APRIL SPOTLIGHTS
APRIL SPOTLIGHTS
Jon Bradley
Production Volunteer
For Jon Bradley, Port City isn’t just a place he attends, it’s a place he’s come back to and found home again.
Jon first connected to Port City back in 2015 after a simple conversation at the park led him to visit one Sunday. “The first time I walked in, it felt like home,” he shares. And after walking through a lot of life in the years that followed, he’s especially grateful to be back.
After being baptized last year, Jon felt a clear pull to take his next step—to give back. With a background in audio, video, and photography, he signed up to serve and quickly found his place on the Production Team as a camera operator. Now, every other Sunday, you’ll find him on stage capturing moments that help tell the story of what God is doing in our gatherings.
And for Jon, it’s about more than just running a camera. “Serving has reinvigorated my love for being creative,” he says. “And it’s shown me how much I enjoy being a small part of a bigger team.”
That team is something he deeply values. Behind every Sunday is a group of people who show up early, serve faithfully, and care deeply, and Jon has seen firsthand just how much goes into creating those moments.
His volunteer coordinator, Andrew Davis, describes him as a man of God who brings humility, joy, and a willingness to step into anything that’s needed. “He creates a fun environment where people feel like family,” Andrew shares. And that joy is contagious.
Whether he’s moving around the stage capturing worship, experimenting with new shots, or stepping up to run a new camera (sometimes comparing it to riding a Harley), Jon brings energy and enthusiasm to everything he does. But some of his most meaningful moments have come in quieter ways.
As a single dad, Jon shared that serving, especially during holidays when his kids are away, has brought him a deep sense of purpose and joy. And being part of moments like baptisms and Night of Worship has only deepened that.
“Serving makes me feel closer to God,” he says. “It’s a blessing to be a part of it.”
His encouragement to anyone thinking about volunteering? “Don’t think anymore—just do it.”
We’re so grateful for Jon’s story, his heart to serve, and the way he helps create spaces where others can encounter Jesus each week.
Hannah Smith
Groups Volunteer
Sometimes stepping in to serve doesn’t just change your life, it helps shape what’s possible for others. That’s exactly what happened with Hannah Smith.
After first attending a worship night with friends, Hannah quickly found herself drawn into the life of Port City during what she describes as a dry season. Missing the kind of community she had experienced before, she sensed God inviting her to take a step forward. So she did.
When she heard about how our church walks with people through baptism, something stirred in her. She reached out, asked how she could help, and that simple step of faith ended up doing more than she expected.
Today, Hannah serves on the Baptism Team and as a Tuesday Connect Group table facilitator, helping create spaces where people can take meaningful steps in their faith and experience real community.
Her volunteer coordinator, Laurelyn Shaw, shared that when Hannah first reached out, there wasn’t even a clear structure for baptism leaders. But Hannah’s excitement and willingness changed that.
“She was so excited and willing to do anything… we made a place for her. In turn, she opened up space for several others to be a part of it too.” Now, what started with one “yes” has grown into a whole team. And that reflects exactly who Hannah is.
“Hannah is joy,” Laurelyn says. “She always has a big, bright smile, a willingness to help, and a love for the people she serves.” For Hannah, serving is rooted in something simple but steady: “Even on tough days, show up, and God will take care of the rest.”
She loves walking alongside people who are just beginning their relationship with God, creating a welcoming space to share life, ask questions, and take next steps. Whether it’s through meaningful conversations at Connect or stepping into the water with someone on baptism day, she carries a deep sense of calling to help others experience what she’s found.
“Having a community of believers is the best gift this side of Heaven,” she shares. “I found my community here, and I want others to know they have one waiting for them too.”
We’re so grateful for Hannah’s faith, her initiative, and the way her simple “yes” has made space for others to experience life change.
David Thomas
Connect and Overflow Volunteer
For David Thomas, serving has been the missing piece that turned attending church into truly belonging.
A Wilmington native, David first connected to Port City through his daughter Jessica, who kept telling him about the messages she was hearing. After attending for several years, David realized something was missing—he wasn’t yet fully connected. “Serving was it,” he shares. “I just didn’t know where to plug in.”
Today, David serves on the Sunday Morning Connect Team and the Overflow Care Team on Tuesday nights, helping create spaces where people feel known, welcomed, and cared for.
Through serving, David has seen a simple but powerful truth: “God always puts the right people in your life to walk with.”
One of the things he loves most is being part of Overflow, watching the energy, commitment, and intentionality poured into the next generation each week. From staff to interns to volunteers, he’s continually encouraged by the way the church comes together to invest in young adults.
But what stands out most about David is how he cares for people personally.
His volunteer coordinator, Jake Smith, describes him as someone who makes people feel like family almost instantly. “He has a father-like presence,” Jake shares. “When I’m around him, I feel loved the way a father loves his son.”
Whether through intentional conversations, quick humor, or simply showing up consistently, David creates space for people to feel seen and supported. He believes deeply that everyone is looking to be cared for in some way, and he lives that out each week. (And if you’ve been around Overflow long enough, you might’ve even witnessed one of his favorite moments… Kara’s now-famous “praise kick.”)
David’s encouragement to anyone considering serving is to take the step and try a few different things. “See where God plants you,” he says. “Not necessarily where you’re most comfortable.”
We’re so grateful for David’s presence, his care for others, and the way he helps make our church feel like family!
Andrea Fritz
Overflow Volunteer
When Andrea Fritz first visited Port City in 2007, it was meant to be just one stop on a longer search.
After the birth of their second child, Andrea and her husband Jeff set out to find a church to help their family grow in faith. They decided to start with what they jokingly called “the wackiest option” and work their way back to something more traditional. That first visit was at Roland Grise Middle School in the early years of PC3—and they never made it to another church.
Nearly two decades later, Andrea continues to call Port City home and faithfully serves in Overflow as a Care Team member and Community Group co-leader, walking closely with young adults during some of the most formative seasons of their lives.
At the heart of Andrea’s service is a simple desire: to bring the light and hope of Jesus to others.
Serving has deepened her understanding of what it means to be the Body of Christ. Reflecting on Romans 12, she shares that each of us has a role to play—and that when we show up and trust God, He uses our unique gifts to care for one another in meaningful ways.
Andrea’s impact is often felt in quiet, personal moments. Whether it’s a conversation, a prayer, or simply a hug, she has a unique ability to meet people exactly where they are. “It usually starts with a hug,” she says, “and ends with a prayer—and often there are tears in the middle.”
One of our staff members, Zack Hamby, shared, “Andrea helps us to make our church truly feel like a home away from home to young adults in our church. With a true mother’s heart, she has the discernment to know when a student needs someone to talk to, a shoulder to cry on, a trusted adult to pray with, or wise counsel to hear from. ”
Andrea also finds deep joy in witnessing life change—especially when students take steps of faith through baptism or encounter the presence of God in a powerful way. She believes strongly in the generation she serves. “With 1,000 young adults gathering on Tuesday nights to worship and seek God,” she says. “They are the hope of Christ moving into our community.”
Her encouragement to anyone considering serving is simple: “Reach out and see how your unique gifts can bless others. There is a place for everyone.”
We are so grateful for the way Andrea cares for the next generation with compassion and wisdom, and the many other ways she makes our church better each week!
MARCH SPOTLIGHTS
MARCH SPOTLIGHTS
Tia Cook
Espresso Bar Volunteer
For Tia Cook, serving at Port City is all about the small moments that make a big difference.
A Wilmington native, Tia had been familiar with Port City for years through friends, but it wasn’t until Overflow during college at UNCW that she began to truly call it home. After stepping into an internship with Overflow in 2023, Tia knew she wanted to keep serving once that season ended.
With experience as a barista, joining the Espresso Bar Team felt like a natural next step, but what she found was something deeper than just a role.
“Serving has shown me how small, consistent acts of kindness can reflect God’s love in real and practical ways,” Tia shares. “Those moments can impact people more than we realize.”
Each week, Tia helps create a welcoming and comfortable space for people walking into church, often through something as simple as a drink made just right or a quick, meaningful conversation. For her, those interactions are anything but small. “It’s a chance to help people feel seen, welcomed, and cared for,” she says.
Her volunteer coordinator, Will Jones, sees that heart clearly. “Tia brings a genuine passion to serve wherever she is,” he shares. “She sees the role as more than just espresso- she sees people and wants to care for them.”
That perspective has made her a natural leader on the team. As she steps into training as a team lead, Tia continues to lead with gentleness, excellence, and a desire to help others grow.
Tia believes the Espresso Bar is about much more than coffee- it’s about creating an environment where people feel at home. And through her consistency and care, she helps make a large church feel personal.
Her encouragement to anyone considering serving is simple: “Just do it. Get involved and see what happens. Serving is a great way to meet people, grow in your faith, and be part of something bigger than yourself.”
We’re so grateful for Tia’s kindness, leadership, and the way she faithfully reflects the heart of Jesus in the everyday moments!
Alice Urban
Treasure Island Volunteer
For over a decade, Alice Urban has been a steady and faithful presence at Port City, investing in the next generation in ways that are shaping the future of our church.
Originally from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Alice first connected to Port City after moving to Wilmington from Birmingham, where she had been part of a similar church community. After visiting while coming to see her sons, she quickly knew this would become home.
Alice began serving in a few different areas early on, including greeting and student ministry, but she sensed the Lord leading her somewhere more specific. After praying for clarity, she stepped into serving in Kindergarten at Treasure Island, and she’s been there ever since.
Week after week, Alice invests in the lives of young children, helping them understand the love of Jesus at some of the most formative ages. “Seeing their faces light up when they realize they are loved by Jesus and that He is always with them, that brings me so much joy,” she says. For Alice, serving has also deepened her understanding of the Church. She’s seen firsthand the value of raising up young leaders and how even the youngest children are being formed into future leaders of the faith.
One of the most meaningful parts of her story is that she now gets to serve alongside her granddaughter, watching the next generation not only be discipled but step into leadership themselves.
Her impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. One of her volunteer coordinators, Lexi Jones, describes Alice as “one of the most loving, kind, and thoughtful people,” someone who meets each child right where they are and leads with both confidence and gentleness. Cassie Murray, shared how Alice has a unique ability to truly see each child: “She listens deeply, challenges them with care, and inspires growth because she sees their potential.”
Alice’s influence goes far beyond a single classroom. Through years of consistency, she has walked alongside countless children and families, helping lay a foundation of faith that will last a lifetime.
We’re so grateful for Alice’s steadfast presence, her love for children, and the lasting impact she is making in the lives of the next generation.
Suzanne Mills-Winkler
Admin Front Desk, Care, and Groups Volunteer
Before Suzanne Mills-Winkler ever set foot inside Port City, she was already part of the community. While taking an online class in California, a friend who had just moved to Wilmington sent Suzanne a link to the church. Since she and her husband Jim were planning their move to the area later that year, they began watching online, and quickly fell in love with what they saw.
After relocating to Leland in 2021 and attending Port City 101, Suzanne was looking for ways to stay connected and continue investing in others after retiring. Serving at the church front desk during the week became the perfect place to start. From there, her involvement only grew.
Today, Suzanne serves across multiple ministries, including the Admin Front Desk Team, Care Advocacy, Tuesday Connect Table, premarital mentoring with her husband Jim, and mentorship relationships throughout the church. But at the heart of her service is walking alongside people in seasons where they need care, encouragement, and spiritual guidance.
For the past two years, Suzanne has faithfully served as a Care Advocate, meeting weekly with women who are navigating difficult seasons. Her volunteer coordinator, Leeanne Milks, describes Suzanne as someone marked by deep compassion and empathy. One woman Suzanne cared for shared:
“Suzanne met me where I was—in my hurt, my anger, and my eagerness to learn. No judgment, just openness. Her faith has made mine stronger every day. She is gentle, kind, loving, and very funny. I’m so grateful God placed her in my life.”
Serving has also reminded Suzanne just how important community is. “Connecting with people and helping others gets me outside myself,” she says. “It helps me feel more connected to the church and deepens my relationship with God.”
Leeanne also notes that Suzanne’s impact extends across the church in countless ways. “Suzanne is everywhere! She serves wherever there’s a need and collaborates thoughtfully with our care leaders to help people walk through difficult seasons.”
Suzanne believes serving is one of the best ways to make a large church feel like family. We’re so grateful for Suzanne’s wisdom, creativity, compassion, and the many ways she helps people experience the care of Christ in our church family!
Paul Ballard
Kids Ministry and Tsunami Volunteer
For the past eight years, Paul Ballard has faithfully invested in the next generation at Port City. A Wilmington native, Paul first connected to the church through a work colleague’s invitation—and what began as attending on Sundays quickly became something more.
“I didn’t want to just come in for an hour, hear a message, and head home,” Paul shares. That desire led him to serve on the Safety Team in Grow Zone and later in Treasure Island. It was during that season that he sensed God nudging him toward something deeper, leading students.
Today, Paul serves in TI45 and leads a 7th-grade boys group in Tsunami, walking with students through critical years of growth and formation. Teaching has become one of his greatest joys. Watching children grow in their faith, and especially witnessing baptisms, has been profoundly meaningful. “To have a student tell me I made an impact,” Paul says, “brings a smile to my face. But knowing God was doing the work and I just got to be His voice, that brings a smile to my heart.”
Serving has also deepened Paul’s own relationship with God. He reflects that through teaching and leading, the Lord has continually reminded him that he is never alone—and that God works through ordinary faithfulness to reach others.
His volunteer coordinator, Molly Swander, describes Paul as consistent and steady. “Paul shows up every week. He remembers names, stories, struggles, and victories. That kind of intentional presence makes a lasting impact,” she shares. “He offers a glimpse of what a consistent, Godly male role model can look like for so many children.”
Paul believes investing in the next generation is about what you pour in, not what you get out. And sometimes, the fruit shows up years later, when former students step into leadership themselves. His encouragement to anyone hesitant to serve? Take the step. “God may be planting a seed in you,” he says. “Trust that nudge.”
We’re so grateful for Paul’s faithfulness, leadership, and steady presence in the lives of students across our church family.
FEBRUARY SPOTLIGHTS
FEBRUARY SPOTLIGHTS
Trinity Williams
Grow Zone, Ripple Effect, and Overflow Community Groups Volunteer
Since her freshman year at UNCW, Trinity Williams has been steadily planting roots at Port City, and over the past four and a half years, her faithful presence has shaped multiple generations across the church. Originally from Burlington, North Carolina, Trinity first connected through the Overflow Campus Organization and Overflow, quickly finding both community and a place to belong.
Trinity serves across Grow Zone, Ripple Effect, and Overflow Community Groups, walking alongside children, high school students, and college students alike. She shares that serving has deeply shaped her understanding of the Body of Christ. “Each of us has something to contribute to the Kingdom,” Trinity says. “Our participation matters, and we are formed as we consistently show up for God’s purposes.”
One of Trinity’s greatest joys is serving in Grow Zone, caring for kids and building relationships with families over time. “Witnessing childlike faith and curiosity encourages me in my own walk with Christ,” she shares. She also loves leading small groups with middle school, high school, and college-aged women, describing it as a gift to do life together and watch them grow into who God is shaping them to be.
Our Grow Zone volunteer coordinator, Kayla Daughtridge, describes Trinity simply as family. “She leads with integrity, shows up with joy, and has a steady presence that influences our culture in the best way,” Kayla shares. “Trinity brings comfort to children, encouragement to volunteers, and trust to families. She is deeply authentic and honors God and others in everything she does. Kayla also noted that Trinity "has a unique ability to encourage and equip new leaders with important policies and procedures with grace and clarity in a way that permeates the Grow Zone culture and honors that trust of the families!”
From caring for babies on Sunday mornings to answering thoughtful theological questions from preschoolers, Trinity brings intentionality, warmth, and faithfulness to every space she serves. We’re so grateful for the way she leverages her life for impact and helps shape a church that invests in generations to come!
Jonny Morales
Overflow Community Group Leader
A simple invitation changed everything for Jonny Morales.
Nine years ago, a friend invited Jonny to attend Ripple Effect—his first experience ever being part of a youth group. At the time, he had just begun attending church in Spanish with his family on Sunday mornings and would return later for the 5pm service with friends. What started as a small step slowly became a place where he felt welcomed, encouraged, and drawn into real community.
Jonny first began serving on the Production Team, learning cameras, capturing photos and video, and stepping into whatever was needed. Along the way, he built friendships that became family. Eventually, he stepped into leading a small group of 6th grade boys—getting to walk with them all the way through high school graduation. Today, he serves as a Community Group Leader in Overflow, investing in sophomore guys during one of the most transitional seasons of life.
Serving has reshaped how Jonny defines success. “What Jesus calls success often looks like showing up, loving people well, and serving faithfully,” he shares. He’s seen how God works through ordinary obedience more than big moments—and how unity forms when people serve together with a shared purpose.
One of the greatest joys in his role is watching students ask honest, hard questions and wrestle deeply with their faith. “Those moments feel small,” Jonny says, “but they’re often where real growth takes root.” (And occasionally, that joy includes "grabbing BDubs with the boys.")
Our Overflow Community Coordinator, Jacob Smith, describes Jonny as a creative, relational leader and deep thinker. “Jonny has an incredible ability to connect with anyone,” Jacob shares. “He and his wife, AC, invite others into their lives in a way that makes people feel like family.”
Whether navigating fun & chaotic church trip memories, hosting students around a table, or simply showing up week after week, Jonny’s life reflects steady, relational discipleship. We’re grateful for the way he leads with humility, depth, and an open door—helping others discover that they belong!
Keenan Millis
Ripple Effect, Overflow Community Groups, and Safety Team Volunteer
For over ten years, Keenan Millis has been part of the Port City family. Originally from Hampstead, Keenan first got connected when his sister and brother-in-law brought him to Tsunami as a student. What started as a place to attend has become a place where he now invests deeply in others.
Today, Keenan serves across multiple ministries, including the Grow Zone Safety Team, as a Ripple Effect Small Group Leader, and as an Overflow Community Group Leader. For him, serving is both obedience and gratitude. “I wanted to give back to my church,” he shares. “Scripture calls us to serve.”
Over the years, serving has reshaped how Keenan understands the Church. “When you serve, you become part of the church in a way that shapes how people experience and understand it,” he says. That perspective fuels his passion for investing in the generation behind him.
One of Keenan’s greatest joys is walking with students over time, especially moments like FUSE, when he watches high schoolers he’s known for years worship wholeheartedly and begin to grasp the magnitude and joy of who Jesus is. He sees Ripple Effect not just as a Sunday night gathering, but as a training ground for the next generation of leaders.
One of our High School Pastors, Geoff Banks, describes Keenan as consistent, energetic, and uniquely gifted. “We’ve watched him grow from a Ripple Effect student into an incredible small group leader,” Geoff shares. “He brings wisdom and patience that’s rare, while also knowing how to have fun and challenge students toward deeper faith.”
Keenan’s encouragement to anyone considering serving is simple: you’ll build friendships, be part of something bigger than yourself, and yes, occasionally enjoy some free food along the way.
We’re grateful for the way Keenan shows up, invests faithfully, and embodies what it looks like to grow up in the church, and then turn around to lead the next generation.
Kara Schwab
Care Team Volunteer
When Kara Schwab moved to Wilmington in June of 2022, she didn’t just find a church, she found a generation to love.
Originally from Chicago, Kara first connected to Port City through her daughters, Addie and Kate, who were already attending Overflow. As she began meeting their friends and experiencing Tuesday nights, something stirred in her heart. She felt a growing burden to pray for these young adults. What started as praying during the Tuesday night messages at home soon became a clear calling to step in and serve on the Overflow Care Team.
For Kara, serving has been a beautiful reminder that we are not meant to walk this narrow road alone. “Christ calls us into community,” she shares, “to help us belong and set our hearts on fire for the glory of God.” She finds deep joy in simply being present, laughing with students before and after gatherings, celebrating their hunger for Jesus, and witnessing what she believes is genuine revival rising in this generation.
Her volunteer coordinator (and daughter), Kate Schwab, describes Kara as someone who brings both depth and delight wherever she goes. “She has a rich, authentic walk with the Lord and lives a life of unceasing prayer,” Kate shares. “She loves this generation deeply and serves with incredible joy.” Known affectionately as “Mama Schwab,” Kara is often surrounded by students eager for hugs, sometimes so many that conversations have to pause just to accommodate the steady stream of embraces.
Whether she’s cooking dinners, praying over OCO groups each week, or leading spontaneous “praise kicks” after powerful worship moments, Kara brings a contagious joy and unwavering faith to Overflow. She reminds us that laughter, prayer, and faithful presence can profoundly shape a generation.
Kara’s encouragement to anyone considering serving is simple: take the step. “You’ll be amazed,” she says, “at how serving becomes your favorite time of the week.”
We’re so grateful for Kara, for her prayers, her joy, her humor, and her deep love for the next generation.
JANUARY SPOTLIGHTS
JANUARY SPOTLIGHTS
Katie Moore
Ripple Effect Small Group Leader
When Katie Moore first started attending Port City four years ago, she connected through Overflow during her sophomore year of college. What began as simply showing up soon became something more as she sensed God inviting her to step beyond her comfort zone and serve. “I wanted to be a welcoming smile like so many others had been for me,” she shared.
Katie has now faithfully served with Tsunami and is currently a Ripple Effect small group leader, walking closely with a group of 9th-grade girls through seasons of growth, questions, and challenge. Through serving, she’s seen just how active God is, often in ways she never expected. Looking back, she’s been able to clearly see His hand at work, shaping her life and the lives of the students she pours into. “Being available to walk alongside others is so important as a Jesus follower,” she says.
One of Katie’s greatest joys is watching students who have experienced real hardship pursue Jesus with curiosity and childlike faith. Moments like hearing students share their testimonies at FUSE have been especially powerful reminders of God’s work in their lives. And while student ministry can be chaotic, Katie sees that as part of the beauty. “So many kids don’t have a role model who knows and follows Jesus,” she says. “Being that mentor can truly change their life.”
Her volunteer coordinator, Courtney Everett, describes Katie as someone who leads with deep care and consistency. “Katie meets students right where they are,” Courtney shares. “She creates a culture of trust, joy, and belonging, and you can see the fruit of her steady love in the relationships forming within her group.”
Whether she’s cheering on students, capturing moments of worship and chaos, or laughing through the many awkward and joyful moments along the way, Katie brings energy, compassion, and faithfulness to everything she does. We’re so grateful for the way she shows up, cares deeply, and helps students take meaningful steps toward Jesus.
Caitlin Belcher
Kids Ministry and Groups Volunteer
For nearly 13 years, Caitlin Belcher has been part of the Port City family. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Caitlin and her husband first visited Port City while considering a move to Wilmington. “We had an immediate sense of peace,” she shares. “We knew right away this would be our home church.”
Caitlin serves in multiple areas across the life of the church, including Treasure Island Large Group and Production, leading a women’s home study group, and supporting parent groups and children’s ministry spaces. Serving has been part of her story since her teen years, and using her gifts, especially her heart for arts and education, to point others to Jesus has remained a steady calling.
Over the years, Caitlin has learned that serving looks different in different seasons. “Sometimes I’ve had to step back and serve my family first,” she says. “And God always uses me in other ministry areas when He’s calling me.” That perspective has shaped a posture of faithfulness and trust, wherever God places her.
One of Caitlin’s greatest joys is teaching children about the love of Jesus. “Their excitement and eagerness to learn about God makes me want to seek Him more,” she shares. Whether it’s bringing the Christmas story to life on stage with costumes and characters or creating spaces for women to gather, ask questions, and grow in faith, Caitlin brings joy, creativity, and heart to everything she does.
Our Parent Resource Coordinator, Katie Robinson, describes Caitlin as someone who makes people feel instantly seen and welcome. “She brings more than just fulfilling a role, she brings her personality, creativity, and ideas, and that makes every space better,” Katie shares. “She embodies living life with God, together in community, for the sake of others.”
Caitlin’s encouragement to others is simple: take the first step. “You are made for community. You are needed. Serving alongside others is worth any investment.” We’re so grateful for the years of joy, leadership, and faithful presence Caitlin has poured into our church family!
Aaron Ellis
Tsunami Small Group Leader
When Aaron Ellis and his family moved to Wilmington from St. Petersburg, Florida, they didn’t plan on making Port City their church home. But God had other plans through their daughter. On their very first Sunday, she connected with a small group that Wednesday night, and over time, what began as a difficult season of transition turned into a place of belonging for their whole family.
Now, eight years later, Aaron serves faithfully as a TSU Small Group Leader, investing deeply in the lives of middle school students. He understands that middle school is a season filled with change, questions, and growing awareness of the world around them. “They need space to process,” Aaron shares, “and I love helping reframe what they’re experiencing through a Kingdom lens.”
Serving has taught Aaron that God never wastes time spent in community. Whether in a small group, on a volunteer team, or through intentional relationships, he believes those moments are sacred and always worth the sacrifice. Even on busy Wednesday nights, when showing up feels like a stretch, Aaron leaves grateful for the opportunity to be present and invested.
His volunteer coordinator, Caroline Coghill, describes Aaron as someone who “gets it.” She says, “Aaron consistently goes above and beyond—bringing energy, creativity, and a servant’s heart. He wants our ministry and church to thrive and leads with thoughtfulness and passion.”
Whether he’s leading discussions, helping students navigate transition, or answering to the nickname “Tom Brady” from his small group (long story ), Aaron’s steady presence and faithful leadership continue to shape the next generation. We’re grateful for the way he shows up, invests deeply, and helps students encounter God in meaningful ways.
Aaron Ellis
Tsunami Small Group Leader
When Aaron Ellis and his family moved to Wilmington from St. Petersburg, Florida, they didn’t plan on making Port City their church home. But God had other plans through their daughter. On their very first Sunday, she connected with a small group that Wednesday night, and over time, what began as a difficult season of transition turned into a place of belonging for their whole family.
Now, eight years later, Aaron serves faithfully as a TSU Small Group Leader, investing deeply in the lives of middle school students. He understands that middle school is a season filled with change, questions, and growing awareness of the world around them. “They need space to process,” Aaron shares, “and I love helping reframe what they’re experiencing through a Kingdom lens.”
Serving has taught Aaron that God never wastes time spent in community. Whether in a small group, on a volunteer team, or through intentional relationships, he believes those moments are sacred and always worth the sacrifice. Even on busy Wednesday nights, when showing up feels like a stretch, Aaron leaves grateful for the opportunity to be present and invested.
His volunteer coordinator, Caroline Coghill, describes Aaron as someone who “gets it.” She says, “Aaron consistently goes above and beyond—bringing energy, creativity, and a servant’s heart. He wants our ministry and church to thrive and leads with thoughtfulness and passion.”
Whether he’s leading discussions, helping students navigate transition, or answering to the nickname “Tom Brady” from his small group (long story), Aaron’s steady presence and faithful leadership continue to shape the next generation. We’re grateful for the way he shows up, invests deeply, and helps students encounter God in meaningful ways.
Travis Voorhees
Connect, Care, and Mobilization Volunteer
For more than a decade, Travis Voorhees has been part of the Port City family, first getting connected through a small group led by Dennis Hufham. Originally from Durham, Travis has consistently leaned into serving as a natural extension of his faith and his love for people.
Travis serves across several areas of the church, including Connect, Care initiatives, and with our Mobilization Team. He shares that serving has been both joyful and formative. “Serving is fun,” Travis says. “It motivates, encourages, gives perspective, and helps build relationships with all kinds of people. It also reveals the many unsung heroes quietly doing good work all around us.”
One of the parts of serving Travis values most is helping people feel seen and heard, especially those who are new to the church or new to Wilmington. He believes that listening well is a powerful expression of love. “Understanding others before being understood makes people feel valued,” he shares, “and that kind of gracious listening is something I love about our church.”
Our Mobilization coordinator, Sharon King, describes him as someone who is always ready to jump in when there’s a need. “He brings a positive, energetic spirit wherever he serves,” she says. Sharon also points to Travis’s involvement on an Encounter Trip to Western North Carolina, where he helped the team gain a deeper understanding of long-term disaster recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, an experience that encouraged the team and highlighted God’s faithfulness through hardship.
Whether serving at church-wide outreach events, helping connect people into community, or quietly stepping in where help is needed most, Travis embodies a posture of availability and compassion. We’re grateful for the way he serves with joy, listens with care, and helps others experience the love of Christ through meaningful connection!
DECEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
DECEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
Jonathan Moss
Overflow Community Group Leader
Meet Jonathan Moss, an Overflow Community Group Leader from Apex, North Carolina, who has been part of Port City for three years. Jonathan first connected to the church through Overflow—following in the footsteps of his brother—and stepped into serving out of a simple desire to be obedient to God through the local church.
As a Community Group Leader, Jonathan finds the greatest joy in watching the next generation grow in their love for Jesus. “God is using the next generation to reach people,” he says, “and His love is limitless.” His heart for young adults is clear in the way he shows up consistently, creating space for honest conversations, spiritual growth, and real community.
One of the students in Jonathan’s group, Ryan Baynard, shares just how impactful his leadership has been: “Jonathan is always the first to be vulnerable. He encourages us to talk about the hard things that might otherwise go unnoticed. He’s shown me what long-term obedience to God looks like and leads by serving first—with compassion.”
Some of the most meaningful moments happen outside of group discussions—like the Sundays when Jonathan and his wife open their home, cook a meal, and invite the group to gather like family. These moments of hospitality reflect Jonathan’s heart: people first, always.
Jonathan’s encouragement to anyone considering serving is simple and confident: “You’re already equipped. Just follow God and serve.”
Thank you, Jonathan, for faithfully investing in the next generation and modeling what it looks like to lead with humility, vulnerability, and love!
Emily Kogler
Student Ministries Volunteer
For the past seven years, Emily Kogler has faithfully invested in the next generation at Port City. Originally from Fallston, Maryland, Emily first connected with the church after moving to Wilmington as a college freshman, looking for community. What started with attending Sunday mornings and getting plugged into Overflow quickly became a long-term commitment to serving in our Student Ministries.
Emily began serving because student ministry was where she herself had found belonging and spiritual growth. That same heart now defines her leadership. “Serving has taught me the power of being part of a multi-generational, Christ-centered community,” Emily shares. “It’s about more than getting a job done—it’s about the relationships that are built along the way.”
One of Emily’s greatest joys has been walking with her small group of girls over many years. When she first became their leader, the girls were 11—and now they’re 17, preparing for what’s next. “We’re truly doing life together,” Emily says. “Not just on Sunday nights, but with their families too.”
Her coordinator, Courtney Everett, describes Emily as someone who has “consistently shown up over a long period of time, faithfully loving and shepherding her girls toward Jesus.” Courtney adds, “Emily knows her students deeply, invites them into more, and models a life of discipleship. She takes ownership of our church and truly bears the image of Christ.”
Whether serving at camps, participating in encounter trips with our Mobilization team, investing in young adults, or simply being present week after week, Emily’s steady faithfulness has left a lasting impact. Her story is a beautiful reminder that discipleship is built over time—and that saying yes to serving can make a church feel like home!
George Williamson
Greeters and Parking Team
If you’ve arrived on a Sunday morning and been greeted with a big smile (and maybe a friendly high four), there’s a good chance you’ve been welcomed by George Williamson. Originally from Inverness, Florida, George has been part of the Port City family for nearly two decades, first getting connected when his daughter attended Tsunami back in our old days at Mayfaire.
George serves faithfully on the Greeters and Parking Team, where his joyful presence sets the tone long before anyone steps inside. “Serving has taught me that I can do something for others with no direct benefit to myself,” George shares. Whether he’s directing traffic in the heat or greeting kids with enthusiasm, his heart is always focused on creating a welcoming atmosphere.
George especially loves greeting children. “As a kid, I didn’t want to go to Sunday School,” he says, “so if I can make church more enjoyable for them, that’s a win.”
His volunteer coordinator, Will Jones, says it best: “George consistently shows up with an excited heart. He endures the weather with a smile because he truly values putting joy on people’s faces.” Will also shared that George volunteered to mow our overflow parking grass lot in monsoon-level rain—to make sure our church was ready to have ample overflow parking for our Fall Kickoff!
George reminds us that there is real joy in serving together, and that every role helps create the culture of warmth and friendship we love at Port City!
Billy Graham
Care & Groups Volunteer
Meet Billy Graham, a Care & Groups volunteer, originally from Collins, Mississippi, who has been part of Port City since 2007. Billy first came to PC3 at one of the lowest points in his life- searching for hope, healing, and a way forward. A neighbor connected him with someone on staff, and that simple act began a journey of restoration that has shaped not only his life but the lives of countless others.
Billy now leads Called to Conquer, a care group that walks with men struggling with unwanted sexual behavior. He serves because someone once offered him the same hope, compassion, and nonjudgmental care he now extends to others. “They weren’t interested in where I had been as much as where I was going,” he says.
Through serving, Billy has learned profound truths about God and himself. “We’re all broken to some extent. But what we see as setbacks, God sees as opportunities for worship. God is good, always. Even my shame or fear is an invitation to look through a different lens- what is God trying to show me?”
His greatest joy comes from witnessing transformation. “Seeing men find freedom from a secret sin they thought they’d never share with anyone- that brings me the most joy.” One of his most powerful memories is watching a couple move from devastation and distance to joy, healing, and closeness again: “Today, they walk in smiling- tears of joy instead of pain.”
Laurelyn Shaw, our Director of Community, describes Billy as a living picture of redemption: “Billy has a hard story, but he has chosen to offer every piece of it to the Lord. Because of that, we see so much healing- not only in his life but in the lives of the men he serves. He leads with humility, compassion, and freedom.” Billy is a one-on-one men's Care Advocate, leads groups, and even helps other churches build ministries like Called to Conquer.
Thank you, Billy, for serving with humility and for allowing God to use your story to bring freedom and restoration to others!
NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
Ms. Joan Porter
Grow Zone Volunteer
If you’ve ever dropped off your little one in the 9am Baby Classroom, chances are you’ve met Ms. Joan Porter- a gentle, steady presence who brings warmth and peace to every room she enters. Ms. Joan has been faithfully serving at Port City Church for 19 years!
Known by our Grow Zone staff as “the backbone of the 9am Baby Classroom,” Ms. Joan is often the first to arrive on Sunday mornings, ready to care not only for the babies and their parents but also for the volunteers who serve alongside her. Her consistent presence and loving spirit have created a foundation of trust and care that countless families have experienced over the years.
When asked what brings her the most joy, Ms. Joan’s answer is simple and heartfelt: “The smiles from the babies.” Her quiet faithfulness has welcomed generations of children into the life of the church, many of whom have since grown up through Port City’s ministries—from Grow Zone to Treasure Island and beyond. Her volunteer coordinator, Kayla, says it best: “The seeds she has helped plant of God’s truth will produce more fruit than we will ever know.”
Bill and Sharon Coen
Welcome Team Volunteers
Bill and Sharon Coen have been part of our Port City family for nine years. After visiting regularly with their daughter before moving to the area, they were drawn to our church’s welcoming spirit and quickly got involved as Sunday Greeters. You can usually find them at the Studio 3 doors, offering smiles, fist bumps, and hugs to families and kids as they arrive.
The Coens say one of their greatest joys is getting to know the children and their families, and they especially love seeing how the kids' ministry shows love to every child who walks through the doors.
Bill and Sharon believe that serving not only blesses others but also deepens your own relationship with God. Their advice to anyone thinking about volunteering? "Don’t hesitate, you’ll be blessed more than you can imagine!"
Our staff appreciates how consistent and compassionate Bill and Sharon are. They are dedicated to serving not just to fill a role, but to steward relationships they have been faithful to build over many years!
Judy Christen
Welcome Team and Care Volunteer
Meet Judy Christen, who has called Wilmington home for almost a year and already made a big impact at our church. After retiring, Judy knew God still had a purpose for her life- and she found it by serving on both the Welcome Team and the Care Collective. Whether she’s offering a warm smile and a cup of coffee on Sunday mornings or sitting with someone in a hard season, Judy’s heart for people shines through everything she does.
“I’ve learned that I can share God’s love, even with a cup of coffee,” Judy says. For her, serving is about connection- meeting people where they are and reminding them that they belong.
Her volunteer coordinator, Jenna Rogers, describes her as “infectiously positive, kind, and compassionate-someone who makes everyone feel like they can belong.” Jenna adds that Judy’s consistency and joy make Sunday mornings more meaningful for everyone around her.
Judy says it best: “We are all a part of the church body, and our presence matters. Let’s work as a community to participate in God’s work- He will empower you to serve.”
Jeremy and Susie Linquist
Mobilization Volunteers
Meet Jeremy and Susie Linquist, a couple whose lives beautifully reflect what it means to serve with open hearts and willing hands. Originally from Canton, Ohio, the Linquists have been part of Port City for several years and are deeply involved in ministry both inside and outside the church with our Mobilization Team- serving through Eden Village, leading study groups, and participating in missions and mentorship.
Their story began when Susie first attended Port City on Christmas Eve of 2019. As a new believer, she felt drawn to serve and soon joined a mission trip to El Salvador- a trip she describes as “life-changing” and the spark that ignited her passion for helping others find their hope in Christ. “God can use service as a way to heal you,” she says. “Some of my darkest days were turned around by serving.”
Jeremy shares that same heart for service. Whether mentoring other men, leading studies, or serving dinner at Eden Village, he finds joy in connection and community. “Serving drives me,” he says. “It brings a joy and happiness I can’t find anywhere else.” Some of his favorite memories come from watching their children serve alongside them-sharing meals, laughter, and friendship with residents from Eden Village.
Our Mobilization Coordinator, Sharon King, shared: “The Linquists live out hospitality in the way they welcome, lead, and invest in people. No matter where they serve, they always make relationships the priority.”
We love to see Jeremy & Susie discover and embody what it means to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus- faithfully, joyfully, and together!
Ed Hammell
Welcome Team Volunteer
If you’ve ever walked through the doors of Port City on a Sunday morning, you’ve likely been greeted by the friendly face and contagious positivity of Ed Hammell. Originally from Magnolia, New Jersey, Ed has called Wilmington home for 30 years and has been part of Port City since 2011. When he first moved within walking distance of the church, he decided to visit- and never looked back.
Still new to church life at the time, Ed felt prompted to get involved and signed up to serve as a greeter. More than a decade later, he’s still faithfully showing up, week after week. “PC3 is a very welcoming community,” he says. “To reach people and help them walk with God- this church really lives that out.”
Ed finds the most joy in getting to know the people who come through his door, often forming regular rhythms with attendees who look for his smile every Sunday. One of his favorite memories is the moment he learned to sign “Good Morning” to a deaf member of our church- an interaction that sparked a genuine connection and a smile he’ll never forget. Another powerful moment came shortly after his own baptism, when a man told Ed that watching his story had inspired him to stop drinking. “Praise God,” Ed says.
His coordinator, Jenna Rogers, calls him the definition of consistency: “Ed shows up, brings his whole self, and has built a community through the place he serves. People look forward to his goofy, fun presence every Sunday morning!” Jenna added that, in one of her first weeks on the job, she made Ed a nametag for Christmas that he still wears every single week (even after she made him a new, updated volunteer nametag)!
Ed’s encouragement to anyone thinking about serving is simple: “Don’t be afraid to take the step. A smile or a kind word might change someone’s entire week. Make everyone feel welcomed.”
And in true Ed fashion, when we asked if there was anything else he wanted to let us know, he shared the same cheerful words he gives those exiting his door each Sunday: “See you next week!!!”
TOM MYLES
Production Team Volunteer
Meet Tom Myles, a faithful member of Port City for more than nine years and a key part of our Production Team. Originally from Rochester, NY, Tom and his wife discovered Port City online while preparing to retire and relocate from Nevada. After experiencing a full worship service in person, they knew they had found their church home.
Tom began serving because he believes deeply in the power of showing up—and that serving is one of the best ways to build relationships and follow Jesus’ example. “Serving is an act of worship,” he says. “It’s joining with God in His Kingdom work.” One of his favorite recent moments was seeing hundreds of volunteers come together for Friendsgiving: “No one person could do it alone, but together we fed around 1,400 people and gave each one a place to belong.”
On the Production Team, Tom serves as a CG operator, helping create environments where people can truly connect with God. He loves seeing engagement happen in real time- people leaning into worship, taking notes during the message, and building community in groups throughout the week.
Our Production staff, Jacob Grossman and Eric Blizzard, describe Tom as “a servant-hearted leader who loves the Lord and loves people… someone who shows up week in and week out with joy.” They appreciate the way he lifts the load for staff and teammates, often jumping in to handle tasks so others can be present with the team. “Our ministry is better because he’s in it,” they shared.
Tom’s encouragement to anyone considering serving is simple: “You don’t know what you’re missing. Every volunteer role is a chance to find community while helping build God’s Kingdom.”
How would the Production Team describe Tom in one word? They simply said, “he is the GOAT.”