God has called a faithful group of men to guide, guard, serve, and support the Grace family as Elders. In that capacity they not only shepherd the church body through prayer, teaching, peacemaking, and leadership training, but address issues related to vision, organization, and staffing, as well. As you think of these men please pray God would grant wisdom, clarity, and unity in the fulfillment of their duties.
Vocational Elders (Pastors)
Lay Elders (Not on staff)
Scott Talbot - Chairman
Scott and his wife, Susan, have been married since 1986. They have a son, Austen, who graduated from Penn State in 2010. Scott and his family began attending Grace Church in 1998 as a result of the chapel service held in Willow Valley's chapel. Among the factors that attracted Scott and Susan to the church were the excellent preaching, the well-run youth program, and the friendly people.In addition to serving on the Elder Team, Scott plays bass guitar with the Worship Team.
Scott is employed by Campus Crusade for Christ and works in their foundation providing specialized financial planning tools andadvice to ministry supporters.
email Scott
Chuck Oettel
Chuck has been married to Debbie for 32 years. He is a sales manager for a plumbing, heating, and HVAC company and works part time as a professional guitarist. Debbie works as an R.N. in a physician's office.
Chuck and Debbie have been attending Grace Church at Willow Valley for 32 years. Presently, Chuck serves on the Elder Team, the Music Committee, and has played guitar and served as a Worship Team leader. Chuck's passions include playing the guitar and evangelism.
email Chuck
Lee Henriksen
Lee grew up in the Chicago area and Lynne in the Philadelphia area. They were married in May, 1961, and just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary! Lee's formal studies include Prairie Bible Institute, University of Oklahoma, Eastern University (BA), Reformed Episcopal Seminary (MDiv), and Azusa Pacific University (MA).
Since 1965, Lee and Lynne lived in Colombia and Ecuador, South America, where they served as missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators and translated the New Testament for the Ùnkal Awa (mountain people) who live in the rain forest on the western slopes of the Andes Mountains. In 2002, they returned to the USA and established their home in Willow Street in 2005. They have 5 married children and 17 grandchildren. They have attended Grace Church at Willow Valley since 2005.
email Lee
Don Mills
Don and his wife Dawn have attended Grace Church since 2002. Don Graduated from Millersville University in 1974 and later earned his Masters In Education with Certification in Leadership from Immaculata College. He is enjoying retirement after teaching 32 years in the Octorara School District. At Grace Church he is also involved as an ABF teacher, Life Groups Team Leader, and Kids Express Preschool Board member. Don has been married to his wife Dawn for over 40 years. They are the parents of Tami Helm, and grandparents to 4 adorable girls. Don's desire to be a part of leadership grows out of a continued passion to seek God's wisdom and serve where He leads, walking alongside of brothers and sisters in the process. "God has impacted my life and continues to grow and sculpt me. Grace Church is an integral part of my life."
email Don
Chris Leaman
Chris and his wife, Ali, have been married for 15 awesome year and have been blessed with two wonderful daughters, Anne and Laura. After graduating from Grove City College in 1995 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, Chris worked for AMP Incorporated in Harrisburg, PA (later became Tyco Electronics). During his time with AMP and Tyco, Chris and Ali moved to the Chicago area. While working for Tyco Electronics, Chris had the opportunity to return to school at Northwestern University and graduated in 2001 with his Masters in Business Administration. After 6 years in Chicago, Chris and Ali returned to Lancaster County in 2004, and have been attending Grace Church at Willow Valley for the past 7 years. Chris is owner and vice president of J.K. Mechanical located in Willow Street, PA. He is challenged to use his business to further God’s kingdom and to have a positive impact on the lives of his employees, their families, and those in the community.
In addition to serving as an elder, Chris currently serves as a Life Group Leader and on the Budget Team. During his 7 years at Grace Church, he has also served in Children's Ministries, on the Small Group Leadership Team and in the Music Ministry. He is excited about the opportunities God has presented for Grace Church and to see what God has in store for Grace in the next few years.
email Chris