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.

 

Susan Vein – I’ve lived in the Cypress/Spring/Woodlands area since 1993. My husband Harry (retired United Methodist Pastor) and I first visited LOL on Easter Sunday.  I love adventures, walks with our dogs, bringing home stray dogs,  time at the gym, concerts, a good book, and spending time with my family and friends. I have two sons, Nathaniel and Nicholas who work and live in the area, as well as my parents.  We are very thankful for the congregation we have found and look forward to serving and being involved and getting to know many of you. 

 

Katie & Sam Verheyen, Stella – Moved to Magnolia in March 2024 from Kenosha, Wi. Sam comes from a Lutheran background. Katie grew up and was confirmed catholic. Our daughter Stella was born November 22, 2024. As a family we enjoy watching sports (go packers & duke blue devils) and spending time outside with our 2 dogs.

 

Laura and Mike Calizzi – We are originally from Pennsylvania and lived in Georgia and Virginia prior to moving to Texas in 2011. We’ve been married for 33 years. Laura teaches ESOL (English) at Lone Star College. Mike is an engineer. We have 2 adult sons, who are both software engineers. In our free time, Laura runs, bikes and volunteers teaching English. Mike plays golf and plays saxophone in the church jazz band.

 

Becky Cox –  I am a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner in the area. I have been married to my husband, Jesse Cox, since December of 2000. He is a Firefighter/Paramedic for TWFD. We have two sons. First, Jayden who is 21 and will be graduating from Texas A&M this spring with a degree in computer science. He is engaged to Addison, an education major who also will be graduating this spring. They plan to get married in Colorado in June. Second, Kasen who is 16 and a Sophomore at Providence Classical School where he plays on the soccer team. I have lived in The Woodlands area since 1997, right before the start of my Junior year of high school. I was raised in the Church of Christ and worshiped there until 2014 when I started attending a Bible church in the area. Coming from a fundamentalist background, Lord of Life has already taught me so much about practicing a more progressive and inclusive faith. I am also excited about the multiple opportunities provided at Lord of Life to serve both the church community and surrounding community. 

 

Steve and Jennie Woerner – We moved here in 2008 after many years in the Lake Houston area. Jennie was born and raised in Iowa and Steve in Pennsylvania. Both of us were baptized and confirmed in Lutheran congregations growing up and attended various Lutheran churches over the years. Jennie is retired after 30 years working as a dental assistant and office manager at a dental practice in Kingwood. Steve retired after 30+ years in the O&G Chemical industry at Honeywell and ABB as a Project Manager and Global Engineering Manager. Steve has also served in the US Air Force. We have 5 grown children,
10 grandkids and 2 greats. We enjoy travel and have been blessed to have traveled all over the globe, through various work assignments and as part of teaching SCUBA diving at local dive shops and a couple university programs around the state as well as leading groups on international trips for recreation and research projects.

 

Rudy & Kristin Martinez – We have lived in the area since 2010. In 2024, we sold our home, downsized, and moved to Porter.  We are enjoying our new home as empty nesters of a blended family. We both experienced a solid Christian upbringing. Rudy was raised Catholic, and Kristin, Lutheran. Our faith has always been the most essential part of our lives. When we married, we agreed to combine backgrounds and join the Methodist church, where we have served in various roles, including active choir members. We both enjoy music, particularly gospel and hymns. Good music in a church is crucial to us, so it was an attraction when we attended Lord of Life. We enjoy spending time with our families, watching movies, listening to music and working on projects for their new home.

 

Deborah & Scott Welch – Deborah and Scott are transfer members from Memorial Lutheran Church in Texas City. Scott has been a lifelong member of MLC and Deborah since 1992. They have 2 children, Spencer, 33, and Taylor-Gayle, 29, as well as 2 grandchildren.  Scott is a United Airlines B737 captain and Deborah is a United Airlines flight attendant. They have both been with the company for 30-plus years and are now looking forward to retirement in just over two years. Residents of New Caney, they enjoy living on their 10 acres and everything that comes with it. Scott enjoys being on his tractor and working in his shop.  Deborah enjoys history, travelling, and her dogs. They both enjoy being with friends and family. 

 

Kat Nazaroff – 

 

Bryant & Erica Johnson, Lukas, Chloe, Brynn – 

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.”

 

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.