Pastor Nomination Committee (PNC) Biographies
Alexandra Adams
My parents have been attending CHPC since I was born 17 years ago. I have always been an enthusiastic participant in many of the church activities for the youth, including; Mexico mission trips, senior high summer trips, Heavenessence, and I attend Sunday night youth group on a regular basis. Since becoming a member of Canyon Hills in 2006, I have been on the youth council board for the youth group, I have become one of two head caregivers in the nursery, and recently I have started attending the junior high youth group as a counselor in training. I have a strong desire to be on the Pastor Nomination Committee because I feel that youth play a vital role in this church, and that as the next generation of Canyon Hills, the youth deserve a fair representation in a decision that will profoundly affect the church.
Vanessa Bates
I have been a member of CHPC for over ten years. Over the course of those ten years, I have participated in many church committees including Adult Education, Fellowship and Operations. I am currently serving a second term as a deacon. Under the deacon umbrella, I am the deacon treasurer and the bereavement coordinator. I also volunteer to greet, usher, clean up communion and anything else that might need to be done. I most enjoy serving the Lord through serving the congregation. I desire to be on the PNC because I love our church and I want the very best for our congregation. Anyone selected for this position must be willing to focus on the wants and needs of our congregation while focusing on the guidance and direction of the Lord. For me, I believe that “all things come together for the good, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose”. Romans 8:28
John Burns
John and Pam Burns grew up in Southern California Presbyterian families, John at First Presbyterian in Monrovia, CA and Pam at St. Andrews in Newport Beach. They joined CHPC with their two boys Kevin (16) and Matthew (12) in 2001. John is an ordained elder at CHPC and served as the operations elder while Pam regularly audits the financial reports of our church. John is also part of the men’s breakfast group that meets weekly. Their boys are very active in our youth groups with Kevin participating in all Sr. high retreats and regularly attending on Sunday evenings. Matthew is equally involved in the Wednesday evening Jr. High program. John and Pam are members of a CHPC dinner group and enjoy the fellowship and worship that CHPC has provided their entire family.
Eric Coulter
I have been a member of Canyon Hills Presbyterian Church for over 15 years. This Church has meant a great deal to me and my family. I was raised and married in the Presbyterian Church, and my children were baptized in the Church. My children have benefited greatly from the many youth programs and opportunities offered including participating in the Mexico Mission and the summer road trips the Church has sponsored. My wife Debbie has worked in the Church’s nursery. I have had the honor to serve as both Deacon and Elder, and I’ve also been the Moderator of Session. I have been active in several committees including Property and Nominations.
This position in the PNC is very important to me. I have gained and experienced much in this Church in the last 15 years. I want to ensure that our Church continues to grow and prosper as well as support the various missions we participate in. Our Church is at a critical crossroads and the Committee has a tremendous responsibility to you, the members, to find a new pastor that will lead us forward.
Jim Cox
Canyon Hills became our church home after my wife, Keni, and I attended a memorial just following 9/11/01. After the service, an inspirational and comforting time, Keni and I both declared, “This will become our new church home!” I have served on session, took some time off, and am anticipating a second term as elder for Outreach beginning in January. Over the nine years of church membership, participation has included choir, lay leadership, adult Sunday school, and socially, the long standing dinner groups. Keni experienced the Mexico Mission trip last year which remains a CHPC highlight. In my nearly 50 years as an educator, I’ve served in many roles, school district administrator in the ‘80s, as a faculty member in the University of La Verne’s Department of Organizational Leadership in the ‘90s, and from 1996 to the present (though being “almost retired”) as a consultant to school districts regarding all aspects of leadership in the educational accountability movement. I believe in servant leadership and practice that has enabled me to gain skills in establishing personal relationships, decision making, conflict resolution, and consensus building. During my lifetime, I have pursued important issues, personally and professionally, as a way of hopefully contributing to the common good. Nothing that I have done can compare to the importance of the task at hand.
Verna Horton
Jack and I are both lifetime members of Presbyterian Churches and have been members of CHPC for twelve years. I have served as both Elder and Deacon. I have taught Sunday school, been active in the music programs, and have supported the children's programs. I’ve also participated in mission activities and fellowship events. I have been a member of three other Presbyterian churches and experienced the huger responsibility of making a pastoral nomination. I would take this task with the seriousness and dedication this selection requires.
Jana Kidd
Jana Kidd has been a member of CHPC for over 20 years. Her sons were both raised in the church and were active participants in the youth programs. During her time here, Jana has served as a fellowship committee member, Sunday school teacher, VBS helper, folk group member, Mission Elder, Human Resources Elder, PW Circle Leader/member, High School Youth Group Advisor, College/Career Group Leader and Women’s Bible Study teacher/member. She has also been involved in local missions (Featherly Park and Feed the Hungry), 4 Adult Mexico Mission trips, 1 college group mission trip to Guatemala and 4 Kenya Missions.
Amy Martindale
Amy Martindale and her family began attending Canyon Hills in January of 2006. They became members soon after. They have been active in the church community, participating in Trunk or Treat, VBS, dinner groups and many more events (we won't mention the one softball game she got roped into playing!) Amy has taught Sunday school and sung with the Chancel Choir. She is also a member of the HOPE circle of Presbyterian Women. John has served as a deacon and run the twice yearly blood drive. Their teenage daughter Karissa is involved in Senior High youth group. Other daughters Riley, 3, sing in the Cherub choir and Brynn, 16 months, enjoys playing in the nursery! Amy and John look forward to raising their children at CHPC and Amy is excited to have the chance to be a part of shaping the future as a member of the PNC.
Alan Purvis
Ginger and I have been members of CHPC for nearly eleven years. My opportunities for service at Canyon Hills include teaching in the Adult Education Program, serving as the stewardship Elder, various church activities such as lay leader, and numerous social functions. I was raised in a Christian home, and served as a Deacon and Elder in the Church of Christ prior to joining Canyon Hills. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, and I believe that we are all called to serve Him through the community of believers, which is the church. Within the church, the role of the pulpit minister is critical in setting the tone for who we are at Canyon Hills. Believing in this relationship between the minister and the members, and with my sense of responsibility developed from my love for this church, I humbly feel that I will make a positive contribution as a member of the PNC.
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