“I have a passion for worship and for family ministry and I believe that the church is called to help all its members, from the oldest to the youngest, experience the incredible love that God has for them every day so that they are empowered and excited to go out and share that love in the world.

“I believe that our society has become over-committed and disconnected. In most places, families no longer live close to one another and are consequently less able to support each other. As a nation, we have become busy with so many things, that we have lost our way. We need help. We need direction. The church at its best can be a place where people connect with God, with one another and with the world around them. The church at its best is a place where people feel welcomed and accepted, supported and upheld, but also challenged and excited.

"I believe that the church should boldly embrace the call to share God’s love, work for God’s justice and extend God’s healing grace to the world. As people of faith, I believe we should focus on our love for God, God’s incredible love for us and we should struggle with how to share that love with others. As a pastor, I try to ask the question, how can I share the joy of Jesus’ love in this place and in the world. I believe that the church should be a vibrant and exciting place to be, so that people look forward to coming and people are excited to go out and share the joy they experience in church with others.”

Prior Experience:

• Co-Pastor, Head of Staff, Bower Hill Community Church, Pittsburgh, PA 300+ members, 3/02 - 7/09

• Co-Pastor, Head of Staff, Central Presbyterian Church, Zanesville, OH, 250+ members, 5/97 - 2/02

• Intern, Central Kitsap Presbyterian Church, Bremerton, WA, 600+ members, 8/94 - 6/95

• Children’s Intern, Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church, Richardson, TX, 1,500+ members, 6/93 - 8/93

Laurie has two sons, Andrew and Joshua. She grew up nearby in Bernardsville, NJ.