Jaime Cardenas (Chair)
A few years back, I was looking for a new church, a new community that would allow me to consider my spirit in ways that focused on justice and what was possible. I had seen Church of Hope while walking around the neighborhood and at the farmers’ market, so I searched out more info about it. What I found on the Internet made me hopeful. During my first time attending, I felt at home. The mix of the eclectic and the ecclesiastical within the membership (the people) made me feel comfortable. That is, it was a community that shared comfort with me. And it’s been the people (the community) more than the ritual that’s kept me coming back for more than eight years.
Kari Lerum (Co-Treasurer)
Kari Lerum came to COH in 2021 and since then it has become an important part of her spiritual practice and community. Kari is also a scholar, educator, and social justice advocate. Kari and her wife Shari are parents of an adult child, and live in Rainier Beach with their two cats, Scarlett and Cici.
Bethany Plett (Co-Treasurer)
I came to Church of Hope after moving into the neighborhood in 2014. I attend Church of Hope because it is a church where questions and doubts are welcomed. During the week, I teach high school in Seatac and spend time with my husband and sons. I also like to cook, read fiction and knit.
Sam Luikens (Secretary)
In 2019, Sam Luikens arrived in Seattle with his husband, Luke and their cat, Humbug. He is grateful to call COH his first authentic church home and enjoys connecting with hopers in and outside the church space. He is proud to work in public service and spends his free time running, listening to records, and dreaming of connected communities centered around the movement of people and not cars.
Lynn Tiekens
My first steps into Church of Hope four years ago were met with warm kindness. Growing into the community through small group bible studies, spontaneous group dinners and unique topical explorations led by Pastor Darla has personally broadened my own spiritual questions and life with God. This in turn has enlightened and informed my work as a family therapist. I find myself carrying my heart into many dimensions of my life: my time with my sons, their families and my grandchildren; my hikes in the mountains; and my joy in my watercolor paintings.
Marlys Waldo
I am a Lutheran Deaconess who spent many years serving in congregations and non-profit agencies. After retirement, I took care of my mother in Wisconsin for several years and, after she died, came to Seattle. Initially I lived with my daughter on Beacon Hill and provided before and after school childcare for my granddaughters. I now live in a senior community in Burien, volunteer at Food LifeLine when needed, and continue to look for other ways of serving others. I appreciate the CCCH community and its focus on justice.
Lauren & Lucas
After the COVID-19 pandemic subsided and we were able to meet in person again, our family started looking for a new faith community in Seattle. We were hoping to find a place where we felt we could actually get to know people and build relationships within the church. Church of Hope has been a great mix of authentic folks who genuinely want to get to know you alongside inclusive and non-dogmatic teachings to explore the big mysteries of faith. Lauren works in community partnerships at a local seminary and graduate school. Lucas is a mental therapist. They are both passionate about supporting local food systems and integrating spirituality, mental health, and connection to the land.