2026 Budget Approved & Staff Updates
Staff Updates
At our December 9 Congregational Meeting, we shared several significant staff updates that highlight the exciting things God is doing here at Fellowship. We’re grateful for His continued movement in our church and eager to share these announcements with you.
One key change announced is that Pat Deiffenbacher will be retiring January 1 as Office Manager after faithfully serving Fellowship for over a decade. Pat has supported our ministries, cared for our congregation, and provided a steady, welcoming presence in the church office. Her diligence and kindness have made a meaningful impact on both staff and members alike. Pat’s retirement marks the close of a remarkable season of service, and we are confident that the fruit of her work will continue to bless Fellowship Church for years to come. We invite you to join us in celebrating Pat and thanking God for her ministry among us.
We are thrilled to share that Laura Forrester will be stepping into the role of Office Manager beginning January 1. Laura has diligently led our Communications team since 2023, bringing clarity, creativity, and strong leadership to her work. Her deep understanding of the ministries and her heart for serving the church make this transition a natural next step. This new role will allow Laura to support the staff team in significant ways as she helps oversee the day-to-day operations that keep our ministries moving forward. We are grateful for Laura’s continued commitment to Fellowship and look forward to the impact she will have in this season ahead.
We also want to welcome Remember Konkle as our new Communications Director. Over the past year, Remember has been a dedicated part of our Communications team, contributing through writing, managing the social media platforms, creative design, and a clear passion for helping display what God is doing here at Fellowship. Her time on the team has demonstrated both her gifting and her heart for ministry. Remember’s leadership in communications will play an important role in supporting every ministry of our church, and we are excited to see how God will continue to use her to serve our congregation.
Finally, we are excited to announce that Joshua Cheetham will be joining our staff as the Discipleship and Family Ministries Resident. Joshua grew up attending Fellowship Church and previously completed a pastoral internship under our former pastor, Marc Ramirez—experiences that helped shape his heart for ministry and deepened his love for this church family.
He has demonstrated a genuine passion for helping individuals and families grow in Christ. This residency will provide valuable hands-on ministry experience while allowing Joshua to support and strengthen key discipleship initiatives across Fellowship. His desire to serve, learn, and invest in others makes him a strong addition to our team. We look forward to the ways his ministry will bless our congregation in the years ahead.
As we celebrate these meaningful transitions, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness in providing leaders who love Him and serve His church with joy. Each of these updates represents both gratitude for past service and excitement for what lies ahead. We invite you to join us in praying for each of them as they step into their new seasons of ministry.
At the December 9 Congregational Meeting, all officers and deacons nominated to serve in 2026 were voted in by members of the congregation. Members also voted to approve the 2026 budget that was proposed by our Elders.
Officers and Deacons elected to serve in 2026
ELDERS
Jim Belles
Jeff Bowne
Jim Hennings
Gary Kirk
Tom Malkemes
Ben McEntee
Lee Piatt
Steve Schweitzer
DEACONS/DEACONESSES
Access – Stephanie Nelson
Benevolence – Bill Fuhr
Congregational Care – Karen Tarity
Disaster Response – Dan Manzoni
Home Services – John Lose
Ordinances – Mike Balonis
Quilting – Anita Schweitzer
Resource Center – Lori Valencia
Weddings – Ashley Sheare
FINANCIAL OFFICERS
Financial Secretary – Tom Malkemes
Co-Financial Secretary – Scott Dieffenbacher
Assistant – Craig Daron
Assistant – Bob King
Assistant – Jim Lewis
MISSIONS TEAM
Paul Jackson
Jen Phebus
Leeann Wiernusz
Resources from the meeting are available electronically to members of the church. If you are a member, you have received an email and can access those files through the Member Resources link. Please contact our offices if you have any questions.
