Member Profile
Introducing a Prince of Peace member every week
Michelle Christian
Member Michelle Christian grew up in the city of North Ridgeville, and attended schools there. Her mother, two sisters and one brother still live in the area. Combined, the siblings have 10 children that offer lots of opportunities to gather as a family. Seven of them have been baptized and received their first communion at POP!
Michelle works as an Instructional Designer for Hyland Software. She is part of the Learning & Development Team in HR and is responsible for creating content and programs for company leaders. Her son, Christian, is age 21 and attends Akron University for Accounting. Daughter Mackenzie, age 18, attends LCCC for Business. I would expect both to have much success in the future.
She attended Shepherd of the Ridge Lutheran Church in North Ridgeville with her sister, Pam Ventimiglia, growing up. While in their 20’s they decided it was time to search for another church to call home. They loved the welcoming environment at Prince of Peace, and enjoyed both Pastor Bishop & Pastor Brett’s voices at Sunday services. Michelle and Pam have been members now for about 25 years!
Michelle has been involved with teaching Sunday School over the years, and now is volunteering to serve as Usher and Communion Assistant at the 9am worship. She is also helping out her mother more now as she needs extra care during her free time. She likes to stay active and her friends keep her busy walking, riding bikes, and kayaking. Something people may not know is that Michelle had lost about ½ of her body weight 18 years ago and continues to work hard to keep herself in check. Her experience as a Zumba instructor in the past will be a good resource. She has also participated in many local 5ks and does yearly fundraising for The Multiple Sclerosis Society.
What a wonderful family, you will be glad you met them on Sundays! Their positive and friendly attitudes are infectious. You will always see Michelle with a smile on her face at the contemporary service.
By Tom Robinholt , Profile Reporter
Laurie Green
Laurie was born in Cleveland, and lived in Lakewood until settling into her current home in Westlake. She grew up in asmall family with one brother. Her family attended Methodist services. Her parents enrolled Laurie in a Lutheran school through 1st grade. Later, she would attend Lakewood Public Schools. She headed off to Denison University near Columbus to major in Speech.
Next came studies at Kent State University to get a Masters Degree in Deaf Education. She became proficient in communicating in sign language. This skill helped her connect with students in a native/visual way.
She met her future husband, Chris, at a concert she attended with a friend on her birthday. He was sitting in front of her with his friends. He mustered up the courage to ask her about her “gold shoes” she was wearing. They began to date and married. Sadly, Chris passed away after an illness.
Laurie has worked in many areas of education, but all of her positions focused on special needs students. Several school systems and assignments she had included: the Mayfield Special Education Department, Positive Education Program, The Berea Children’s Home where she served students with severe behavioral issues. Presently, she works at Washington Park Community School. She received much joy and love from her students and considers them her children.
She was invited by her neighbor, Mary Meadows, to attend Christmas and Easter services at POP as she did not have a home church at the time. Some others that encouraged her to become a member were Amy Bauer, Hazel Zehner, and Barb Raynoah. Laurie, Hazel and her son were served an Easter dinner at Barb’s.
Since joining POP, she has been involved in many missions and activities including: Social Committee, Caring Connections, Blossom Hill Services, Head of the 11 am Greeters, Altar Guild, and Cookie Baker. She always enjoys the Candlelight services for Christmas. She looks forward to helping to prepare our church with the Altar Guild this season for another wonderful celebration!
Laurie enjoys reading, classic movies, and crafting. You will find her attending the traditional service on Sundays. Please take the opportunity to introduce yourself if you are not familiar with her. You will discover asincere and caring person that has an enthusiasm to help people.
By Tom Robinholt , Profile Reporter