I moved to Eugene in the early sixties when my father took a call to Our Saviors Lutheran Church. I grew up in Eugene where Lori and I have been members at Our Saviors, Central and, for the last 13 years, Emmaus Lutheran. I met Lori, my wife, in 1977 while we were both working at Camp Lutherwood. We were married in 1979. We have two daughters and five grandchildren. I worked in construction for about ten years and then in Law Enforcement for thirty years. I am now retired and Lori and I are building a home in Jasper Oregon.
Brent and his wife Ginnie joined Emmaus twelve years ago. Brent enjoyed a 35+ year sales and marketing executive career with the 3M Co. before retiring in 2017. This is Brent’s second term on council. Brent also helps lead Emmaus’ Tech Support video efforts that bring live streaming services in homes each Sunday. Brent and Ginnie have 4 grown children in the Midwest aged 31 to 38 plus 7 grandchildren from ages 1 to 10. They relish the Oregon Coast and visit their condo in the Newport area often. Brent is also active in Downtown Eugene Rotary Club, Oregon State University Extension’s Master Food Preservation Program, and Post 83 American Legion Riders group.
I grew up in Eugene as a member of Our Redeemer, although I attended Emmaus for Confirmation classes in middle school. After high school I took a gap year at Holden Village in the Washington Cascades before studying engineering at Valparaiso University. After college I returned to Holden Village for a couple months where I met Katie, my wife. We moved to Portland in 2017 where I worked for Intel (the computer chip manufacturer). Katie began studying for her Master’s in Landscape Architecture at the UO in the fall of 2021 and we moved down to Eugene in January 2022.
I joined Emmaus in 2011. I grew up on the Oregon coast and went away to college in Wisconsin where I lived for about 12 years. I moved back to Eugene when I had my first child and have stayed. I have 2 children. I work for Peace Health as a Medical Social Worker for Home Health. I enjoy being active with my kids. Most of my time is taken up with taking kids to their activities.
I became a member of Emmaus over 35 years ago after moving to Eugene from Colorado. I loved raising my children in this loving and supportive congregation. Our Ministry puts the “fun” in our fellowship time together by planning events for multi-generational activities. Many of our opportunities to be together involve delicious food! I look forward to holding a leadership position on our Congregational Council again and to work closely to support the other Ministries.
Jen was born and raised in North Dakota. Once she finished grad school, Jen and her wife, Michelle, headed to the Pacific Northwest in search of adventure. Jen feels very lucky to have landed in Eugene; it’s a dream home for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. Jen works as a physical therapist in Early Intervention meaning she gets to play with babies and toddlers all day and call it “work.” Jen’s first time visiting Emmaus felt like returning home after being away for 4 years – the pastors and congregation were more welcoming and inclusive than she had ever experienced with any group of any type before! She is so grateful to have found a family at Emmaus. As an avid sports fan Jen fell quickly into Duck-fandom upon moving to Eugene. She roots hardest for the Ducks women’s basketball team
Elva Duvall and his late wife, Marlene, first started attending Emmaus about 25 years ago. Elva was born in Spokane, Washington. He came to Eugene and got a Bachelors of Arts in Ministry. However, he decided that was not his calling and preferred to work in construction. He stayed on in Eugene where he worked for 37 ½ years, having retired 25 years ago! He has three children and five grandchildren.
Linda and I and our two children moved to Eugene from Alaska in 1981. We became Emmaus members that same year. I have sung in the choir ever since. I also have been active in men’s bible study, worship service lector and communion assistant and have held congregational positions of synod representative, foundation member and vice president/president. I retired from the City of Eugene in 2016 after 33 years in the 911 communications center. I look forward to working with the council as the worship liaison.