Name: Bryce Cooley
Position: Youth Pastor
Hobbies: Bike Riding, Going to Concerts, Time with Friends
Bible Verse: Romans 12:18
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

Biography:
I am 26 years old and have lived in Rancho Cordova a majority of my life. I went to school at Mitchell Middle School and went through Cordova High School. I truly received Christ, in that it made an actual impact, at the age of 17. Never would I have guessed I would want to work with teens, but I do, and I love it.

In May 2008 I graduated from William Jessup University in Rocklin, CA. I received my BA in Biblical Theology and Youth Ministry. My passion for ministry began in 2000 a volunteer under the previous youth pastor David Ramalia and steadily grew over time. I can't express to you properly how excited I am to be working with the staff that I have, and the kids that we encounter weekly.

Name: Jeff Mitchum
Position: Media "official", official "bow" dropper
Hobbies: TV on DVD, Guitar Hero, hanging out with friends, watching terrible movies (like SUPERCROC!) reading nerdy books, and playing bass guitar
Bible Verse: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will. - Romans 12:1-2.

Biography:
Let's face it...the world we're living in pretty much stinks. We're being assaulted on all sides by immoralism, complacency, and SIN. This verse is a simple reminder for us to not go with the flow. biography - I've been going to CNC since 1990, when my dad became the senior pastor. I joined the youth group when I got into junior high, and have been volunteering with it since my sophomore year in high school. I absolutely love hanging out with all the kids in the group and forming deeper relationships with them.

In the real world, I work at a local pool-supply store and play in a band called The Hepburn Disaster. We rock.

I attended Simpson University and American River College for a couple of years until I decided that it was time for a break from higher education. I may go back sometime in the future, but for now I'm just working and making scratch. Don't be a fool, though, and stay in school, kids. It's the way to learn gooder.

Name: Kim Green
Position: Youth Staff
Hobbies: Watching movies, listening to music, taking walks, hanging out with friends and family, laughing, singing and dancing with my sisters, eating chocolate?etc.
Bible Verse: Romans 8:1-4 ?Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.? Romans 8:1-4

?Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable?if anything is excellent or praiseworthy?think about such things.? Philippians 4:6-8

Biography:

Hello. My name is Kim Green, I am 20 years old and I have been on Youth Staff since early 2008. I grew up here in Rancho Cordova. I come from a large family. I have 5 siblings; 3 sisters and 2 brothers, and the sweetest nephews and niece! I accepted Christ when I was very young, but in Junior High is when I really began to seek a more personal relationship with Him.

I got plugged into the Youth Group through my brother Andrew Green back in 2002. I have been attending CNC since. I love this church and the impact it has had not only in my life but my family?s lives as well. I loved being in youth group, learning about God and meeting some of the best people I know I?ll ever meet. I knew God had me here for a reason. I can look back and appreciate how special those times were and how much I needed that fellowship in my life.

Late in 2008 I earned a certificate in Business Administration and currently planning on continuing my education at American River College this Fall. I am considering becoming an Elementary School teacher, but still praying about what career path God has for me.

I am excited to be on staff at CNC and to minister to the youth of Cordova Neighborhood and beyond. I desire that these kids will grow to understand and trust how much God loves them. I pray they never forget the words that are spoken here and that these days and these experiences will stay with them throughout their lives.

I am excited to see where God leads me and how he?ll use me, here and beyond.

Name: Mike Garrison
Position: Youth Staff
Hobbies: Hiking, Biking, Ridin my motorcycle, and just hanging out
Bible Verse: "When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:2

This is a really cool verse. I think one day I might even get it as a tattoo some were. But, I think I will add the verse through God anything is possible then you shall walk through fire and not be burned. It?s not really that deep. There are other verses that I know of off the top of my head but don?t know exactly what verse they are. Like ?You have not asked for anything in my name, ask and you shall receive and you joy will be complete.? On my road trips looking for a job I read this and then said my very first prayer as a Christian. There are so many more: Jesus died for us while we were still sinners.

Biography:
I am 20 years old. I am married to a beautiful member of the youth staff, Jessica, loving that. Um, I have a pit bull named Joe that I like to take on hikes with me as much as I can. I am a seasonal firefighter for Cal Fire in Fort Jones, which is 300 miles from Rancho Cordova. It?s a long drive but it?s worth it, it?s so much fun. Were I work it?s mainly wildland fires there the big fires that take days to put out. I went to El Camino high school and played football for 3 years, that?s back when they were good. I played center and defensive tackle when I was a lot heavier.

Name: Rhonda DeGraaf
Position: Youth Staff
Hobbies: Take Walks, Crochet blankets, Play guitar and Drums, Read, Play sports, Play board Games
Bible Verse: It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and he spent the whole night in prayer to God. Luke 6:12

This verse is where Jesus spends all night praying and then chooses who his disciples should be. This has been and is an awesome example to me of how God wants to be a part of the decisions we make. It shows me how important it is to pray about the future before just jumping into things.

Biography:
I am 26 years old and have grown up going to many different churches because I have moved many times. I have believed in God ever since I can remember, but really began to talk to Him myself when I was in Jr high, which is also when I began to read the Bible often. Through the reading of the bible and some guidance from family and youth leaders God became my best friend.

In May 2005 I graduated from William Jessup University in Rocklin, CA. I received my BS in Bible & Theology and Christian Education. God began to use me for church ministry in high school leading the Youth Band in our Youth group. Next God had me leading a girls small group in the College group, which is how God brought my Husband Beau and I together. He was a small group leader for the guys so we ended up doing all the leadership stuff for the college group together with a couple other people. After we got married we attended another church and began working together with the Jr High Group leading worship.

We began attending Cordova Neighborhood Church in 2004 when we moved to Rancho. God began to use me right away to play drums. We had the college group meet at our house for a couple years and during that same time I began to work with the youth as well. I have a huge love for the youth here and desire to see their lives transformed by a close relationship with God. I hang out with them whenever possible and enjoy talking with them about their lives, ways they think about God and what the Bible says.

Name: Rocky Burriss
Position: The Smacketh Down on dem churrin'!!!
Hobbies: TV on DVD, Guitar Hero, hanging out with friends, watching terrible movies (like SUPERCROC!) reading nerdy books, and playing bass guitar
Bible Verse:"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13
This verse holds water to me because I would not be where I am and doing what I am doing without that strong backbone of Christ. The test and trials that come into my life are the toughest walls to jump over. Knowing that God's love and grace has captured me, I know that those walls will easy to overcome with Him in my life.

Biography:
Well I am 21 years old, I am currently going to school, tryin' to get my edumacation (education) on and hopefully become a high school health teacher. I try to be as athletic as I can. I played baseball and football for Cordova High School!!! And I was the best on the whole team!!! (not really, i was pretty everage!)I am engaged to a wonder person who I feel that was sent to me by God!! She is wonderful and loving and most importantly, on fire for God! Jessica is truly an angel from God and I thank Him for treating me so well in that area!!!! THANK YOU GOD!!!! I have been active with church responsibilities, worship team and such, since my sophmore year of high school and God has shown me His love in that sort of way too. Then God put it on my heart to be involved with youth ministry, to share the Gospel, to read the Word, and be a man after God's own heart. I want to be a tool for God so that He can use me in any situation that He see's best. I love God!!!!

Name: Lauren White
Position: Youth Staff
Hobbies: Going on adventures, Painting, Ballet, Mountain Biking, Time with friends and family, Working on my car
Bible Verse: "...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4: 11b ? 13

These verses have had a tremendous positive impact in my life. In some of my darkest days, they have lifted me up, reminding me that no matter how terrible my situation can feel, I can still find strength in Christ.

Biography:
I am 19 years old, and have lived in Rancho Cordova all of my life. I grew up in Cordova Neighborhood Church, and have to credit almost all of the encouragement I receive in my Christian walk to my church family. I knew I wanted to work with the youth since I was in the youth group, and I absolutely love the kids I get to hang out with and minister to.

I am currently attending American River College, working for Safeway, and seeking God?s will for my life. I hope to be a teacher in the future, but right now I am taking it one day at a time. Through some interesting trials and ups and downs, I have learned to stop trying to force how I think my life should be and surrender to God?s plan.