April Spotlight Family

Meet Our April 2024 Spotlight Family: The Carr’s

Meet Erika Carr and her daughters, Makenna and Amarah! They have been faithful members of ALCWC since the beginning. This past Christmas, they added two new furry friends to their family, miniature poodle puppies named Dulce & Noche! 


Erika, Makenna and Amarah love serving in various areas. Erika leads our Children’s Ministry team and participates in teaching, planning and leading youth activities or events.  Makenna has recently become the main photographer for ALCWC, taking pictures for the website, worship services and other events.


Erika shares, “We have a unique family as it extends beyond our home to others. We connect with others through God’s love that lives inside of us!



We love our house, which we call home; however, having someone to love is what makes up our family.”


Erika is a Registered Dental Hygienist and works in Steilacoom for Legacy Dental. Makenna and Amarah are students at Cascade Christian Schools in Puyallup.


They are a family who cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles and recently traveled there to attend a game. Go Eagles!

A collage of photos of a family and a dog - — University Place, WA — Abundant Life Worship

Meet Our March 2024 Spotlight Family: The Collins

Tracy, Kennedy and Madison, along with the only male in the family, their cat, Jasper the Magnificent.😊

 

The Collins family have been members of Abundant Life from the very beginning. Tracy currently serves as a board member and works with the Youth and Children’s Ministries on Special Programs. She also contributes her visual arts talents to the media team. Her daughters, Kennedy and Madison, actively attend church and volunteer their time and talents when needed.

 

Professionally, Tracy is an Executive Administrator Life Christian Academy in Tacoma. Kennedy attends Tacoma Community College and is in pursuit of her Nursing degree. Madison is currently a senior year at Curtis High School and is a flyer on the Curtis Varsity Cheer team. She recently returned from Florida to attend the National High School Cheerleading Championship.  

 

Tracy shares in 2024, her family desires to press deeper into God and trust Him more as they enter into a season of growth and maturity. 

three women are posing for a picture and one of them is wearing a polka dot dress

Meet Our February 2024 Spotlight Family: Patti Harris

Patti has faithfully been a member at ALCWC for almost 6 years. She is a mother of two adult daughters, retired and lives on the North End of Tacoma with her cat, Reese.

 

Serving as a greeter and assisting with coffee setup are just some of the ways Patti provides support to ALCWC. Last year, Patti participated in the church choir and recalls one of her most memorable moments at church is when she sang a solo during a worship experience service.

 

In her spare time, Patti enjoys spending time latch hooking and loves to sing.  One thing that she holds dear to her heart is her love for church and her church family. Patti expresses deep gratitude to be part of Abundant Life Community Worship Center!


Patti Harris — University Place, WA — Abundant Life Worship

Patti Harris Shares A Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for this day,
I think You for my being able to see
and to hear this morning.
I am blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God.
You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me.
Forgive me, for everything I have done, said, or thought that was not pleasing to You.
I asked now for Your forgiveness.
Please keep me safe from all danger and harm.
Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude.
Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind

so that I can hear from You.
Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things.
Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over.
And give me the best response when I’m pushed beyond my limits.
I know that when I can’t pray, You listen to my heart.
Continue to use me to do Your will.
Continue to bless me, that I may be a blessing to others.
Keep me strong that I may help the weak.
Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others.
I pray for those that are lost and can’t find their way.
I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood.
I pray for those who don’t know You intimately.
I pray for those who will delete this without sharing it with others.

I pray for those that don’t believe.
But I thank You that I believe that God changes people

and God changes things.
I pray for all my sisters and brothers.
For each and every family member in their households.
I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes;

that they are out of debt, and all their needs are met.
I pray, that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem,

circumstance, or situation greater than God.
Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.
I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees it

in Jesus‘ name. Amen!
 
Author Unknown

Meet Our January Spotlight Family: The Tindall’s

Alisha and her daughter Airiana were both born in the State of Washington. Alisha attended the University of Washington in 2009 and received her bachelor’s degree. Airiana is following in her mother’s footsteps and is attending the University of Washington Seattle.

 

Alisha shares: “I have been at ALCWC since the first day the church was started in my grandparent’s home, (the late Bishop Curtis and Elinor Montgomery) in 2015, where we would gather to worship as a family.”

 

Alisha has served in several different positions at ALCWC. She helps with setting up and serving refreshments, special events and has helped with the children’s ministry working with both the teens and younger children, assisting Erika Carr.

 

Before leaving to college, Airiana was the main photographer on Sunday’s and all special events and put content together for posting on social media.

 

Alisha works for the State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services in long term care as a Public Benefits Specialist 4.

 

Airiana attends the University of Washington and is majoring in bio medical engineering.

 

Alisha is planning to get married this year in 2024 to her Fiancé Chad Deseraux and will relocate to New Orleans Louisiana.


Tindall's Family — University Place, WA — Abundant Life Worship

Meet Our December Spotlight Family: The Thomas’s

We are thrilled to highlight this family of siblings, Rita Dawson, Regina Thomas and Richard “Ricky” Samuel Thomas.


During the 1970s, their mother, Shirley Thomas, brought her children to worship with the Montgomery family. After their mother’s passing in 1995, the Thomas’s deep connection with the Montgomery’s continued and ultimately brought the siblings to worship and serve at ALCWC for the last six years. 


Ricky actively and faithfully serves in several roles that include Deacon, security, greeter, and is also an advisor to the Men’s Ministry. He is well known for his smile and outpouring of joy which is infectious. Professionally, Ricky is a Prosthetic and Orthotic Technician. He is the father of three daughters and nine grandchildren (three girls and six boys).

Family Awardee — University Place, WA — Abundant Life Worship

Regina, though actively involved with another local ministry within the area, attends and supports ALCWC faithfully to support her brother and sister. Regina loves attending Time of Inspiration and Blessing on Sundays, connecting during RISE! conferences, and participating in other church programs and events. For the last 42 years, Regina has been employed by the state of Washington.


Rita is a Deaconess, assists the Baptism and Altar teams and graciously supports the Pastors whenever it’s needed. She expresses her love for the Abundant Life church family and the continual teachings and learning of God’s word. Rita retired from Ford Motor Company after 30 years.

Meet Our November Spotlight Family: The Garcia’s

We have always been a strong, God fearing- family. We hail from Southern California, just like our fellow Abundant Life Garcias, Acacia and John! 


Some of us are present here at ALCWC more than others, but not for lack of being loving and faithful Children of God. We have never been more united as a family than right now, in this day, at this time. We are blessed to call Abundant Life Home, and we love being a part of this community.


We have been attending members since 2017, approximately 6 years.

The Garcia Family — University Place, WA — Abundant Life Worship

We come for the Praise, Worship, and fellowship. We stay for the ever-flowing Spirit and Word of God, Amen. Don't think it's all just for you, Pastor Dan! Although, you sure keep it interesting.


Our job titles range from Driver to Healthcare Professionals, Business Owner, and Customer Service Specialist to Office Manager.


We didn't grow to become this strong of a family without suffering. There has been tragedy and loss after more loss. We held our dearly departed Brother and Son, Dale Jr's Memorial Service right here in this very building. 


The Montgomery’s were there for us when we were lost ourselves and have remained there as we've fought to pick up the pieces. 


We thank ALCWC for the support they have provided to us as a family. We pray that we may continue to grow and fellowship here so that our children can learn from the pillars of this community.

Meet our October Spotlight Family: The Roberts

This is the Roberts Family: Jeffrey, Jessica, Janessa, Juliana, Jayven and Jayda. They go by the name, “The J Roberts Crew.”

They are a family who is committed to loving God and loving people well.

The J Roberts Crew have been members of ALCWC for over five years. Jessica and Jeffrey serve on the Ministerial team and as Service Coordinators. Jeffrey also helps with the Media team while Jessica serves as the Worship leader. All the children are active in the children’s ministry.

On a professional level, Jeffrey works as a Transit Operator for Pierce Transit and Jessica is a Loan Officer with Movement Mortgage.

The Roberto Family — University Place, WA — Abundant Life Worship

When the family was asked what they love best they said, “We love bringing people together, music, hosting gatherings with family and friends and going on “adventures” as a family.” 

Meet Our September Spotlight Family: The Walters.

Demeco and Michelle have been married for 13 years and have three sons Amos, Preston, and Ethan.


Meco (as he is known), and Michelle met at their former church Greater Christ Temple, in 1995. 


Their sons are very talented and athletic: Amos plays basketball, baseball, and runs track. He is also a gifted artist and dabbles in ceramics. 


Preston plays golf and runs track. He is a member of the Robotics Club at his school as well. 


Ethan plays basketball, baseball, and runs track. Ethan is the social butterfly of the three and likes music. He would like to use his musical talents to create music for video games.

Demeco is a middle school SPED teacher at Dr. Claudia Thomas Middle School in the Clover Park School District.


Michelle is an entrepreneur, owning a baked goods service and graphic design agency.


The Walters have been at ALCWC since 2018 and are active in the ministry. With hearts for helping those in need, they served as lead ministers over the Community Impact Team (CIS).

Meet our August Spotlight Family: The Morris’s

Morris Family — University Place, WA — Abundant Life Worship

This is the Morris Family!


Jason and Carol Morris are Assistant Pastors at ALCWC and have been married for over 30 years. They are parents of 4 adult children and 3 grandchildren.


In 2008, while serving in the military, they moved to Washington State and joined Abundant Life in December 2017.


The Morris family are active and faithful servants of God. They continue to support the ministry and do whatever is needed in many ways such as leading the Married Life group, coordinating bible studies on Wednesday nights, facilitating noon day prayer, and leading Inspirational and Blessings Time on Sundays.


Jason is a retired Army veteran and runs a logistics business. Carol runs a state licensed family childcare learning program, is an ECEAP teacher and ‘has a party planning business.


It is a blessing for their children and grandchildren to support Jason and Carol in their various ministry duties and personal business endeavors.


Abundant Life is pleased to feature the Morris family for the month of August. They are a blessing and an important part of our church family.

Meet our August Spotlight Family: The Morris’s

Morris Family — University Place, WA — Abundant Life Worship

This is the Morris Family!


Jason and Carol Morris are Assistant Pastors at ALCWC and have been married for over 30 years. They are parents of 4 adult children and 3 grandchildren.


In 2008, while serving in the military, they moved to Washington State and joined Abundant Life in December 2017.


The Morris family are active and faithful servants of God. They continue to support the ministry and do whatever is needed in many ways such as leading the Married Life group, coordinating bible studies on Wednesday nights, facilitating noon day prayer, and leading Inspirational and Blessings Time on Sundays.


Jason is a retired Army veteran and runs a logistics business. Carol runs a state licensed family childcare learning program, is an ECEAP teacher and ‘has a party planning business.


It is a blessing for their children and grandchildren to support Jason and Carol in their various ministry duties and personal business endeavors.


Abundant Life is pleased to feature the Morris family for the month of August. They are a blessing and an important part of our church family.

Meet our July Spotlight Family: The Forests

We love God.

We show compassion.

We have fun.

We try to keep our promises.

We smile.

We say I’m sorry.

We forgive.

We pray.

We laugh.

We sing.

We always say I love you.

We give the best hugs.

We do our best to seek joy every day.

We dream big!

Top Row: Aliyana, DeVictor, Sr., Gina

Bottom Row: DeVictor, (DJ), Imanie

Top Row: Aliyana, DeVictor, Sr., Gina

Bottom Row: DeVictor, (DJ), Imanie

We love God.

We show compassion.

We have fun.

We try to keep our promises.

We smile.

We say I’m sorry.

We forgive.

We pray.

We laugh.

We sing.

We always say I love you.

We give the best hugs.

We do our best to seek joy every day.

We dream big!

The Forest family officially joined ALCWC in March 2020. Serving faithfully as a family is their desire and ministry. DeVictor Forest Sr. serves as a Deacon. Gina and Imanie assist with greeting visitors and friends. Imanie and Aliyana are also ALCWC Youth teachers and teach the teen class while DJ Forest supports the Sound and Media team.


They are also a hardworking family who work as a laborer, teacher, architect, medical field and actively pursues to reach their educational goals.


The Forest family expressed, “We love our Pastors for who they are and appreciate them for being transparent and real. They are our mentors and role models who demonstrate their Christian values every day no matter where they are.”


They also conveyed their love for the Abundant Life family saying, “We also love our church family because they are their authentic selves. We admire each and every person and for what they bring to our church community. Collectively, we are a family who loves God, family and others.”


This beautiful and amazing family is proud to be members at Abundant Life Community Worship Center!

Meet our June Spotlight Family: The Anderson’s

Morris Anderson has three daughters: Hailey 19 years old, Alize’ 16 years old and Kiki 14 years old.

 

Morris happily says, “I recently became a grandfather for the first time and have one grandson named Kyreece who is 2 months old.”

 

Morris has been at ALCWC for 3 ½ years. He works on our security team conducting security checks by making sure both the building and people in service are safe.

 

He retired from the United States Coast Guard after 20 years, almost two years ago, and currently works as a Diesel Engineer for Bobcat.

 

In addition, he also is a licensed Notary and Loan Signing Agent and has been certified as a Wedding Officiant, with two weddings under his belt so far.

 

Morris says, “I am happily engaged to Antoinette Griffin and soon to be married in October 2023.” “Oh, one more thing…I’m a Dallas Cowboys fan for life!”

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Meet our May Spotlight Family: The Key’s

The Key family, dad and mom Sean and Amy, and children Taylor, Seanna, Ameia and Elijah are pretty low key.


“We enjoy spending quality time together. Whether it’s taking a family trip out to the ocean or just being able to have dinner together to pick each other’s brains.”

Key Family — University Place, WA — Abundant Life Worship

The Key’s enjoy comedy, gaming, watching and attending almost any sporting event, especially their children’s events such as basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics. “We love gardening, music, and love being a part of the ALCWC family where we have attended since April 2021.”

Meet our June Spotlight Family: The Andersons

Morris Anderson has three daughters: Hailey 19 years old, Alize’ 16 years old and Kiki 14 years old.

 

Morris happily says, “I recently became a grandfather for the first time and have one grandson named Kyreece who is 2 months old.”

 

Morris has been at ALCWC for 3 ½ years. He works on our security team conducting security checks by making sure both the building and people in service are safe.

 

He retired from the United States Coast Guard after 20 years, almost two years ago, and currently works as a Diesel Engineer for Bobcat.

 

In addition, he also is a licensed Notary and Loan Signing Agent and has been certified as a Wedding Officiant, with two weddings under his belt so far.

 

Morris says, “I am happily engaged to Antoinette Griffin and soon to be married in October 2023.” “Oh, one more thing…I’m a Dallas Cowboys fan for life!”

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Meet our May Spotlight Family: The Key’s

The Key family, dad and mom Sean and Amy, and children Taylor, Seanna, Ameia and Elijah are pretty low key.


“We enjoy spending quality time together. Whether it’s taking a family trip out to the ocean or just being able to have dinner together to pick each other’s brains.”


The Key’s enjoy comedy, gaming, watching and attending almost any sporting event, especially their children’s events such as basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics. “We love gardening, music, and love being a part of the ALCWC family where we have attended since April 2021.”

Key Family — University Place, WA — Abundant Life Worship

Sean volunteers on our Dream Team and faithfully serves to prepare the stage for the speaker, security, and collecting offerings during service when needed. He has an 18-year background in the grocery industry years and has also worked in asset protection (security). The last two years, Sean’s been blessed to care for his home and children as a stay-at-home father.


Amy helps with the young people and teaches our Abundant Life Teens. She has over 25 years in the restaurant industry and has worked her way up to a General Manager position with Hops and Drops in Bonney Lake.


“Our family is truly grateful for ALCWC, and for the values taught and brought into our home including the unconditional love and support from our church family.”

Meet our April Spotlight Family: The Hatley’s

Jessica is the mother of two daughters, Brittany who is 27 and Elizabeth 14. 

 

Brittany is a mom and expecting her third child in April. Liz attends Idea High School, where she’s an artist and dancer, with a focus on design. She loves animals and music too.

 

Jessica has been at ALCWC since our first day, January 3, 2016!

 

She serves on our board of directors and heads up our media team, creating visual aids for our experiences, and also assists with the lighting and sound when needed. 

 

She works as a licensed insurance agent, specializing in commercial insurance for Farmers Insurance and as a broker for eligible clients.

 

Jessica says she was baptized in March 2003, on the first day she attended Greater Christ Temple, her previous church and just celebrated her 20th anniversary walking with Jesus!

 

Jessica notes: her foundation is “God‘s love.”

Hatley Family — University Place, WA — Abundant Life Worship

Meet Our March Spotlight Family: The Haywood’s.

Chris and Anna have been married for 16 years. They have two sons together, David and Joshua. They also have two cats and a dog. 


Anna says, “we are a musically inclined family.” My husband played bass, synths and the soundboards many years ago.  My sons and I play the piano.

 

David and Joshua learned how to play piano at the age of six and five respectively. 


I am a Registered Nurse working in the PCU at one of the Multicare hospitals in Tacoma. Chris has been in the HVAC trade since 1993.


Chris introduced me to Christian UPC church. I loved it because it's lively and real compared to Catholic Church. I was born Catholic in the Philippines and that's all I ever knew. With that being said, I got baptized in the name of Jesus on March 25, 2007, in Denver Colorado. 

 

We have been with ALCWC since it was founded. That was back in Lakewood at the Star Center. Then we were away for a couple of years. Now, here we are.

 

We support and appreciate ALCWC. 


Happy February ALCWC! Meet the Murphy Family 

Evelyn Murphy Family — University Place, WA — Abundant Life Worship

Evelyn shares that she and her husband Daniel moved to the Pacific Northwest from New York in 1997. 


We raised 4 amazing, very successful and blessed children in Lakewood, WA.

God remains the center of our lives, which helps us all to thrive in this evolving world. My family’s strength and growth are received from prayers, love and nurturing each day. We are forever grateful and blessed to be part of a church community who puts God first.


Outside of being a full-time parent, and now grandparent, our family serves working in our community with individuals and families helping to establish a pathway for unifying equity and strategies to help guide prayer in their lives, educational goals, and support.

I have been at ALCWC for seven years and my main is to role to empower, uplift and inspire women individually and collectively through prayer and love. My other roles include, greeting, being a prayer partner, responding to guest inquiries, and volunteering with the hospitality team.


In my professional life, I have worked in the field of education for many years specializing in Early Childhood Education, Preschool, Kindergarten, Secondary school, Community College, Academic Advising, classroom teaching as well as Program Administration for advancing college access to historically marginalized populations of students.


My passion is to teach and share my knowledge with the children’s ministry, youth, and women’s group at ALCWC.


This Year is my Year for “Expectations and Blessings” In Jesus Name!

Happy February ALCWC! Meet the Murphy Family 

Evelyn shares that she and her husband Daniel moved to the Pacific Northwest from New York in 1997. 


We raised 4 amazing, very successful and blessed children in Lakewood, WA.

God remains the center of our lives, which helps us all to thrive in this evolving world. My family’s strength and growth are received from prayers, love and nurturing each day. We are forever grateful and blessed to be part of a church community who puts God first.


Outside of being a full-time parent, and now grandparent, our family serves working in our community with individuals and families helping to establish a pathway for unifying equity and strategies to help guide prayer in their lives, educational goals, and support.



I have been at ALCWC for seven years and my main is to role to empower, uplift and inspire women individually and collectively through prayer and love. My other roles include, greeting, being a prayer partner, responding to guest inquiries, and volunteering with the hospitality team.

Evelyn Murphy Family — University Place, WA — Abundant Life Worship

In my professional life, I have worked in the field of education for many years specializing in Early Childhood Education, Preschool, Kindergarten, Secondary school, Community College, Academic Advising, classroom teaching as well as Program Administration for advancing college access to historically marginalized populations of students.


My passion is to teach and share my knowledge with the children’s ministry, youth, and women’s group at ALCWC.


This Year is my Year for “Expectations and Blessings” In Jesus Name!

Happy New Year ALCWC! Meet the Logan-Alexander Family

I’m Alexis, a single mother of three beautiful children. We are a family who loves God and serving in anyway God allows us to serve.


We are a family who simply loves others with no expectations. One of our greatness things to do is give back to people in the community in anyway God see fits to allow us.


Alaja is a sophomore in college, Amiahya is a sophomore in High School and Nehemiah is a 4th grader.


 We have been at ALCWC for 4 years and it has been the best experience.  A place of Gods Agape Love!!!


I am a part of the outreach ministry; I love to dance and I’m a member who loves to worship.

           

I am a school bus driver and when joining ALCWC my family was in a broken place and had given up on “the church” meaning corporate worship, due to church hurt.


ALCWC showed nothing but love , grace, and compassion. I felt Gods spirit when I walked in and was graced with smiles.

New Year Greetings — University Place, WA — Abundant Life Worship

Happy New Year ALCWC! Meet the Logan-Alexander Family

I’m Alexis, a single mother of three beautiful children. We are a family who loves God and serving in anyway God allows us to serve.


We are a family who simply loves others with no expectations. One of our greatness things to do is give back to people in the community in anyway God see fits to allow us.


Alaja is a sophomore in college, Amiahya is a sophomore in High School and Nehemiah is a 4th grader.


 We have been at ALCWC for 4 years and it has been the best experience.  A place of Gods Agape Love!!!


I am a part of the outreach ministry; I love to dance and I’m a member who loves to worship.

           

I am a school bus driver and when joining ALCWC my family was in a broken place and had given up on “the church” meaning corporate worship, due to church hurt.


ALCWC showed nothing but love , grace, and compassion. I felt Gods spirit when I walked in and was graced with smiles.

New Year Greetings — University Place, WA — Abundant Life Worship

I am grateful for a place of worship where my children and I are free to be us and walk in God’s grace and grow in our faith and walk with him.

Thank you for being the true meaning God intended for a place of worship to be. We love ALCWC and look forward to all the God has in store for the leaders and members.

 

We love you all!!


Note: The Logan-Alexander Family has recently relocated out of state, but we will be seeing them when they return.


Meet Our January 2024 Spotlight Family: The Tindall’s

Alisha and her daughter Airiana were both born in the State of Washington. Alisha attended the University of Washington in 2009 and received her bachelor’s degree. Airiana is following in her mother’s footsteps and is attending the University of Washington Seattle.

 

Alisha shares: “I have been at ALCWC since the first day the church was started in my grandparent’s home, (the late Bishop Curtis and Elinor Montgomery) in 2015, where we would gather to worship as a family.”

 

Alisha has served in several different positions at ALCWC. She helps with setting up and serving refreshments, special events and has helped with the children’s ministry working with both the teens and younger children, assisting Erika Carr. 


Before leaving to college, Airiana was the main photographer on Sunday’s and all special events and put content together for posting on social media.

 

Alisha works for the State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services in long term care as a Public Benefits Specialist 4. 


Airiana attends the University of Washington and is majoring in bio medical engineering.

 

Alisha is planning to get married this year in 2024 to her Fiancé Chad Deseraux and will relocate to New Orleans Louisiana.

A Collage of Photos — University Place, WA — Abundant Life Worship
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