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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 Micah Barker, who serves on our Deacon Council. 

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

I was born in Albuquerque, NM. I moved to the East Mountains when I was 13 years old.

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

I wanted to be a soldier in the Army and then a law enforcement officer. I have done both and am still trying to grow up.

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

Mrs. Wever. She was my Sunday School teacher at Mesa Baptist Church.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

In 1985 I accepted Christ after a Sunday School lesson and after further discussion about that lesson with my parents.

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

The words of Paul the Apostle: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

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

The Lord has blessed me with a beautiful wife and amazing children.

What is a blessing and what is a challenge in serving as a deacon?

Blessing: Getting to know people at our church better and work with them. Challenge: Learning to delegate tasks and ask for help.

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

Hunting, hiking, mountain biking and camping. I have always loved outdoor activities. If some of those activities happen to keep me in decent physical condition and occasionally put meat in the freezer, then that is a bonus.

What is your favorite family tradition?

Christmas Eve dinner in Old Town of Albuquerque.

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

Early morning hike or bike followed by working on a project at home, then finishing the day on the back porch with a cold drink till the sun goes down.

What is the perfect meal?

Elk or deer steak from the grill, ranch beans, salad, biscuits and a cold beer.

Who or what never fails to make you laugh?

My dog Daisy cracks me up almost daily. Even when she is bad I can't help but laugh at her once I'm done being irritated.

We asked Nicole: 

What is your favorite trait of Micah's?

Micah is good at maintaining relationships. He patiently listens to our teen daughters, puts a lot of thought into replying to texts and diligently returns phone calls. He is also really good at learning how to do things that need to be done – from repairing vehicles to replacing the bridge at the cabin.

What does Micah do that can always make you smile? 

Watching Micah play with our dog, Daisy, always makes me laugh.

We are continuing our series on getting to know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Josh Mallett, who serves as our Tech Ministry Coordinator. 

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

I was born and raised in Tijeras, NM. We live in Edgewood now, but I do miss the mountains.

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

I wanted to join the military for as long as I can remember. God closed that door long ago.

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

My parents started, and then Scott Butler was one of my closest friends and spiritual mentor for years before he passed away. My grandparents have always been a huge part of this walk. And most important was my brother, Kris. 

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

When I was the ripe old age of 8, the Lord impressed on my heart that I needed Him as my savior. I don’t remember all the details but I do remember very clearly that he called me.  

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

Psalm 34, Galatians 5:22-26, and Genesis 1-3 are the most common go-tos for me.

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

That Jesus would be my closest friend. 

What is a blessing and what is a challenge in serving as tech ministry coordinator?

The blessing is just having fun with it, among other things. Serving in any capacity is always amazing when seen as a gift. But when you have fun doing it, it’s so much better. The challenge is making time to do the job well.

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

I love animals, especially reptiles and amphibians. And the most favorite is spending time with my wife and kiddos. Time is a precious thing and often taken for granted.

What is your favorite family tradition?

The Thanksgiving box. We write down something that we are most thankful for and put it in a box for the next year. We always read the previous year after we write down the current year thankful card. 

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

As of late most of the things I like doing revolve around what Naomi and the kiddos like/want to do, as much as I can. Usually the kids want to play video games and hop in the pool or play on the trampoline. All good times. 

What is the perfect meal?

Anything around the dinner table with family/friends. My personal favorite is with the “friends group”. How I hope those times don’t end anytime soon. But if I have to pick a food, I love Cajun. Anything spicy has always been a good go-to. 

Who or what never fails to make you laugh? 

A night watching the Three Stooges with the kids. Late night conversations with Nay. Games with the friends group. Nights around the campfire with loved ones. Memories of good times. 

We asked Naomi: 

What is your favorite trait of Josh's? 

Probably my favorite trait about him is his ability to look at a problem, any problem in the time I’ve known him, and logically and empathetically find a solution that works for as many people as possible. From issues within the work place, to anything our kids can think up, to “What’s for dinner?”, to encouraging/helping a friend. In short, he’s a logical and kind problem solver and leader. 

What does Josh do that can always make you smile? 

We are continuing our series on getting to know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Tom Mead, who serves on our Deacon Council. 

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

I was born in Glen Cove (Long Island), NY, but home is Sandia Park.

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

I wanted to be a pilot. I still dream about it. Many are nightmares.

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

I attended Sunday school growing up but my earliest spiritual influence was the drug culture of the mid-60s. Posters saying ‘Acid is God’ generated a real ‘No He is not’ reaction and pity for those who were caught up in and lost in that culture. The real influence was a Christian Navigator, Ed Polley, conducting an adult Bible study at Bitburg Air Base, Germany in 1979.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

At Bitburg, in the late ‘70s, I knew that I was not part of the prevailing culture and chose to maintain the moral standards of conduct that I had been brought up with. This was my first situation of having to make a clear choice based on secular values and Christian values, that is choosing to obey the Lord.

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

I love reading how John the Baptist jumped for joy in Elizabeth, when Mary, pregnant with Jesus, entered the house of Zachariah and greeted Elizabeth.

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

There have been many. In 2014, my son was hiking in the Sandias, had an accident, and had to be rescued. I prayed during the whole rescue sequence and the Lord got him to UNM hospital where he was taken care of.

What is a blessing and what is a challenge in serving as a deacon?

The blessing is to help mitigate what could be distractions from worship, Sunday School or any of the other many activities that go on in our church facilities. The challenge is finding time to do all that needs to be done.

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

New Mexico and Colorado have some great fishing spots. I got into this to enjoy time with my brother, who is an avid fisherman, when he would visit.

What is your favorite family tradition?

We meet our kids for dinner somewhere in Albuquerque about once per month.

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

I gave up ballet when I outgrew my slippers so now I do yardwork.

What is the perfect meal?

Waffles with molasses, and bacon.

Who or what never fails to make you laugh? 

My son in ‘one ups-manship’ pun making contests.

We asked Karin: 

What is your favorite trait of Tom's? 

Honor. Tom is an honorable man in everything he does! From this flows faithfulness, loyalty and integrity. I have known this for as long as I have known Tom.

What does Tom do that can always make you smile? 

Every year when it is time to plant his garden, I smile at how much joy this gives him. He gets those little plants ready to go in the ground and tends to them faithfully. Tom gets up to water before going to work and waters first thing when he gets home. He produces some great veggies and loves to share with the church members every summer.

We are continuing our series on getting to know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Shannon Bryant, who serves on our Deacon Council. 

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

I was born in Las Cruces but have lived in the East Mountains for the majority of my life. The East Mountains will always be home to me.

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

My father might say I was born to be an engineer and engineering has always been something that I enjoy. My job is a means to allow me to do the things I really enjoy doing.

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

I was fortunate to grow up in a strong Christian home. I would have to say my earliest spiritual influence would be my parents.

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

I accepted Christ around the age of seven at a Billy Graham meeting at our church.

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

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

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

God was so faithful to take me through my cancer treatment. I could see him working to provide for me physically, spiritually, and financially throughout my time at Mayo and recovery at home. It honestly changed my whole perspective on God and the way I live my life.

What is a blessing and what is a challenge in serving as a deacon?

It has been a blessing to finally find a way to serve the body using the talents and abilities that God has given me. It has taken me awhile to find a good way to serve and I am thankful for this opportunity. My biggest challenge has to be the sanctuary AC  - the battle rages on.

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

I really enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, camping, or spending time at the lake.

What is your favorite family tradition?

Our family has always had a tradition of traveling as much as possible during the summertime. It has created some wonderful memories over the years.

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

Doing something outside like a hike or mountain bike ride. I also enjoy getting together with friends for a meal on the weekends.

What is the perfect meal?

I'm a meat and potatoes kind of guy. No need for much else.

Who or what never fails to make you laugh?

My family has a great sense of humor and we always have a lot of laughs.

We asked Marcy:

What is your favorite trait of Shannon's? 

Shannon never gives up and never complains, no matter how hard things get. 

What does Shannon do that can always make you smile? 

Shannon has a great sense of humor and there's hardly a day that goes by he doesn't lift my spirits. And I love watching him on the dance floor.

We are continuing our series on getting to know your church leaders a little bit better. Read along to learn more about Nicole Barker, who serves on our Deacon Council. 

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

I was born in Washington DC, but we moved when I was 7 days old, and I haven’t been back, yet! I’ve lived in the East Mountains since I was about 7 years old, and definitely consider it home! 

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

I am grateful that I was able to live my dream of being a stay-at-home mom. I think it is the most important job I could’ve had.  

What or who was your earliest spiritual influence?

Marv & Barb Procter were my youth leaders for many years. I still remember some specific lessons that Marv taught, and I am thankful for the time they invested in me, and in the lives of MANY others!

How and when did Christ call you to Himself?

I was baptized at MCC when I was 13, and rededicated myself at age 18 at a Christian Conference in Albuquerque. The speaker said something like, "If you have any doubts about your salvation, you can know here and now that you have accepted Christ as your Savior.”  

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

I listen to the ‘Proverbs of the day’ each morning. I love the nuggets of truth sprinkled throughout Proverbs! 

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

I can’t think of a ‘large’ prayer; but God often answers my ‘little’ prayers, such as ‘please take this thought away if it’s not something I should be concerned about’.

What is a blessing and what is a challenge in serving as a deacon?

I enjoy the admin side of serving as a deacon. The challenges are that often the various projects that come to us are outside of my skill set. And it’s difficult to juggle time management and various responsibilities. 

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

I guess my favorite hobby is ‘puttering’ around the house doing whatever odd job needs to be done (or more truthfully what I FEEL like doing). In the summer I enjoy sitting outside, especially with our cat on my lap; or watering the trees and flowers. I usually listen to audiobooks while I’m puttering.

What is your favorite family tradition?

Christmas morning is my favorite time with our kids. We all have our cups of coffee and gather in the living room in our jammies and take turns opening gifts. We have been fortunate to have everyone home every Christmas, and I know that is not something to be taken for granted because they will soon begin their own families and traditions. 

How do you enjoy spending a day off?

See ‘puttering’ around the house above. We are fortunate to have a cabin near Questa, NM that Micah’s grandparents built in the early 1980’s. That is where we spend our vacations or long weekends.  We are also hoping to take our new-to-us camper on trips.

What is the perfect meal?

My favorite meal would include mashed potatoes and biscuits. 

Who or what never fails to make you laugh? 

Watching Micah play with our dog Daisy provides our daily dose of laughter.

We asked Micah:

What is your favorite trait of Nicole's?

I love her gentle and kind spirit. She truly has a servant's heart for all of her friends and family.

What does Nicole do that can always make you smile? 

When Nicole starts to uncontrollably laugh, I can't help but start laughing also. It is contagious. She is the most consistent, positive bright spot in my life.