Todd Begeman - Presiding Elder

Todd, along with his wife Christine, are both Indiana natives but have lived in Northeast Ohio for 14 years.  They currently live in Olmsted Township with their children, Olivia 9, Cameron 6, and Zachary 4.  Both Todd and Christine are Purdue graduates and enjoy the occasional football upset over the local favorite and perennial power-Ohio State buckeyes.  That always provides lively conversation with Pastor Geoff.    Todd currently works for Eaton Corporation as a sales engineer.

Todd became a Christian at the invitation of his Sunday school teacher at his home church in Indianapolis when he was 8.  With the example of his parents who were strong in their faith and the blessing of strong Christian friendships, he was able to grow in his understanding and love for Jesus Christ throughout his junior high and high school years.  The Holy Spirit continues His sanctifying work in Todd each day.

The Begeman’s first came to NOEFC in December of 1997.  They were drawn by the warmth of the congregation and sweet presence of Christ.  Todd has served in the past as a part time worship leader for about 7 years and as elder for 3 years.  He currently is serving his second year as Presiding Elder.

Kathy Andrews

Kathy was born in the Cincinnati area and lived there until attending Bowling Green State University.  Upon graduation she went back home to live with my parents and worked at a bank.  Shortly thereafter, she married Dave in 1994 and moved to Olmsted Falls.  Once she settled into the area, Kathy was employed by National City and worked there until she had their first son, Michael.  They now have three wonderful children Michael -eleven, Emily – ten, and Danielle - six.  Dave, her husband, works for RSM McGladrey, a Public Accounting Firm, as a CPA.

They came to North Olmsted Evangelical Friends Church in 1995.  Kathy and Dave visited some churches in the area and had trouble finding the right fit for them.  She drove by our church on the way to work one morning and decided to try it out the next Sunday and have been attending ever since. 

Richard P. Ellis (rich e)

 

Rich spent most of his career, after being discharged from the US Navy, self-employed in the window and door industry.  In the early ninety’s he changed careers and presently is the Assistant Division Mgr for Schaeffer Mfg. Co., the oldest lubrication manufacturer in the United States. Rich is a graduate of both LCCC and Malone University majoring in Business Management.

 

Rich married his childhood sweetheart Cindy L. (Engelmann) 44 years ago this May. They have two daughters, one son, and eight grandchildren.  From time to time you will see Rich and Cindy’s grandchildren around the church as they are all in the local area.

 

Rich’s adult life has been spent serving the church in one capacity or another, Rich has held several positions in the Lutheran and Free Methodist faiths. Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, Lay minister. More recently since joining NOEFC Rich has been an Elder and Presiding Elder here at NOEFC. 

 

Today, Rich says he is blessed to belong to what he feels is a growing vibrant church, that has no walls.  Rich further states he has long envisioned the steeple on our church here at NOEFC as a lighthouse, with its beacon constantly blinking, saying to all who see it, there is safety here, come in inside.   

 

Matt Reese

 

Matt grew up in Berea.  After graduating from Berea High School, Matt attended the United States Military Academy (at West Point) and then served as an Army officer for 22 years at various logistics assignments both stateside and overseas.  After retiring from the Army, Matt and his family returned to the Cleveland area to be near extended family.  Matt currently is employed as manufacturing manager for a spring wire manufacturer in Bedford Heights.

 

Matt and Chris, his bride of 35 years, live in Olmsted Township.  They have two children.  Paul lives and works in the Los Angeles area.  Lynn (Kakos) and her husband Max live in Medina.  She is currently in a psychology doctoral program at Kent State.

 

Although Matt grew up in the church, it wasn’t until 1973, when he was home from West Point on Christmas leave, that he accepted the Lord as his Savior. 

 

The Reeses first visited NOEFC in November of 1996.  Although it was a small congregation at that time, it was evident that the Holy Spirit was in attendance.  And Pastor Geoff’s Bible-based style brought them back for more.  Matt and Chris are excited by the growth the church has experienced in both spirit and size.

 

Matt is eager to serve the church as an Elder.  He sees a wealth of opportunities for the church to impact individuals, the community and even the world. 

Mary Speck

 

After working full time for several years as an administrative assistant, Mary has recently switched to working part time for Advantage Sales and Marketing as a merchandiser.

 

Mary is the mother of a carpenter-Matt and a computer guru-Micheal.  Micheal and his wife, Karen will be having their first child, a girl, and Mary’s first grandchild in June 2010.  Mary and her mother, Carole Gonska, live together in North Ridgeville.

 

Mary has been attending and actively involved at NOEFC for 12 years.  During those years she has been involved as an Elder, an Overseer, Sunday School Teacher, Small Group Leader and Outreach Ministry.

 

Billy Graham came to Cleveland in 1972 and impacted the lives of many – Mary was one of them.  Before Crusade, she changed from being religious to one of having a personal relationship with Christ.  Over the years, that relationship has grown and Mary is proud to proclaim Him as her Lord, Savior, Master, Friend and Provider.