Today, we start a new series on Tuesday Spotlight. We want to recognize some of our longest-leading leaders. Many of them have been leading since before my time (my time at NCC, that is, not my time on earth).
Today, we shine the spotlight on Melissa Westervelt. Melissa has hosted and led a variety of groups over the past few years, and she has helped lay a solid foundation for discipleship at NCC. If I am remembering correctly, I met Melissa at a YAM retreat back in 2001 (if you don’t know what YAM is, count yourself lucky!) I love her cheeriness and her creative ideas.
Today, we talk with Melissa about life, ministry, and dancing with baby bears at the Russian circus. Seriously.
How long have you attended NCC? What brought you to NCC?
I have been at NCC for 6 years. I knew somebody who knew somebody that went to this crazy church meeting in a movie theater. I checked it out and the rest is history. My first week was when Pastor Mark was hospitalized for his emergency surgery, so things were pretty chaotic. I think it prepared me for the ever changing nature of NCC! Even with one service in one location, there was always some kind of adventure brewing. I joined a community group two weeks later and have been here ever since.
Tell us a little about the small groups and/or ministries that you lead and how that experience has impacted you.
I host NCC: True Hollywood Story on the life of Jesus. Sometimes I forget just how compelling Jesus’ life is. When we read these stories I just can’t escape the passion He has for redemption, justice and peace. I love studying it with my group and hearing everyone’s insights as we unravel the truth behind the gospels and not just our “made for tv” image of Him.
I’m also a bit notorious for the Chocolate for Lent group which involved studying Lenten themes through the movie Chocolat and celebrating Easter with a giant chocolate banquet.
Community groups are my favorite part of NCC because they connect me to people both socially and spiritually. They become family and I have met most of my closest friends in CGs.
Where can you be found on Sunday mornings?
At Ballston Common Mall (usually in the nursery playing with bubbles)
When did you start following Christ and what have been some of the spiritual turning points in your life?
I grew up in a variety of denominations, but I got serious about putting my life in line with God’s vision when I was in junior high. A friend took me to vacation bible school and then to summer camp where we learned to study the bible, challenge our faith, and seek God. Through those experiences I realized that I was responsible for my relationship to God and accepting His grace.
Tell us a little about your background.
I grew up in a little beach town in New Jersey so even I am surprised how much I love living in DC. I have one brother and one sister who are older and have families of their own. I adore my nieces and nephews who keep me current on everything from high school life to superheroes of the Lego Universe.
What is your favorite Scripture passage?
I can’t pick one.
Zephaniah 3:17, Psalm 5:1-3, and Psalm 116:5-9
What are your favorite books?
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes
Desiring God by John Piper
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
What are your favorite movies?
Before Sunrise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Chocolat, Oceans 11
What is your favorite fast food?
Cherry Limeade from Sonic
What is something that most people at NCC would not know about you?
I once danced with a baby bear at the Russian circus. (To hear more we will have to play “two truths and a lie”, which is one of my favorite ice breakers.)
Tell us a little about your day job. What is your dream job?
I conduct financial research for a consulting company specializing in non-profit endowments. Basically, I work on a lot of spreadsheets and talk on the phone. My dream job would be to write restaurant reviews for travel guides, or maybe to run a cooking school on a hillside in Italy.
Who is your hero? (besides Jesus or any other member of the Trinity)
Recently I have been studying the life of William Wilberforce. He dedicated his life to a vision that was so much larger than himself that he needed to rely on both and God and the community of friends around him. He lived out many aspects of faith and passion that I admire. (**Editor’s note: Check out the upcoming movie, Amazing Grace, on the life of Wilberforce. Produced by Walden Media)
What do you do in your free time?
Listen to music, go to concerts, bake and cook with my friends, or hang out in DC
In NCC:THE MOVIE who would play you? Who would play Pastor Mark?
For me: Elisabeth Shue or Gretchen Mol.
I put Pastor Mark’s photo in this face recognition website and it said Robin Williams and Jared Leto. I don’t know if I agree, but I had a good laugh.
What is your favorite Pastor Markism?
“Bring it to a close” or any similar phrase that indicates his enthusiasm has eclipsed the message timeline.
I also love anything we add to our “reticular activating system”.
Melissa’s chocolate banquets are AWESOME!
Also, she failed to mentioned that she totally coordinated the Perspectives program (a mission program) at NCC a few years back. Perspectives was life-changing for me! Thanks Melissa!!!
Leslie
November 1st, 2006
Melissa is my hero
Erin
November 1st, 2006
Much Love! You are an inspiration. Hollar.
Darla
November 2nd, 2006
It’s so good to say that Westervelt truly does bring the Son-shine!
T
November 3rd, 2006
[...] Now, I’ve got a new one: Airport Friends. Melissa Westervelt just emailed me about the concept and defined “airport friends” as follows: “People you can call to come and get you at the airport, even BWI, even at 11 at night, even in the rain, even in traffic.” [...]
The Zone Gathering » Blog Archive » Airport Friends
April 3rd, 2007