In honor of October 31, we present to you: Faith Staff Costume Contest, past and present. (All photos were submitted by the staff members themselves, believe it or not.) Enjoy!
Say hello to Ben the tomato! He’s almost an exact replica of Bob the Tomato, for all you Veggie Tales fans out there. That’s right – that’s our College Ministry Director, Ben Patella, as a youngin’.
Getting groovy with Pastor Brad and Thea, circa five years ago! You wear it well, Jensens! (We’d just like to know when those white shoes are going to make an appearance for preaching on Sunday morning, Brad…)
“I don’t always dress up like a chicken, but when I do I make sure to have a professional photographer nearby. Brandon Redwine, Mobilization Director. (Brandon didn’t say that, but we felt it was appropriate.)
“Here I am dressed up as a HUGE nerd. It wasn’t Halloween; I just pretty much always dressed up like that.” – Dan Pahlau, Worship Ministry Director. (Dan did say that and told us we could quote him. He’s the rocket scientist on the far left, by the way.)
“I’m the bumblebee, but I think the other costumes are way funnier.” – Hannah Breeden, Facility Staff. We tend to agree with Hannah, but she definitely wins for most adorable in this photo timestamped October 31, 1998.
Should we laugh? Cry? Have nightmares? Let our kids near these two? We’re not exactly sure, but we know our middle school and high school students tend to turn out pretty well when we let them around Pastor Steve Baumgaertner and his wife, Katy. We guess we’ll keep them! (Minus the masks…)
Last but not least, no costume post would be complete without an adorable staff child. In this case, it’s Amaya Gardner, who belongs to Rita (Hospitality Assistant) and Darren Gardner. There’s never been a cuter ostrich in our book!
Valerie Bouchard has been attending Faith since 2010 and came on staff in 2015 as the Communication and Connection Director. She is passionate about helping people love Jesus more in their everyday lives and especially loves serving alongside so many gifted leaders, creatives, storytellers, small group leaders and welcome volunteers.
Outside of Faith you’ll find her hiking 14ers with her Golden Retriever, Kai, coaching CrossFit classes, planning her next travel adventure or baking mediocre treats with coffee in hand and Hillsong (usually) as the soundtrack.