Our Elders
We have 12 ruling elders, comprising our session, and 2 teaching elders, Pastor Eric Peterson and Pastor Heather Thomsen. Each of our 12 ruling elders oversees an aspect of our church's life and governance, assisted by committees for each area.
Joining one of the committees is a great way to become more involved in the life of the church. Each committee meets on a regular basis and works with the responsible elder to listen for Christ's guidance, discern the needs of the congregation, and work to find solutions and innovations to help our church reach our missional goals. If you would like to explore committee membership as a way to serve this congregation, please contact one of the elders shown below.
Eric Peterson- Pastor
Jack Lewis — Adult Ministry
The mission of the Adult Ministry Team is to promote activities that will equip people in our congregation to the work that God has ordained for them to do. We promote educational activities, Bible Studies, and small group activities for the adults in our community.
Kyle Smith - Mission
The Missions & Social Justice Committee is where the hearts of Colbert Presbyterian Church are focused and projected out into the greater community. Our work makes a profound difference; contact the church office, (509) 468-9923, to learn more.
Tim Groe — Buildings & Grounds
The care of the buildings and grounds is definitely a team effort. We hope you will join us as you are able. Please contact the church office, (509) 468-9923, to get involved or for more information.
Walt Seidel — Personnel
The Personnel Committee meets monthly. We welcome all members who would like to join us in caring for our church staff. For more information, contact the church office, (509) 468-9923.
Heather Thomsen Tang-Pastor
Chris Morgan — Worship
The worship committee supports and casts vision for the worshipping life of Colbert Presbyterian.
Joyce McNamee — Fellowship
The Fellowship Committee meets quarterly to plan congregational and intergenerational events and discuss ways to facilitate fellowship in our lives together.
Wendy Olson -Strategic Planning
The Strategic Planning committee looks at the church from 30,000 feet above ground. This distant view helps us see the existing symbiotic relationship among all committees and groups and the impact they have on CPC and the greater Colbert community. Our work includes nominating elders, deacons, and Endowment Fund committee members.
Stacy George
Josiah Hunter — Youth Ministry
Students in grades 6-12 come under the care of CPC’s Youth Ministry. The Elder for Youth Ministry represents these students and the ministry's leadership during meetings of the Session and works to support the Director of Youth Ministry throughout the year.
Lila Spotts — Care Giving
If you would like to know about the deacon ministry or would like to come under the care of a deacon, please contact the church office, (509) 468-9923.
Rich Stevens — Stewardship & Finance
Our committee meets once a month. We welcome members to help us analyze financial statements, seek stewardship opportunities for our congregation, and prepare information for session presentations. for more information, contact the church office, (509) 468-9923.
Sarah Crecelius Children’s Ministry
The Children’s Ministry Elder looks after the care of our youngest saints, helping them grow and learn about the love of Christ.
Barb Murphy- Clerk of Session
Our Deacons
We have 17 deacons serving the Care Giving Ministry, which provides the congregation with opportunities for confidential, prayerful help when it is needed. Through compassionate and gentle service, each deacon stays in touch with approximately 16 individuals or families who comprise their flock.
If you would like to know about the deacon ministry or would like to come under the care of a deacon, please contact the church office (509)468-9923).
Brenda and Doug Cappel
Kelsey Cook
Lesley Groe
Penny and John Nelson
Justin Valentine
Margaret Dingle and Liz Todd
Lorrie Perry
Cookie Billups
Mikel and Kay Stevenson
Deanna Bax
Jan Probus
Mary and Elmer Swanson
Parish Associates
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Mindy Smith
Parish Associate
Mindy has a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Whitworth University, Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Ministry from Portland Seminary at George Fox University.
During her time at Whitworth, Mindy was actively involved in YoungLife and served on YL staff in Spokane following her college graduation. In 2008, Mindy received a call to serve as a campus pastor at Whitworth University. During her ten years as campus pastor, she developed ministry programs, taught pastoral care and ministry training classes, and preached regularly. In 2018, Mindy transitioned to working in Whitworth’s Office of Church Engagement as the assistant director. Recently, she stepped into a new position as the Interim Director of the OCE.
Mindy is married to husband Kyle and they have two daughters, Sydney and Ashlyn. The Smiths love to hike together and host parties. They are a social group and you will find them most often with other people around.
Mindy’s heart is around teaching, preaching and training young people in serving the church.
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Sherry Vokoun
Parish Associate
Sherry received her Bachelors in Nursing at San Diego State in 1971, a Masters in Nursing as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner from the University of Washington in 1991 and her Master's of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, Seattle Extension in 2007. She was ordained in 2011 and her call to ministry was as a chaplain with Providence St. Joseph and Mt. Carmel Hospitals and Hospice of Spokane. Sherry Retired in 2017,
2022 Annual Report
Take a moment to view our annual report for the 2022 calendar year!
