"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

Colossians 2:6-7

Oakwood wouldn't be what it is without generous support from our volunteers. Our staff is so grateful for you all! In honor of Thanksgiving, we're sharing notes of thanks to all the wonderful people who serve Oakwood and fulfill our mission to Love God, Love Others and Make Disciples. We encourage you to send a note of thanks - online, through the mail, on the phone, however! - to someone in your life for whom you are thankful!

Meet Terry Breunig 2006 | Year he began attending Oakwood 2015 | Year he started serving as an elder

About Terry

Terry enjoys staying active. Got a good puzzle? Terry’s in. Going to a Wisconsin sporting event? He’ll join you. Reading, biking, water skiing … definitely. Sky diving … maybe. Terry is very task oriented, which has helped him in his manufacturing consulting work and as a chief financial officer. While Terry is handy around the house and yard, his wife Ellen prefers he does the dishes rather than the cooking. He’s extremely proud of his two adult daughters, Melanie and Deanna.

Terry loves discussing prophecy, spiritual gifts and Jewish roots.

Meet Pat Feder 1999 | Year he began attending Oakwood 2019 | Year he started serving as an elder

About Pat

Pat is an enthusiastic motorcyclist. (According to his wife, Jeanene, he’s a little too enthusiastic about it with five motorcycles in the garage and zero cars!). When he’s not busy as an IT instructor at Milwaukee Area Technical College, you can find Pat outside hiking, biking, or kayaking – when the Wisconsin weather cooperates. Pat is enjoying being an elder – a role he felt called to and prayed about – and also enjoys serving in Oakwood's Middle School and Men's Ministries.

 Favorite Verse

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39

 

Meet Wayne Steffen 1996 | Year he began attending Oakwood 2017 | Year he started serving as an elder

About Wayne

Wayne is a dedicated Oakwooder. Not only have he and his family been attending Oakwood for more than two decades, he’s also on his second run as an elder. Wayne served two, three-year terms about 10 years ago. Wayne loves road trips with his family. Many times those trips lead them to their cabin near Fox Lake. When Wayne isn’t behind the wheel of his next adventure, he’s a mechanical engineer at GE Healthcare. Running, reading and odd jobs around the house keep Wayne occupied. That, and munching on graham crackers – the ultimate snack, in Wayne’s opinion!

 Favorite Verse

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your in minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

Meet Dean Wardle 2006 | Year he began attending Oakwood 2020 | Year he started serving as an elder

About Dean

Dean, a missionary kid who grew up in Indonesia, loves the community he’s found at Oakwood. His experience leading small groups and serving on the Peace Team has revealed to him the importance of Christian community, and that fellowship is much deeper when we understand the gospel of peace. Dean’s excited to be an elder who serves as God’s catalyst for connecting fellow believers at Oakwood. Dean married his wife, Melissa, at the young age of 19 and they’ve been happily married since! Professionally, Dean is a Director of Advanced Engineering at Husco Automotive where he creates new products. Personally, Dean spends time mountain biking with his family.

 Favorite Verse

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21