Cypress growing up. My family and I currently live in Montgomery. My husband and I have 3 boys ages 14, 9 and 3. I work at a private Christian School where I have taught classes of all ages, infants to Jr. High, as well as in the office. My family and I enjoy playing spending time with family, board games, playing baseball and golf, camping, fishing, anything outdoors and active. We are excited to join the LOL family.

 

Zoraya & Allan Stern, Maia, Marissa, Nathan – Allan (born in Houston) and I (born in New York) met at UT Austin in Architecture school. Allan was raised Lutheran and I was raised Catholic and became Lutheran when we married in 1993. We have 4 children:  Nicholas (25), Texas Tech Graduate – Computer Science, lives in Austin, TX, plays cello and swims.  Nathan (22), UT Austin Graduate – Computer & Electrical Engineering, moving to Madison, WI, plays bass and swims.  Maia (19), Biology major at UT Austin, plays flute and swims.  Marissa (14), Freshman at Grand Oaks High School, plays French Horn and swims.  Luna (4) – we all LOVE our Cavapoo.  We moved to Washington DC in 2000 and returned to TX in 2014. Allan is an Engineer at ExxonMobil. He plays the bass guitar and loves to play golf. I am an Architect at HKS Architects. I play the flute and love photography and enjoy learning tennis and golf. And, we both love traveling the world! 

 

Ken Harvey –