Philip Bridges
Lead Pastor
Philip serves as the Lead Pastor of Hope City Church in Appleton, WI. He's passionate about helping people connect with God, grow in their faith, and live out their purpose.
Philip and his wife love serving together and believe the church should be a place of hope, healing, and new beginnings. When he's not teaching or meeting with people, you'll find him enjoying a good cup of coffee or spending time with his family.
Favorite Verse: "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might."--Ephesians 6:10
Philip and his wife love serving together and believe the church should be a place of hope, healing, and new beginnings. When he's not teaching or meeting with people, you'll find him enjoying a good cup of coffee or spending time with his family.
Favorite Verse: "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might."--Ephesians 6:10
Terra Bridges
Administrator/Treasurer
Meet Terra Bridges--The heartbeat behind the scenes at our church! She's the wing woman behind our Lead Pastor, Philip Bridges (who also happens to be her hubby), juggling the admin and keeping the treasure chest smiling as our Treasurer. Terra has a heart the size of Texas-that's her home state-- and she pours love into everyone that she meets and has a passion for others to live out the potential Christ has for them!
When she's not lifting spirits or balancing books, you'll find her chasing sunsets on a walk with her mini–Golden Doodle, Winston, sipping a perfect cup of coffee, or playing culinary detective in hidden local gems. A self-proclaimed foodie and traveler, she's always up for a new adventure! Pastor and Sister Bridges have five amazing kids and two adorable grandbabies, who are all their God-given treasure.
One of Terra's favorite Scriptures: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).
When she's not lifting spirits or balancing books, you'll find her chasing sunsets on a walk with her mini–Golden Doodle, Winston, sipping a perfect cup of coffee, or playing culinary detective in hidden local gems. A self-proclaimed foodie and traveler, she's always up for a new adventure! Pastor and Sister Bridges have five amazing kids and two adorable grandbabies, who are all their God-given treasure.
One of Terra's favorite Scriptures: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).
Liz Pawloski
Secretary/Music Director
Liz Pawloski is the Secretary and Music Director at Hope City Church, as well as being a Care Group leader. Her duty is to spread the love and light that God has asked of His disciples!
Her and her husband, Brett, have two vibrant and outgoing girls that also love sharing the gospel!
In her free time, Liz enjoys making sourdough bread, tending to the garden, playing piano and guitar, teaching Bible studies, and learning new hobbies.
Her favorite Bible verse:
Psalm 27:14 - “Wait on the LORD: Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
Her and her husband, Brett, have two vibrant and outgoing girls that also love sharing the gospel!
In her free time, Liz enjoys making sourdough bread, tending to the garden, playing piano and guitar, teaching Bible studies, and learning new hobbies.
Her favorite Bible verse:
Psalm 27:14 - “Wait on the LORD: Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
Dan Walbrun
First Steps Ministry Director
Dan Walbrun is a licensed minister and Director of the First Steps Ministry at Hope City Church. He loves to teach and is passionate about lifting and encouraging others in their walk with Christ.
He and his wife, Mickey, are lifelong residents of the Fox Valley and have a spirit of hospitality, opening their home to both new believers and well-established saints of God. When not ministering, he loves a good game of pickleball and spending time outdoors as a naturalist and birdwatcher.
Favorite Bible Verse: Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart: and lean not unto your own understanding.
He and his wife, Mickey, are lifelong residents of the Fox Valley and have a spirit of hospitality, opening their home to both new believers and well-established saints of God. When not ministering, he loves a good game of pickleball and spending time outdoors as a naturalist and birdwatcher.
Favorite Bible Verse: Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart: and lean not unto your own understanding.
Pat and Debbie Parker
Next Steps Leaders
Pat Parker grew up in the surrounding area and enjoys working with people to help them mature and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Pat leads the Next Steps Ministry with his wife, Debbie. They work with new people who have chosen to give their lives to Christ by connecting them with fellow servants to help begin their walk in the Kingdom of God. Pat and Debbie help assimilate and develop new worshippers into faithful disciples of Christ. They believe the greatest reward is to see them grow from spiritual infancy to full spiritual maturity.
They enjoy hiking, traveling, and spending time with their daughter, Sarah. They enjoy traveling to the Western United States when they can.
Debbie's favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 46:10 " Be still and know that I am God."
Pat's favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 24:1 "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."
Pat leads the Next Steps Ministry with his wife, Debbie. They work with new people who have chosen to give their lives to Christ by connecting them with fellow servants to help begin their walk in the Kingdom of God. Pat and Debbie help assimilate and develop new worshippers into faithful disciples of Christ. They believe the greatest reward is to see them grow from spiritual infancy to full spiritual maturity.
They enjoy hiking, traveling, and spending time with their daughter, Sarah. They enjoy traveling to the Western United States when they can.
Debbie's favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 46:10 " Be still and know that I am God."
Pat's favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 24:1 "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."
Rachelle Van Linn
Kids Ministry Leader
Rachelle grew up and lives in Menasha, WI. She and her husband love the Florida sun (in the winter, of course). Their daughter is a zookeeper and loves animals.
Rachelle loves kids. She has worked in kids ministry since her teens from bus ministry to teaching Sunday School to leading the Hope City Kids Ministry team. Kids Ministry fills Rachelle's heart with joy. Teaching the kiddos about Jesus and how to love Him is the best thing. Working with Hope City's team of teachers and seeing them grow and love our kids every week encourages her.
Rachelle loves her family, but pizza comes in at a close second. When not working in the Kids Ministry, Rachelle and her husband enjoy drives around the lake and sharing ice cream treats.
Favorite Bible Verse: II Timothy 1:7: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind!
Rachelle loves kids. She has worked in kids ministry since her teens from bus ministry to teaching Sunday School to leading the Hope City Kids Ministry team. Kids Ministry fills Rachelle's heart with joy. Teaching the kiddos about Jesus and how to love Him is the best thing. Working with Hope City's team of teachers and seeing them grow and love our kids every week encourages her.
Rachelle loves her family, but pizza comes in at a close second. When not working in the Kids Ministry, Rachelle and her husband enjoy drives around the lake and sharing ice cream treats.
Favorite Bible Verse: II Timothy 1:7: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind!
Tyler and Kayla Doucette
Youth Ministry Leader
Tyler and Kayla Doucette are Hope City's Youth Ministry Leaders. They are excited to serve as in Hope City's Youth Ministry and invest in the next generation. They have been attending Hope City since July 2017 and truly love their church family.
They enjoy traveling, camping, and spending quality time with those around them. They are blessed with two children, ages 7 and 12, and their sweet dog, Maggie.
They are grateful to do live and ministry alongside such an amazing church community and serve their community's youth.
Tyler and Kayla's favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
They enjoy traveling, camping, and spending quality time with those around them. They are blessed with two children, ages 7 and 12, and their sweet dog, Maggie.
They are grateful to do live and ministry alongside such an amazing church community and serve their community's youth.
Tyler and Kayla's favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
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Charles Shepherd
Men's Ministry Director
Chuck serves as the Men's Ministry Director for Hope City Church in Appleton, WI. He has a passion for leading and guiding men on their journey to becoming the men God created them to be.
Chuck coordinates prayer meetings to facilitate a stronger relationship with God and Men's events where men can get to know each other better, foster stronger friendships, and strengthen their walk with God.
When he is not working or at Church, you might find Chuck on a lake or river fishing, in the woods hunting, or on his farm taking care of his horses or chickens.
Favorite Bible verse: "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13
Chuck coordinates prayer meetings to facilitate a stronger relationship with God and Men's events where men can get to know each other better, foster stronger friendships, and strengthen their walk with God.
When he is not working or at Church, you might find Chuck on a lake or river fishing, in the woods hunting, or on his farm taking care of his horses or chickens.
Favorite Bible verse: "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13
John Merkel
Head Usher
John Merkle has a strong desire to serve God and his Church family. John has been an usher for over twenty years and loves to greet all who come through the doors of the church and keep order at all times.
John enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and playing with his dog, Tilly, taking her for walks. Most of all, spending time with his wife, Kathy. They enjoy dining out and going on trips.
Favorite Bible verse: Psalm 119:165 (KJV) Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
John enjoys spending time with his family and friends, and playing with his dog, Tilly, taking her for walks. Most of all, spending time with his wife, Kathy. They enjoy dining out and going on trips.
Favorite Bible verse: Psalm 119:165 (KJV) Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Mae Valles
Greeter Ministry
Mae helps lead the way in creating a welcoming and loving atmosphere here at Hope City. She oversees our Greeter Ministry, coordinates baptisms, and serves as a Care Group leader, ensuring that each person feels seen, valued, and well cared for within the body of Christ.
Mae is passionate about helping others grow in their faith and discover the joy of serving with the unique gifts and talents God has given them. She has a heart for people and loves walking alongside them as they take steps toward Christ.
Mae and her husband have a growing family of six, along with two sweet kitties who keep things lively at home. Their family enjoys homeschooling, spending time in nature, and--of course--mom enjoys her coffee!
Her favorite Scripture that guides her leadership is:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).
Mae is passionate about helping others grow in their faith and discover the joy of serving with the unique gifts and talents God has given them. She has a heart for people and loves walking alongside them as they take steps toward Christ.
Mae and her husband have a growing family of six, along with two sweet kitties who keep things lively at home. Their family enjoys homeschooling, spending time in nature, and--of course--mom enjoys her coffee!
Her favorite Scripture that guides her leadership is:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).
Jasmine Shepherd
Lead Barista
Jasmine Shepherd serves in the coffee shop at Hope City Church. She has a heart for serving people, making a difference, and making people smile. Jasmine enjoys spending time with family and friends over food and board games.
Favorite Verse: Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shal mount up with wings like eagles, They shall rund and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Favorite Verse: Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shal mount up with wings like eagles, They shall rund and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Donna Daniels
Media and Promotions
Donna Daniels is the Media and Promotions Coordinator. She has a passion for using technology, whether it is social media or a website, as a tool to reach Hope City's community in a unique way. She also serves in the Audio/Visual/Lights Ministry. Donna enjoys serving her church and community in any capacity she can.
Donna grew up in the Fox Cities area. She has three adult children and two amazing grandchildren who keep her busy. When Donna is not serving in ministry or loving on her family, she works her dream job as a Substitute Teacher at a local school district. In addition, Donna enjoys crocheting, watercolor and acrylic painting, playing the piano, and reading everything on spiritual growth.
Donna's favorite verse is Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
Donna grew up in the Fox Cities area. She has three adult children and two amazing grandchildren who keep her busy. When Donna is not serving in ministry or loving on her family, she works her dream job as a Substitute Teacher at a local school district. In addition, Donna enjoys crocheting, watercolor and acrylic painting, playing the piano, and reading everything on spiritual growth.
Donna's favorite verse is Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."
