Blessings in Action

Dana Hess

Church Office & Facilities Extraordinaire a.k.a Office Manager: You will either see Dana at the front desk when you arrive in the church office, somewhere in the church managing all the groups that use the building, or attending church on Sunday.

Tell us about yourself.

Hello, my name is Dana Hess. I graduated from Arapahoe High School and from Colorado State University. My husband graduated from Columbine and University of Santa Barbara. While we met here in Colorado, we started our life out in San Diego, California. My family and I moved back to Colorado to be closer to family in May of 1999. We have two beautiful daughters that graduated from D’Evelyn High School and are now up in Fort Collins. One as a freshman and one as a senior. My husband and I are now empty-nesters and are trying to get used to not going to soccer games, carpooling, and helping with homework. We now get to go on dates and spend more time with our furry dog son.

How long have you worked at Abiding Hope and what is your role?

Up until one year ago, I worked in retail management for Barnes & Noble. I had just finished my graduate degree in Human Resources and began searching for something a bit different. As luck would have it, Abiding Hope had an opening for an Office Manager. I help our staff with scheduling, maintaining supplies, and communication. I also help oversee facilities use and management and HR. I get to work with a bunch of wonderful people and have enjoyed learning new responsibilities.

What made you say yes to Abiding Hope?

We often called Abiding Hope “Kiera’s church.” When she was set to begin confirmation, she wanted to be closer to where her friends were. That was seven years ago. Thus, began our journey towards a new church home. We have been blessed to meet so many special people and be a part of this church.

Where do you see God showing up in your work here?

I see God showing up at Abiding Hope daily! It is so nice to be a part of a staff that is full of grace and laughter. We all work towards a common goal of making this the best church ever. It is amazing to be a part of the work that goes into creating an open and supportive environment.

How have you felt transformed since you began working with Abiding Hope?

The biggest transformation for me has been being surrounded by faith. It is helping/reminding me to continue my journey with God. I get to experience our staff worshiping and using their strengths so that others can get closer to God. Through our church staff, I have discovered new meaning in scripture and in music. It is truly a blessing!

Andrea Meier

Office Whiz & Child Whisperer a.k.a Admin Assistant and Nursery Adult Lead: You will see Andrea as she greets you when you enter the church office, you will hear her voice when she answers the phone, or you will see her handling all the babies and kiddos in the nursery during worship services.

Tell us about yourself.

I relocated to Colorado in 2007 after growing up in Dallas at a Lutheran Church School and studying journalism at UT Austin in Texas. As an ice skating coach and program manager in my previous life, I moved here for a job in skating at the University of Denver. There I returned to school and studied for a Masters Degree in Arts and Culture Development and Program Management. Afterwards, wanting to pursue opportunities outside of skating and having previously worked in a church, the position at Abiding Hope felt like a natural fit.

How long have you worked at Abiding Hope and what is your role?

I have worked at Abiding Hope since May of 2019 and am the Administrative Assistant and Nursery Adult Lead during Worship services.

What made you say yes to Abiding Hope?

I saw the opportunity to be a part of a great team with Dana and Paul to help facilitate building operations. Also, it felt good that the pastors were so real and down to earth. In wanting to be a part of a Christian community near The Edge Ice Arena, Abiding Hope’s location was the perfect spot for me to find my place.

Where do you see God showing up in your work here?

I see God show up through meeting wonderful people who attend events and services here. It has been a pleasure getting to know many people from the women who attend Graceways, to the children who attend the nursery. Christian music is a personal passion and the awesome music ministry definitely helps me engage in worship and feel closer to God. Also, the SALT Summit was enlightening and it was wonderful to understand through this event, the essence of “God at work” in the congregation here.

How have you felt transformed since you began working with Abiding Hope?

Being able to work alongside people who are applying biblical principles to their lives has given me much personal inspiration. As a team, the staff learned about each other’s personality traits and work habits through an assessment program called Strength Finders and this has blessed me with transformative personal insight into myself and in how to better work with others.