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We are continuing our series on getting to know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Sharon Albonico, who is one of the leaders for the Women's Community Bible Study. 

Where were you born, and do you still consider that home, or somewhere else?

I was born in central Illinois and I still consider it where I came from, but my home is where I live now.

What did you want to be when you grew up – and is that still a dream

I wanted to be a mom when I was a little girl. I was blessed to have 4 boys.

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

My earliest spiritual influence were my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. I am so thankful that they all loved God and following him was the most important thing in their lives.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

I was called to Christ when I was 15 years old. I awoke one night with His presence. He asked me to follow him, and I did.

What is a scripture you often read or share with others?

"We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

What is a special answered prayer you’ve received from the Lord?

“Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?"

What are the blessings and challenges you have leading women's Bible study? 

The deep friendships and growing togetherness are the blessings. Prayers for wise discussions and the truth are the challenges.

What are your hobbies and how did you get into them?

I like to walk in the woods frequently. I like to make baby quilts for my grandchildren when they are born. I read historical novels and Christian novels, along with other types of stories. I also love to go camping when possible.

What is your favorite family tradition?

I enjoy cooking meals for family dinners when they can come to visit us.

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

All my days are off as I am retired!

What is the perfect meal?

My perfect meal? Dessert is important. I do love dark chocolate salted caramels.

Who or what never fails to make you laugh?

The innocence of small children.

We asked Sergio: What is your favorite trait of Sharon?

My favorite trait of Sharon is that she loves God.

We are continuing our series on getting to know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Chris Willadsen, who has rejoined our Elder Council. 

Where were you born, and do you still consider that home, or somewhere else?

I was born at Merritt Hospital in Oakland, California. I grew up in Alameda and Oakland which was home. I now consider the East Mountains, after 45 years, to be home.

What did you want to be when you grew up – and is that still a dream

When I was kid, I wanted to be healthy, wealthy and wise.

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

When I was very young, Nanue, my maternal grandmother was my caretaker, as my parents both worked. She was a godly woman, who taught me to love the Lord as she did.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

My parents taught me to want to follow Jesus, and I felt called to commit myself to follow Christ in my senior year of high school. I was baptized as a believer that year.

What is a scripture you often read or share with others?

I often share with others the verse 1 John 1:9, as it encourages me to recognize God’s faithfulness and perfect justice, as I acknowledge my total unworthiness be cleansed and made fit for heaven with my Lord for eternity.

What is a special answered prayer you’ve received from the Lord?

My most special answer to prayer is how God has preserved our lives through hardship to be married for 57 years. I’ll never get over his grace in our lives together.

What will be a blessing and what a challenge you see as serving on the Elder Council? 

I believe a blessing will be to interact with our church elders. A challenge will be to know our congregational body.

What are your hobbies and how did you get into them?

I enjoy music, having played my clarinet for 70 years now. Practically, I don’t have hobbies anymore, though I do like playing Wordle, competing with my daughter every day.

What is your favorite family tradition?

My favorite family tradition these days is to celebrate birthdays with everyone.

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

I enjoy puttering on my day off, which is most every day. I’m retired!

What is the perfect meal?

My favorite/ perfect meal is at our kitchen table together.

Who or what never fails to make you laugh?

I laugh at old slap-stick movies.

We asked Kay the following questions: 

What is your favorite trait of Chris?

I so appreciate his faithfulness and perseverance. I thank God every day I'm able to count on Chris, and for his determination to ask the Lord for guidance, strength, resources and to obey His calling. He often searches scripture for answers to his questions. I thank God for his faithfulness to me and our girls, especially in the 55 years I have dealt with MS. This has meant more and more as my "job description" has been given to him. Chris now knows how to wash clothes and windows, vacuum, grocery shop, etc. He pretty much does everything but making the grocery list and the cooking.

What does Chris do that can always make you smile? 

Chris is pretty good with his "dad" jokes, although I've heard most of them many times. (Like "insanity is hereditary. You get it from your kids.") I often call Chris "Puddleglum", from the C.S. Lewis book, The Silver Chair. He may start out gloomily declaring all the reasons why he can't do something, but he ends up as a loyal servant, doing it anyway. He does it, and it makes me smile.

We are continuing our series on getting to know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Brittany Wendland, our new church Administrative Assistant. 

Where were you born, and do you still consider that home, or somewhere else?

I was born in Sacramento, CA, but I consider San Luis Obispo, CA where my parents live home now.

What did you want to be when you grew up – and is that still a dream?

I had many dreams, from horse veterinarian to lawyer. Now I mostly want to be a hobbit and enjoy my garden.

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

My parents were my first spiritual influence, and they still provide wonderful godly guidance in my life.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

I was 5 when I knew that I wasn’t cutting it and needed Jesus to help me. My Mom was the person I told, and she explained salvation to me.

What is a scripture you often read or share with others?

Mark 9:14-29. The father’s cry of “Lord I believe, help my unbelief” to be very comforting when my heart and brain don’t quite sync up.

What is a special answered prayer you’ve received from the Lord?

When Mitchel and I were first married, money was very tight. In a time of particular need, I found some gift cards from the wedding gifts after I thought all had been spent.

What will be a blessing and what a challenge you see as serving as church secretary?

Getting to know my church family and serve them better will be a huge blessing. I just need to remember not to spend my whole day chatting.

What are your hobbies and how did you get into them?

I love cooking, gardening and canning. My grandmother was very into them so she taught me to love them too.

What is your favorite family tradition?

The day after Thanksgiving, Mitchel and I go into the Manzano mountains to cut down a Christmas tree. We listen to Christmas music and watch Christmas movies while we decorate it that evening.

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

Getting coffee with friends or going to brunch with Mitchel.

What is the perfect meal?

A ribeye steak cooked medium rare with a baked potato and grilled artichokes as sides. Preferably from The Hitching Post in Casmalia, CA.

Who or what never fails to make you laugh?

My nieces. Those girls say the craziest things.

We asked Mitchel the following questions: 

What is your favorite trait of Brittany?

I really appreciate the heart she has for studying God's word and wanting to understand it better.

What does Brittany do that can always make you smile? 

Brittany always gives me a hug when I get home from work and that always makes me smile. 

We are continuing our series on getting to know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Hal Radloff, who just joined our Deacon Council. 

Where were you born, and do you still consider that home, or somewhere else?

I was born in Madison, Wisconsin, but I grew up in Laramie, Wyoming after my parents moved there when I was 2-months old. I still consider Wyoming home.

What did you want to be when you grew up – and is that still a dream?

Once I discovered that engineers are typically the folks that design cool mechanical things, that is what I wanted to be. I had a great time in my career doing just that.

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

My earliest spiritual influences were my parents and pastor at the church I grew up in.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

At a church summer camp when I was in the 5th or 6th grade. It was an evening bonfire service, and the message was about knowing Jesus and not just knowing about Him. That was when I heard and responded to His call

What is a scripture you often read or share with others?

Joshua 1:8-9. “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it, for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

What is a special answered prayer you’ve received from the Lord?

I see the great young men that David and Zac are becoming and see special answers to many prayers of Kristy and I over the last couple of decades: health, wisdom, love of the Lord, character, degrees, meaningful careers, and in the case of Zac, a wonderful wife.

What will be a blessing and what a challenge you see as serving as deacon?

It will be a blessing to serve and enable the body of the MCC. It will also be a blessing to spend time with and work alongside the rest of the deacons. I anticipate it being a challenge determining the best things to pursue and invest in amongst all of the good options/ideas that come before the Deacon Council.

What are your hobbies and how did you get into them?

My hobbies right now include working on cars and reloading ammunition.  I’ve always enjoyed fixing things and find it entertaining and satisfying to repair our vehicles (and sometimes those of others) and keep them in good shape. Reloading is a recent addition and I got into it because I just find it interesting. I’m looking forward to more free time so I can pick up fly fishing again.

What is your favorite family tradition?

Teaching my boys to drive a manual transmission (carried forward from my family). Also playing the white rabbit game on the first day of each month (you’ll have to ask). And popcorn and milkshakes for dinner.

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

I really enjoy staying close to home, fixing things around the house, an early afternoon nap, and then a movie in the evening.

What is the perfect meal?

There are a few different things I like a lot (most involve a grill or a smoker), but the perfect meal must end with pecan pie!

Who or what never fails to make you laugh? 

Crazy cat videos will always make me laugh. And a good pun.

We asked Kristine to answer the following questions: 

What is your favorite trait of Hal's?

Ever since I first met Hal in college, I have appreciated and loved his compassion and willingness to listen to and serve others. He freely gives of his time and wisdom to help others - family, friends, coworkers, and our church family.

What does Hal do that can always make you smile? 

It always makes me smile to see Hal interact with his sons – teaching them or helping them with whatever they need. 

We are continuing our series on getting to know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Kristine Radloff, who just joined our Deacon Council. 

Where were you born, and do you still consider that home, or somewhere else?

I was born in Sheridan, Wyoming. Although Hal and I have lived in New Mexico longer than my years there, Wyoming still feels like home.

What did you want to be when you grew up – and is that still a dream?

I had several “dreams” growing up – a writer, a counselor, a role that allows me to help others. But perhaps the most consistent dream was that of being a wife and mother.  

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

My mom, both as I watched her faithfulness and her instruction.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

I was in early elementary school when my mom talked with me about the choices I was making with my friends. Understanding what the Lord Jesus Christ had done for me to save me made me decide I could respond with nothing other than living for Him, regardless of the cost.

What is a scripture you often read or share with others?

I love Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians Chapter 3:14-21.  For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth  derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

What is a special answered prayer you’ve received from the Lord?

Hal is an answered prayer. I have been blessed with a godly husband who loves, serves, and leads me and his family. 

What will be a blessing and what a challenge you see as serving as deacon?

The blessing will be the ability to serve the body of Christ alongside the rest of the Deacon Council. A challenge for me will be understanding what my precise role is and how I can best serve both the team and MCC.

What are your hobbies and how did you get into them?

The hobby I spend the most time on now is quilting. My mom was a seamstress so I think I had this expectation that I would know how to sew as well. Sewing clothes transitioned into quilting. The boys and I enjoy role playing games with several of their friends. Hiking and outdoor activities round out my hobbies. However, Hal and I used to rock climb, and I would love to begin again.  

What is your favorite family tradition? 

Preparing for Christmas each year with an advent devotional and Christmas baking including some of the Polish recipes I grew up enjoying.

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

Doing anything with Hal and my family. But it does need to start with a cup of coffee!

What is the perfect meal?

Gorgonzola Steak Risotto or anything that Hal smokes.  

Who or what never fails to make you laugh? 

My family. I love the sense of humor God has given them.

We asked Hal the following questions about Kristine: 

What is your favorite trait of Kristine's?

Her smile, her willingness to always help people, and she will always laugh at my jokes.

What does Kristine do that can always make you smile? 

She always breaks into a smile when she sees me when I come home from work, which makes me smile too.