Something New Starts This Sunday
By Ellis White, Senior Pastor
There’s a moment in any season of waiting when you can feel the shift—when what you’ve been hoping for stops being around the corner and actually arrives.
That moment is this Sunday.
After more than a year of searching and praying for our worship ministry—and five months for our children’s ministry—I am thrilled to tell you that this Sunday, June 14, we will welcome not one but two extraordinary new leaders to Chapel Hill—on the same day.
Seth Wolfe, Director of Worship Arts
Seth Wolfe joins us as our new Director of Worship Arts. Many of you experienced Seth leading worship back in April as a guest, and the response was unlike anything I’ve seen. Seth has a rare gift—he leads worship with both excellence and pastoral depth, and his wife Olivia grew up right here at Chapel Hill, which makes this feel like a true homecoming for them both. I cannot wait to see what God does through him.
Crystal Bentley, Director of Children’s Ministry
Crystal Bentley joins us as our new Director of Children’s Ministry. Crystal lives right here in Gig Harbor, brings over a decade of experience in both education and ministry, and has an extraordinary gift for connecting with kids and families. She’s exactly the kind of leader we’ve been praying for.
Two key positions. One Sunday. That’s not a coincidence—that’s God’s timing.
I also want to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you to the people who held things together during this season of transition.
Jesse Yi-Gray went far above and beyond his role as Music Director to keep our worship ministry moving—and I’m grateful he’ll continue leading in that role under Seth’s direction. And a huge thank you to our entire worship team, who served faithfully and joyfully under Jesse’s leadership throughout this season.
Sheri Vanderkam has been a rock as our Interim Children’s Director, and our Children’s Ministry Assistants Pam Gatto and Karen Rodenbucher have poured themselves into this season with steadiness and grace. We don’t take any of that for granted.
The prophet Isaiah wrote: “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)
That verse feels right for where we are. We’ve been in a season that required patience and endurance. And now—new strength. New leadership. A new chapter.
And on that note—this Sunday I’ll be preaching on how to avoid burnout. Honestly, it’s something we all need to hear. Life is full, and rest doesn’t come naturally to most of us. Come ready to be encouraged.
If you’ve been away for a while, this Sunday is a great one to come back. New faces at the front, a timely word from Scripture, and a community that’s genuinely excited about what’s ahead.
We’ll see you Sunday.
Pastor Ellis