Leadership

Peter is husband to Natalie and father to four great kids. He seeks to follow Christ and be led by the Spirit each day. Peter earned a Master’s of Divinity degree from Eastern Mennonite Seminary and a degree in Elementary Education from Goshen College. He has been a teacher, youth pastor and soccer coach from Indiana to the Dominican Republic to here in Virginia. Peter loves being with his family, the beach, good food and seeing God actively working with and through his most prized creation, us!

Matt and his wife Mindy love calling Harrisonburg home. Together with their daughters, Katie Grace and Hattie, they enjoy the outdoors and being near water. Matt and Mindy both love the unified story of Scripture that points to Christ. While earning his B.S. in Athletic Training at Michigan State University, Matt felt a call to ministry. Coming to Harrisonburg, Va in 2002, he graduated from Eastern Mennonite Seminary with his Masters of Divinity in 2006.

Laurel and her husband Steve have 3 sons and live in Harrisonburg. As a family they love to go to the beach, the lake, and Busch Gardens. She has a Doctorate of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction and has taught in four different school divisions in Virginia, working with students in grades 3-12. Laurel is honored to walk with Eastside's children and youth in their spiritual journeys, and anticipates teaching and transforming each other as they seek Christ and serve together.

Lynne and her husband David have 3 young adult children. She is a nurse practitioner at the Blue Ridge Free Clinic & the Suitcase Clinic. Lynne & David were part of a church plant in Washington, DC, spent 3 years serving in South Korea, and have been attending Eastside since 2017. Lynne enjoys most outdoor activities (biking, hiking, kayaking, camping) and loves traveling with her family. She loves how Jesus offers hope, mercy, and redemption to all persons, no matter how broken and scarred.

Priscilla, along with her husband Gustavo and their son Bernardo, moved from Brazil to Harrisonburg in August 2023. A few months later, she discovered Eastside and quickly became part of the church family. At Eastside, Priscilla has found a community in Christ where she can grow as a disciple of Jesus and joyfully serve others. As a therapist, she treasures meaningful conversations, a good book, meeting new people, and spending time outdoors. She serves at Eastside in the Foster Care Ministry.

Welby is married to Lisa and they have one son. They've been attending Eastside since 2010, involved in the life of the church in various ways. His career is as an architect. Welby enjoy sports, camping, hiking, or just sitting around a fire with my family and friends. He appreciates how Eastsiders are encouraged to live as exiles in the world, in parallel with Jeremiah 29. Welby looks forward to seeing how the family of Eastside can be co-laborers with the Spirit in our community and world.

Winston, his wife Janice and their daughter Katie began attending Eastside between 2018-19. Winston grew up just outside of Harrisonburg and began to learn about the Mennonite church while attending EMHS and then later graduated from EMU with a degree in Business. Winston serves as president/local owner of a wholesale distribution business. He enjoys helping with Eastside Kids and being part of a small group. He spends his spare time tending to a small herd of beef cows in Rockingham County.

Sarah and her husband, Nevin, have 4 children who range from high school to elementary school. Sarah works for a family business during the day and spends the rest of her time taking care of the family, leading a small group and trying to stay in touch with friends. Sarah is excited to talk about how God has worked in her life through raising children, making a plan to adopt their youngest child and changing jobs to remain obedient to her calling from the Lord.

Olivia and her husband Steve, live in Broadway and have 2 kids. After graduating from Eastern Mennonite University in 2013 she taught middle school math for 6 years and currently is busy at home as mom. Olivia has served in many ways at Eastside throughout the years; as an Eastside Kids teacher, nursery/toddler helper, offering counter, youth leader, and currently leads a small group. She has learned so much and grown spiritually from joining in community with others, especially at Eastside.

Lisa has attended Eastside since it's beginning. Small groups have played an important part in her faith walk and relationship with other Eastside family. Lisa's work experience has included financial roles with affordable housing non-profits, marketing with a credit union, and national church event project management. Lisa enjoys time with her husband, son, and friends, traveling to see family and new places, playing games, basketball, and camping.

Ryan has called Eastside Church home for over a decade, where he loves using his gifts to help create meaningful moments of worship. He and his wife, Caitlin, are proud parents of three amazing kids. Ryan is passionate about making it easy for people to experience God’s presence and grow in their faith. When he’s not serving at church, you’ll probably find him shooting hoops or cheering on the James Madison Dukes!

Andy, his wife Lauren, and their 3 children found Eastside in 2022 and quickly made it their church home. Eastside has brought much community and discipleship in Jesus to their whole family. Andy has a B.S. in Aeronautical Science and has worked at Dynamic Aviation since 2004. He enjoys growing microgreens and reading. Both he and Lauren love hosting friends for good food and fellowship. He is excited to get to use his gifts and his love of data to serve the body of Christ!