VOLUME NO 26 I SUMMER 2025
PINNACLE
Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole ~ QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER I VOLUME NO 18
PARTNERS IN THE GOSPEL
At PCJH, we value an Outward-Focused Mission—sharing Christ’s love both locally and globally. Living in a rural, mountainous setting can feel isolating, but we are committed to staying connected through partnerships that extend Christ’s compassion beyond our walls. Whether in Jackson or across the world, we support those who serve as His hands and feet. In this issue, you’ll hear from some of our mission partners, each uniquely reflecting God’s love in action. May these stories remind us that the local church is always called to be missional—in every place, to every person.
“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'." ~ Isaiah 52:7
10 ~ 13 04 YOUR MISSION SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT
~ Rev. Ben Pascal 06 Q & A INTERVIEW WITH REV. JEROMEY HOWARD
~ Rev. Dr. Tammy Mitchell 08 THE AGROS WAY
~ Ken Kierstead
LA RED
~ Josh Geisinger GOOD SAMARATAN MISSION ~ Jeremy Aughenbaugh
HOLY LAND CHRISTIANS SOCIETY ~ Mary Kay Turner
ONE 22 ~ Sharel Lund 09 ACMNP
~ By Dave Degler & Amy Kennedy
~
TWINS BIBLICAL ACADEMY
~ Andre Moubarak WORLD VISION
~ Randy Valentine SOWER'S FIELD INC.
~ Stan Wood
PAMELA KONSTANT 14
GET TO KNOW US
› PLEASE CHECK pcjh.org CALENDAR FOR UPDATES / PCJH EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE ‹ › DURING THE WEEK ‹
TUESDAYS
• 7:27am Youth Group (MS & HS)
• 10-11am: Women’s Bible Study
• 12-1pm: Men’s Bible Study
WEDNESDAYS
• 5:00-6:30pm: Grief Support Group through July 2nd
THURSDAYS
• 6pm Ascent (20’s & 30’s) Snow King Hike & Bible Study
SUNDAYS
• 9-10am: Pathfinders Class
JUNE
~ Guest preacher John Ortberg 8am & 10:15am services: 8 ~ Milestone Sunday ALL CHURCH BBQ 11:30am
~ Maher & Crowder Worship Concert in Idaho Falls 3:30pm
Happy 4th of July! 3 ~ PCJH OFFICE CLOSED
~ High School Mission Trip
YOUR MISSION, SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT
~ Rev. Ben Pascal
Cue the music. You know the one—suspenseful, urgent, full of purpose. It’s the theme from Mission: Impossible, and for many of us growing up, those words: “Your mission, should you choose to accept it…”—sparked our imaginations. Secret tapes, high-stakes missions, agents who never hesitated.
They never said, “Eh, not today. I’m feeling more like a beef sandwich and a nap.” Why? Because when you’re an agent, mission isn’t optional. It’s your identity. The same is true for us. If you’re a follower of Christ, you’re an agent of the Most High. You have a mission. And trust me, it’s more significant than golf games, Netflix marathons, or the next level of Candy Crush.
But what exactly is that mission?
Is it about my purpose—missio me? Or is it about aligning with something bigger than ourselves—missio Dei, the mission of God? Let’s find out.
LIFE TOGETHER: ROOTED IN CHRIST, REACHING OUT IN LOVE
At PCJH, our mission statement captures a beautiful vision—Life Together: Rooted in Christ, Reaching Out in Love. That third part, “reaching out in love”, is where our identity meets our purpose.
It’s our outward-focused mission. It’s the Missio Dei.
The Missio Dei (Latin for “the mission of God”) isn’t a church program. It’s not even something we create or control. It’s God’s mission to redeem, renew, restore, and reconcile all things through Christ—and we’re invited to participate. Every member a missionary. Not some. Not the pastors. Not just the mission team. All of us. You have unique gifts, passions, and callings. What if those were given to you not just for self-fulfillment, but so you could be part of God’s mission to transform the world?
WHAT IS THE MISSIO DEI?
Theologian David Bosch once said, “Mission is not primarily an activity of the church, but an attribute of God.” In other words, mission doesn’t start with us. It starts with the heart of God. Alan Hirsch put it another way: “It’s not so much that the church has a mission; it’s that the mission of God has a church.”
God is a sending God. We see this clearly in the Trinity:
• The Father sends the Son.
• The Father and Son send the Spirit.
• The Spirit sends us.
Mission is woven into the very nature of the Triune God. It’s not a side project—it’s who God is.
In Luke 4, Jesus defines his mission by quoting Isaiah 61: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor… freedom for the prisoners… sight for the blind… to release the oppressed…”
And then he says, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Jesus knew exactly who he was and why he had come—to fulfill God’s mission to rescue, redeem, and restore creation. Our mission flows from our identity, too. We are children of the Most High. We are co-heirs with Christ. We are ambassadors of reconciliation. We are called.
JOINING THE MISSION: THE CHURCH’S ROLE
So what’s the church’s role in all of this? Jesus said it plainly: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21). We are sent people—empowered by the Spirit to join God’s work in the world.
Isaiah 61 reminds us that we will be called “ministers of our God.” In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul calls us ambassadors of Christ. And not just any ambassadors—we carry the message of reconciliation, the hope of transformation.
The Greek word used for ambassador here is presbeuō—yes, it’s where we get “Presbyterian.” But more than elders or leaders, it reminds us that all of us are called to be ambassadors.
We are sent to be signs and agents of the kingdom of God. The mission isn’t just across the ocean—it starts across the street.
OUTWARD-FOCUSED MISSION: WHY IT MATTERS NOW
One of PCJH’s four core values is “Outward-Focused Mission: Sharing the hope of Christ through generosity, service, and partnerships; pouring out God’s love to neighbors near and far.” That’s not just a tagline. It’s a vision for how we live.
The church was never meant to be a country club for the saved. It’s a launching pad for the sent.
Reggie McNeal put it bluntly: “The culture around us does not wake up each morning thinking they would go to church if only there were a good one to attend.” We must be present in our neighborhoods, engaged in our communities, and attuned to the spiritual hunger around us. Church activity doesn’t equal spiritual vitality. A busy church isn’t always a missional church.
We don’t need more programs—we need more presence. More Spirit-filled followers of Jesus living out an embodied apologetic, witnessing not just in word, but in transformed lives that radiate love, joy, justice, and peace.
TRANSFORMATION IS THE MISSION
God’s mission is nothing less than the transformation of all creation. That’s a big claim, but it’s exactly what Scripture promises. 2 Corinthians 5 says: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
The Greek word for reconciliation in this passage is katallassō—from which we get the word catalyst. A catalyst doesn’t change itself, but it changes everything it touches. That’s what Jesus does. He remains the same, yet everything he touches is transformed.
He touches us—and we are changed. We are no longer slaves to sin, but sons and daughters of grace. No longer exiled, but brought home. No longer consumers, but co-laborers in God’s mission.
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
The final words of Jesus before his ascension still echo: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
This isn’t theoretical. It’s practical.
• Our Jerusalem is Jackson Hole.
• Our Judea and Samaria may be the broader U.S.
• Our ends of the earth are Guatemala, El Salvador, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, France, Israel, and beyond—wherever our mission partners are planted.
In this issue of The Pinnacle, you’ll hear stories from our mission partners—locally, nationally, and globally. These stories are a glimpse into how the Missio Dei is unfolding today—and how we’re called to join it.
“I KNOW A HOUSE…”
Let me leave you with a beautiful image from author and pastor Earl Palmer, who once wrote:
“I know a house that took me in, to send me out... I came to know the people of this house who took me in and who sent me out because they taught me here about the owner of the house and in time I learned his name... I felt the powerful surprise of hope and resolve... I know this house. And wherever I go I find it... always the house that takes me in to send me out.”
That’s the church. That’s PCJH. A place that gathers us, transforms us, and sends us.
CHOOSE THE MISSION
So I ask again: What mission are you living for? Missio me? Or Missio Dei? You were made for more than comfort or distraction. You were made for transformation. To be transformed—and to bring transformation. As a follower of Jesus, your life is part of God’s great story to redeem and renew the world.
So cue the music. Your mission awaits.
And this message… will not self-destruct. ✝
REV. BEN PASCAL
is the Senior Pastor of PCJH and father to Nina, Graham, and Naomi
Faithful Together: A conversation with Jeromey Howard on the Mission and Meaning of the Presbytery
TAMMY: Thanks so much for making time for this, Jeromey. We’re putting together this newsletter focused on our mission partners—local and global—and we thought it would be really helpful to talk about the Presbytery and how we’re connected through it. Could you start by explaining what exactly a Presbytery is and why it matters?
JEROMEY: Sure! Many people are unfamiliar with the term "Presbytery". It’s one of those church words that can sound a little mysterious at first, but it’s actually pretty simple once you break it down.
In the Presbyterian Church (USA), the entire country is divided into 177 regional groups called presbyteries. Think of them as communities of churches that are connected and work together. Each presbytery covers a geographic area and includes all the Presbyterian congregations within that region. The presbytery isn’t a building or just a leadership team—it’s made up of people from our different churches. Specifically, it’s a group of elected leaders, both pastors (called “teaching elders”) and laypeople (called “ruling elders”), who come together to help guide and support the churches in that area.
We often describe the presbytery as part of the “mid council” of the church. In the Presbyterian Church, there are three main levels of leadership:
The Session: The leadership council at each local church
The Presbytery: The regional council that connects and supports churches
The General Assembly: The national body that oversees the whole denomination.
So, if the Session is like a local school board for one school, the Presbytery is kind of like a school district. It helps churches stay connected, share resources, and make decisions together.Presbyteries do all kinds of important things. They:
• Help churches find and call new pastors.
• Offer support when congregations go through transitions or challenges.
• Ensure churches are living out our shared values.
• Help pastors and elders grow through training and care
• Organize mission and outreach efforts across the region
In short, the presbytery is how we live out our belief that we’re better together. It gives churches a way to support one another, stay accountable, and be part of something bigger than ourselves.
TAMMY: Can you describe your role as “General Presbyter?”
JEROMEY: Sometimes I say, “I’m like a bishop with no power.” I help lead and support congregations and pastors across Wyoming. I’m like the face of the Presbytery.
Sometimes people better understand it when I compare it to a school district or a regional service center. Imagine a network of schools all functioning locally but connected to a district that helps them meet statewide standards, provides support, and ensures resources are distributed fairly. The Presbytery functions the same way—it’s the connective tissue between the local and the national church, both structurally and spiritually.
TAMMY: That makes it relatable. What would you say drives the work of the Presbytery?
JEROMEY: Of course, the primary drive is the proclamation of the Gospel for the salvation of all people. But I think you may mean something more particular. Naturally, because of the nature of the church, part of what drives our work is administrative. That includes things like church reports, training, budgets, transitions, and personnel. But the other part is more relational: showing up when there’s a need. Natural disasters, deaths, community tragedies—pastors and congregations often turn to us for support, care, prayer, and resources.
I’ve been with churches navigating sudden grief, coordinating responses to wildfires, and helping pastors deal with burnout and isolation. There’s something powerful about simply being present when people need help, and that presence often opens the door to healing and clarity.
TAMMY: That is powerful. How many churches are currently in our Presbytery?
"There’s no overhead magic here. If you’ve ever received a visit, a workshop, a grant, a pulpit supply preacher—that’s mission dollars at work."
JEROMEY: Right now, we have 25 congregations and one camp.
TAMMY: What are some of the tangible ways the Presbytery supports pastors and congregations?
JEROMEY: There’s a wide range. Financial help during medical crises. Mental health support. Educational grants, especially for pastors in small churches who can’t afford continuing education. We also set aside proceeds from property sales for emergencies and special requests. For congregations, we help with emergency repairs, technology grants (especially during COVID), and mission coordination.
TAMMY: What would you say is the benefit of being part of the PC (USA)?
JEROMEY: Our theology tells us we’re part of the body of Christ. We belong to Christ and therefore to each other, as fellow disciples. We’re called to live publicly in community. Denominations offer structure, connection, and accountability. Without that, a church and leaders can easily become isolated—and sometimes even unaccountable. I’ve seen churches where the building is personally owned by the pastor, which seem a bit precarious. Being Presbyterian means we believe in shared leadership, transparency, and communal discernment. It also means we hold one another accountable—not just for doctrine but for mission integrity. I think of it as a covenant, not a contract. We agree to walk together, even when we disagree. And we do it with love and respect.
TAMMY: What’s something that gives you excitement right now in the Wyoming Presbytery?
JEROMEY: Seeing how passionately faithful our congregations are. Big or small, progressive or conservative—they’re doing real ministry. Meals, pantries, camps, community support. They’re sharing Jesus in their own way, but always with heart and love
Even when a church closes, like Fort Laramie did recently, the members keep living out their faith. And Fort Laramie donated part of their remaining funds to support another church—Guernsey. That’s beautiful.
TAMMY: How is the Wyoming Presbytery funded?
JEROMEY: Our budget comes from two sources. First, is what we call “per capita”. Per capita is a shared contribution that every Presbyterian church member is invited to make each year. The term itself just means “per person.” It’s a way for each of us to help cover the essential costs of being part of a larger, connectional church family—locally, regionally, and nationally. Think of it as chipping in
for the infrastructure that makes everything else possible. Mostly it is administrative—it funds the basic infrastructure: the clerk, meeting logistics, required processes. The second source is called “Mission”. Mission giving funds everything else: funds to start new churches, camping ministry, support for pastors, grants, youth programs, pulpit supply, and creative ministries and opportunities. It is also the way my call is funded.
There’s no overhead magic here. If you’ve ever received a visit, a workshop, a grant, a pulpit supply preacher—that’s mission dollars at work. I think it’s important people know that. There’s no national fund waiting to bail us out. It’s our collective generosity that enables ministry to happen in the day-to-day.
TAMMY: I know there’s been discussion around campus ministry. Can you say more?
JEROMEY: Yes! We’re hoping to support post-high school students more intentionally, especially at the University of Wyoming. We’re exploring how a Presbytery-funded staff role could serve students—and maybe serve the Presbytery more broadly, like pulpit supply during summers. This initiative is close to my heart. The college years are a pivotal time in someone’s faith journey with Christ—full of questioning, identity-shaping, and decision-making. Having someone on campus who can walk with students, pray with them, and help them grow as disciples can make a lifelong difference.
TAMMY: Thank you, Jeromey. Any final thoughts?
JEROMEY: Yes! I'd love to see our churches share mission opportunities more widely. Many of our smaller churches don’t have the bandwidth to organize trips or offer special events but they’d love to participate. Also, I love hearing all about PCJH. When I know what you’re doing, I can show up, promote it, and connect others.
And maybe most importantly, I don’t want us to ever forget that even when your church is small, your impact is not. The ministry you do in your community is seen, valued, and essential. The Presbytery exists to walk with you.
TAMMY: Thank you so much for your time, your partnership and your service, Jeromey. ✝
REV. DR. TAMARA MITCHELL
Serves as PCJH Associate Pastor. She has two married daughters, and a dog named Charlie
F~ Ken Kierstead
THE AGROS WAY
OR 40 YEARS AGROS INTERNATIONAL HAS served with hope and opportunity to assist the rural poor to reclaim their dignity and reach their God-given potential. Agros’ work of holistic development and long-term relationships is an instrument of God’s Kingdom coming on earth – an expression of God’s mission of healing and reconciliation that transforms persons, communities, and systems.
To date, Agros has helped landless Latin American families permanently exit generational poverty by establishing 49 villages in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador. That’s nearly 25,000 people who have left the depravation, vulnerability and despair of poverty behind them.
See I will create a new heaven and a new earth
The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.
They will build houses and dwell in them; They will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
My chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands.
They will not labor in vain, nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune; For they will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them.
~ Isaiah 65:17,21-23
Because rural poverty is complex, Agros goes deep, prioritizing enduring impact over rapid scale. Agros invests in long-term, participatory partnerships with families that focus in Agros’ 4 Opportunity Areas: land ownership, health & well-being, financial empowerment, and the development of market-led agricultural businesses.
Today we partner with over 1650 families in 58 villages in the poorest and most remote areas of Nicaragua and Guatemala (launching in Honduras this year!). Agros provides a hand up, not a handout, helping families build dignified homes, establishing community institutions of self-governance, improving levels of health and education, and incorporating market-led farming practices that create extremely productive and profitable farming business that allows Agros families to lift themselves out of poverty. Agros families embrace hope, discover their own power to affect their lives (agency), learn how to steward the gifts given
to them by God, in the journey towards a life of true flourishing – them and their children and their childrens’ children. Agros offers an intergenerational “reversal of fortunes.”
Agros’ holistic and comprehensive approach to community development is rooted in our faith vision and commitment to authentic, reciprocal and catalytic partnerships between North American communities (churches, donors) and our Central American communities.
Agros approaches our work from a worldview informed and shaped by the life and mission of Jesus Christ. We understand our work through the perspective of Christ’s coming kingdom of healing and restoration active now through love’s agency of faithin-action. We believe authentic, respectful relationships across boundaries—national, racial/ethnic, linguistic, socio-economic, cultural—hold enormous opportunity to make God’s love real and meaningful in all our lives as we participate in the transformative experience with our families on their journey out of poverty.
We believe that we’re invited by Jesus to join him in his healing work in the world, and we seek to invite others – people of faith and all people of goodwill – to join us in Christ’s kingdom mission. At the heart of Agros’ work is the formation of a broad community of engaged and compassionate people dedicated to respectful partnership with the people of Agros’ communities in Central America. Our motto is “Somos Agros, Somos Familia” (We are Agros, We are Family). The Agros family seeks to live in accord with the Greatest Commandment: love God and love neighbor. Our work is established in the conviction that this love changes everything.
We are committed to follow in the Way of Jesus in our development model: love of God and neighbor lived out in faithful and authentic relationships, expressing generosity in the service of justice and dignity. We recognize that love is the supreme value, that relationship is an open invitation, and that our actions speak eloquently of our faith.
PCJH family, you’ve been an integral part of that journey for many years now in sending teams to serve with us, in your prayers for our ministry, and in your significant financial support. Please continue to join us as we walk alongside these families in their journey toward wholeness as they move from poverty to prosperity. ✝
~ By Dave Degler & Amy Kennedy
ACMNP
THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT THE RAW beauty of the national parks that invites people into an experience with the Creator. In these disconnected and remote places, God’s beauty and love shines so evidently it provides the perfect context for people to question and listen. This past winter season, a Grand Teton National Park team member shared this:
"I’m so grateful for ACMNP. As I look back on my past seasons, what stands out the most is the curiosity among the people I’ve lived with. A curiosity that sparks questions –questions with the power to transform lives. The very same questions I once had, which led me to this life of ministry. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and I will proclaim this truth on every mountain and flatland I encounter." ~ Ranger
This experience is common for team members who serve with A Christian Ministry in the National Parks (ACMNP). They lead worship services, share their faith in Christ, serve others, and develop leadership capacities and skills. An estimated 17,000 alumni have served in over 40 parks during the last 74 years!
ACMNP hosted its first official worship event during the summer of 1951 in Yellowstone National Park. Warren Ost, a Princeton Seminary student, identified the need for community with his coworkers and for a worship event in the park. Warren was offered use of the only public location vacant and available on a Sunday morning—the bar in the Old Faithful Inn. While thise bar is now gone, ACMNP thrives throughout the United States.
ACMNP enjoys a storied history in GTNP and a critical collaboration with the Presbyterian Church in Jackson Hole. ACMNP’s presence in the park goes back to the late 1950’s. Founder Warren Ost, with wife Nancy and daughter Laura, spent summers in a small, leased cabin on Antelope Flats Road. ACMNP gatherings in the late 1970’s through 1990’s were hosted or attended by the Ost’s, Laurance and Mary Rockefeller, Gil and Marge Ordway, James Watt, Holly Coors, Caroline Firestone, and Clay James, just to “name-drop” a few! Rumor
has it Larry and Barbara Van Genderen and Warren and Martha Van Genderen were also guests. History is still being written through ACMNP’s relationship with PCJH! The impact of park ministry is enhanced by the church, its missions committee, Ben Pascal, and Tammy Mitchell. Ally Kiefer, Megan Walker and Brian Bultema, PCJH staff members, are ACMNP alumni and encouraging supporters!
The legacy of leadership of the late Martha Van Genderen is difficult to overstate. Even so, the local Ministry Support Committee in GTNP is among the ministry’s best assets.
ACMNP summer ministry is offered throughout GTNP including the Gros Ventre Campground, Jenny Lake, Signal Mountain, Colter Bay, and Jackson Lake Lodge. You will also find a summer team at Flagg Ranch on the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway.
Several years ago, ACMNP joined PCJH’s Sunday worship ministry at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort on top of the mountain, an effort Pastor BenPascal led for many years.
An ACMNP team member shared his outreach experience on the mountain,
“I connect with workers and visitors via what I call, The Gondola Ministry. As a single skier, I join other single riders as we head up the mountain. I have enjoyed many great conversations about how I got to Jackson and the ministry of ACMNP. While the chairlift ride is not conducive to in-depth conversations that leave a big impact, I am hopeful they begin a spark of thought that would not otherwise occur during work or vacation.”
Each year, faithful men and women embrace God’s call to serve in the wildest and most beautiful places on the planet. They work to fulfillfullfill ACMNP’s mission to, “equip team members to share Christ’s love through work, worship, and service in the national parks.” Their impact in park communities is vital, transformative, and life-giving.
Co-Executive Director, Amy Kennedy, met a front desk worker who said,
“I love the people on your ACMNP team. They are the friendliest and most wonderful group. I met one of them and she made me feel safe and comfortable and we became fast friends. I’ve met everyone on the team, and they are the best people I have met in the world. I just want you to know what an impact they are making.”
We are grateful for the encouragement, generosity, prayers, and partnership of PCJH.the Presbyterian Church in Jackson Hole. Thank you for helping ACMNP’s Ministry Team Members as they impact others with the love of Jesus Christ. ✝
LA RED
DEVELOPMENT IN EL SALVADOR ~ Josh Geisinger
In El Salvador’s coastal region of La Libertad, La Red serves as a place of hope for families living in social vulnerability. Our organization serves more than 200 Salvadoran families across 32 neighborhoods, providing comprehensive programs to children, youth, and adults for over twenty years. We have committed our efforts to loving God and serving all through assistance, education, and restoration.
At the heart of all our work is a core belief in spiritual and personal restoration through a life-giving relationship with Jesus. Our church model is primarily relational,
IFor the past 48 years, the Good Samaritan Mission in Jackson Hole has been one of the pillars in Jackson of our community in fighting against homelessness and addiction while offering hope through Jesus Christ. It is a battle that continues today.
Our new team is excited and honored to continue that legacy in partnering with God to reach, help and encourage people who are struggling. We offer shelter, clothing, showers, and hot meals seven days per week. Our food pantry, hot meals and clothing closet are available, not only to those who are staying with us, but to everyone here in the community free of charge.
While we are focused on meeting physical needs, we ultimately know that it’s Jesus who truly changes people’s lives. We share His love, encourage and pray for those who are staying with us. When someone checks into the Good Samaritan Mission, they are immediately partnered with one of our Case Managers whose purpose is to make them feel at home. The case managers also assist in setting employment and housing goals while meeting any other needs they may have. These efforts often have a life-changing impact not only on those we serve, but also on us as a team.
Our ministry through the Good Samaritan Mission is made possible with the support of our community. Partnerships with our local churches, including PCJH is vital as we receive food donations, financial support, volunteer service, wise counsel, and most importantly, prayer covering. While we
centered on teaching and living out biblical principles. It is only through walking together toward Christ that we can truly experience transformation and the abundant life that the Lord has for us.
Over the years we have trained and encouraged a group of more than 30 volunteer leaders that care for their neighborhoods. Through these leaders, we have been able to share the Gospel with thousands of families in the communities we serve. We seek to enable each of our leaders to love those around them by sharing and living out the saving love we have in Jesus.
This work is not only long term, it is costly. Relational ministry requires an enormous amount of time, material resources, people, as well as an investment of emotional and spiritual focus. Partnerships between La Red and PCJH, among other churches and ministries, allow us to continue the work we have been called to do. The support we have received is not just financial, but also encouragement and prayer from the Missions Committee at PCJH which continues to push us forward in our love toward others.
Thank you for your continued partnership and prayers for us here in El Salvador! If you are interested in learning more about La Red, you can visit our website www.lared.sv. May God bless you and keep you in His grace. ✝
GOOD SAMARITAN MISSION
~ Jeremy Aughenbaugh
strive to partner with many organizations, both Christian and non-Christian, it’s especially critical for us to work with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ because we together understand the importance of meeting not only one’s physical needs, but their spiritual needs as well.
We at the Good Samaritan Mission are so blessed and privileged to serve our community. in partnership with the Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole. I’m filled with anticipation and expectation to see how God is going to continue changing lives here in Jackson Hole. “And if anyone gives even a cold cup of water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:42 NIV). ✝
With 22 years of work, the Holy Land Christians Society has been bringing hope and help to Christians in the Holy Land as well as many of their Muslim neighbors. People are living in fear and many are facing starvation and disease. With over 160 new roadblocks, the majority of people are unable to reach their places of work. In Gaza over 50,000 have been killed, including more than 20,000 children. The West Bank is also under intense pressure. Christians have often been left with no choice but to flee the country, leaving less than 2% still struggling to remain.
Our recent projects have included a Christian kindergarten. We have worked with the Orthodox Church to provide three months electricity to families who cannot pay for it. LaCreche orphanage in Bethlehem is one of our consistent projects. Of interest to many who have been to the Holy Land is The Tent of Nations. They have been under major pressure this year and a donor has earmarked funds to assist their survival.
Glass recycling is a new project for a group of people mentally and emotionally disabled, and assistance to get it launched has been a success and given employment to this segment of the population. We continue to give funds to Dar Al Kalima and Bethlehem University as they continue to educate and encourage and bring hope to many living with
IONE 22
~ Sharel Lund & Sarah Duggan
n a place as vibrant as Teton County, economic inequality can often be hidden in plain sight. The high cost of living and scarcity of affordable housing place an immense financial strain on many individuals and families, leaving them without a safety net when challenges arise. That’s what One22 Resource Center is here for.
We offer a holistic network of care through interconnected programs: Food Assistance at the Jackson Cupboard, Financial Assistance, Financial Empowerment, Language Access and Youth Enrichment Scholarships. These services are designed to meet immediate needs while also creating pathways toward
HOLY LAND CHRISTIANS SOCIETY
~ Mary Kay Turner
trauma. Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza is a Christian hospital serving all people. It has been bombed a number of times this past year but is one of the few still operating. It was recently nearly destroyed on Palm Sunday this year. We work faithfully so that their work continues
Holy Land Christians Society also works with members of Congress and the State Department to secure their support on critical issues as they develop in the Holy Land.
We are deeply grateful for the mission spirit of PCJH for enabling us to care for the people in the land where Christ was born and the Church began. ✝
greater stability. The individuals we work with are a critical part of the local workforce, economy and community, and their wellbeing is essential to the health of the entire valley. In 2024, we worked with more than 1,800 households in Teton County, a 29% increase over the previous year.
As a resource center, we know no single organization can meet all community needs alone. That’s why strong partnerships are at the heart of what we do. Through strategic collaboration, resource navigation and referrals, we work alongside our partners to ensure that families and individuals receive the right support at the right time. These connections also help ensure that people in our community don’t fall through the cracks— that they can access the right support, at the right time.
We also rely on partners like PCJH to support our mission, whether through financial gifts, food drives, support with our Holiday Gift Drive or volunteer time. These relationships are essential, and we depend on the collective efforts of our community to raise awareness and deliver meaningful solutions.
We believe that when people feel supported by a loving community, like that of PCJH, they are better able to move forward. And by working together, we are building a more stable, connected and resilient community—for everyone. ✝
TWINS BIBLICAL ACADEMY
CHRISTIANS OF THE HOLY LAND ~ Andre Moubarak
AT Twins Biblical Academy, we are committed to reconnecting the global Church to its foundational roots in the Holy Land. As indigenous Christian Jerusalemites, our vision is to bridge Western and Eastern Churches by guiding believers back to the original context of their faith—so they may live victoriously in these complex times.
Through immersive teachings led by native voices, we illuminate the life and message of Jesus (Yeshua Mshiho) in His original Middle Eastern context. Our mission centers on nurturing spiritual growth by exploring the historical, linguistic, and cultural dimen-
AT World Vision, we believe in a world where every child can experience the fullness of life through God’s love.
Our mission is to partner with communities to break cycles of poverty, bringing sustainable transformation rooted in biblical principles. Through our Biblically Empowered Worldview, we equip individuals and families with the spiritual and practical tools they need to thrive.
Our partnership with PCJH is a powerful example of how the body of Christ works together to bring hope. Because of your generosity and commitment to child sponsorship, lives are being transformed—both physically and spiritually.
Child sponsorship is not just about providing for immediate needs—it’s a gateway to something much bigger. It’s the foundation upon which entire communities begin to thrive, making way for clean water, education, job creation, economic empowerment, and so much more. Imagine a train moving forward, carrying life-changing resources to those in need. Child sponsorship is the railroad track that makes that journey possible.
Mandrinha, a young volunteer trained through World Vision’s 17 Bible Stories curriculum, shares how she once felt unseen and disconnected from God’s love. "I did not know the value of God's love," she says. "My parents always kept me busy caring for the house and my siblings while they worked in the fields." But through training and community support, Mandrinha’s faith blossomed, and she now teaches Bible stories to her family, neighbors, and classmates. "Now, in my family and community, we are experiencing God's love. Thank you, World Vision, for giving us hope."
The ripple effect of sponsorship extends to children like Angelo, an 11-year-old whose life has been changed by learning the
sions of Scripture, especially through the Aramaic and Hebraic lenses that shaped Jesus’ world.
Our academy offers online courses, workshops, and public talks that unpack the world of the Bible. We organize study tours to Israel, giving believers firsthand encounters with the land and its living Christian heritage. We also publish devotional materials and academic resources to enrich both personal study and church education.
Our connection with local churches like PCJH is not just strategic—it is a spiritual fellowship, born of a shared calling and anchored in the unity of the Body of Christ. The Body of Christ was never meant to be divided by geography or culture. When Western churches join hands with the native believers of the Holy Land, something sacred is restored: a living bridge between the birthplace of the Gospel and the communities that now carry it forward.
Through partnerships, we do more than teach; we reweave the fabric of the Church’s collective memory. Seminars, Q&As, and pilgrimages aren’t just events; they are sacred encounters where hearts are awakened to the Middle Eastern heartbeat of the Scriptures. These connections bring healing to historical divides, fostering a shared humility and gratitude for the cultural soil in which our faith first grew. ✝
WORLD VISION
~ Randy Valentine
story of Joseph. "I repeatedly asked my Sunday school teacher to read the story. Listening carefully to it has changed the way I behave," he shares. "I now greet my parents, help with chores, and go to school willingly. I really want to thank World Vision for bringing hope to my community."
Through your faithful partnership, PCJH is proclaiming good news to children, families, and entire communities—offering hope, faith, and a future in Christ. Your giving above and beyond child sponsorship is also opening up doorways for total community transformation, paving the way for long-term development and sustainability. We look forward to continuing this partnership with PCJH and individuals for long-lasting impact, bringing God’s love to even more lives around the world. ✝
AT Sower’s Field we are passionate about seeing unchurched people come to faith in Jesus Christ. Our mission centers on identifying, equipping and empowering a new generation of leaders:
1) Who are eager to participate in our Lord’s Great Commission of “making disciples,”
2) Who plant new communities of faith that embody the love of Jesus in neighborhoods and cities,
3) Who want to develop and sharpen skills for fulfilling God’s mission.
Recently, Sower’s Field helped make possible a pastor/spouse conference in El Salvador. The conference theme was "Healthy Priorities in Ministry: Commitment to God, Family and Congregation." Fifty pastors and spouses attended, and the Spirit’s presence was palpable.
The pastors came from rural, suburban and urban churches, and a wide variety of denominations. Many of them were bivocational. These pastors are leaders who have heard God’s call to fulfill the Great Commission. Many have only marginal theological training—for a few, no formal training for their call. This conference was the first ever pastor/spouse training event they had attended.
These pastors and spouses were like dry sponges—eager to learn, be challenged, and were delighted in the conference fellowship. Planting a new church means a planter is willing to venture into uncharted waters and needs an experienced church planting coach. This is where Sower’s Field comes in. Dr. Stan Wood first launched a national coaching program for church planters in 2003.
A pastor, named Al, launched a new church in a multi-ethnic, economically diverse section of Atlanta. Before beginning, he
PAMELA KONSTANT (MISSIONARY)
When I saw the verse for this Pinnacle issue (~ Isaiah 52:7), the first thing I did was look down at my feet. I never thought of my feet as beautiful. Toes bent from accidently kicking the chair too many times, calluses like leather. Yeah, my feet aren’t exactly perfect. Then it struck me how God rarely choses the “perfect” to do His great work. His strength is made perfect in weaknesses.
So I guess my twisted, imperfect feet are indeed the perfect
SOWER'S FIELD, INC. ~
Stan Wood
and his small core team spent a year in the neighborhood. They met many residents at local hangouts and became acquainted with neighborhood business owners. They established neighborhood credibility. Last fall, he launched the new church. At Thanksgiving, the new congregation provided Thanksgiving dinners and at Christmas, children’s gifts to neighborhood families. They shared food and gifts with a message of God’s love from the new church community.
Are you ready to change the world? We could not do this ministry without you! Sower’s Field is grateful for the partnership with PCJH – we have a shared vision with you “to see lives being transformed in Jesus Christ.” We invite your prayers and give thanks for your partnership! ✝
image of my ministry in France. I offer what I have, and God, in His power, multiplies it a thousand-fold for His glory.
I am pastoring a local church in Seyssinet-Pariset, which is a suburb of Grenoble, France. Three years ago they were talking of closing the church. The Lord laid this church heavily on my heart. I was asked to take on the revitalization project. We are the only evangelical church in our immediate community of roughly 35,000 people. Thanks to God’s work over the last year, we are growing again! We are trying new ways to reach out to young families, young adults, and children with the Gospel. I also serve on a national counsel of churches seeking to equip churches to better serve.
Partnering with PCJH has been critical for me as for the last three years this French church has not been able to support me financially. PCJH has bridged the gap, allowing me to continue to lead the church and reach our community for the Lord. It would not have been possible without your prayers and help. I thank the Lord for His work through you and my partnership with the PCJH family!
So I stand, crooked toes and all, in awe of His great work, thankful for His provision through our partnership, and blessed to be a part of shining His glory to the nations. ✝
& Julie Faupel (23)
JULY
01 Blake & Donna Clark (36)
Bill & Eileen Blackwell (59)
Stavn
Stan & Becky Zaist (42)
Jay Tomich (11)
Cathy Blount (30)
(3)
Rev.
& Randall Woodford (14)
(55)
VanHatten
& Cindy Dahlin (35)
Schaffer
Fralin
Calder
& Becky Kimmel (37)
Crabtree
& Brandie Orchard (28)
Faupel
& Terri Hayden (21)
Baki
Brockermeyer Jack & Jan Larimer (57)
bpascal@pcjh.org Senior
Rev. Dr.
x 101
tmitchell@pcjh.org
Associate Pastor x 104
Office
Brian Bultema
bbultema@pcjh.org
Church Administrator x107
Cindy
cdahlin@pcjh.org
Church Administrator Assistant x109
Ally Kiefer akiefer@pcjh.org
Communications Coordinator x102
Program Staff
Laura Huckin huckin@silverstar.net Worship & Music Coordinator x123
Amanda Lack alack@pcjh.org
Little Lambs Preschool Director x111
Megan Walker mwalker@pcjh.org
Youth & Young Adult Ministry Coordinator x124
Tiffany Tate
ttate@pcjh.org
Children's Ministry Coordinator x103
Ruling Elders
2025
Sarah Romorini Mission
Cameron Page Children's Ministry
Sierra Fulton Youth Ministry
John Scott* Finance 2026
Clerk of Session: Ken Blount
Ken Blount Elder-at-Large
Judy Kaelber Adult Ministries
Alan Lund* Personnel
Patty McDonald* Membership & Nominating 2027
Kacy O'Hare Stewardship
Brad Herman Congregational Life
Becky Kimmel* Worship
Karin Unruh Ascent
Teaching Elders: Rev. Ben Pascal & Rev. Dr. Tamara Mitchell
Deacons
Class of 2025
Dorothy Neckels*
Karlene Owens
Danny Weber
Yvette Werner
Class of 2026
Ponteir Sackery*
Brian Bultema*
Sandra Guido Fernandez*
Peter Lori
*Serving second term
Class of 2027
David Troxel
Nancy Fauntleroy
Tom Segerstrom*
Nancy Lori*
TIM ROGERS / NEW MEMBER
I moved to Jackson in 1992 after graduating from St. Mary’s College with a degree in physical education. I've worked at many businesses in town in my 20s and early 30s. I worked at Jackson Hole Sports and Pepi Stiegler Sports as a ski shop technician. I was also a chef at Stiegler's Restaurant for 10 years!
I was married for 20 years. My marriage did not end up working out, but my ex-wife and I are on good terms. We have two beautiful daughters. My oldest is 19 and is finishing her freshman year at the University of Arizona. My youngest daughter is 17 and will be a senior at Jackson Hole High School.
I have been teaching in the Teton County School District for 20 years. I am a 2nd Grade Teacher at Colter Elementary. My passion is teaching children and shaping them in to fun-loving, hard-working, give-it-their-all students. The kids I teach are the best teachers of all and I am a better person and teacher because of them.
I came to Jackson for the abundance of outdoor activities and wildlife.
I am an avid fly fisherman, skier, biker, hiker, climber. I started coming to PCJH last July. I have many friends who attend and recommended that PCJH would be a good fit for me. It certainly has been. I can now say I am a proud member of our beloved church and will be an active member who will help our church in any way. If you are interested in learning to fly fish, more info to come!
JOE ONTIVEROS / NEW MEMBER
Hello PCJH! My name is Joe Ontiveros, and I am a military veteran who came to Jackson for a life of community, solitude, and to meet new people and have a better wholesome life. Coming to Jackson was a big leap of faith but in the stretch of things small town life is where my heart has always been. I have been in Jackson for a yearish and have embedded myself into the community. Volunteering locally within The Lions Club and becoming a Lion, I want to thank Michael Schrotz for this opportunity and friendship. It brings joy and happiness to have such a supportive church family at PCJH and feel blessed to be a part of the greater Jackson community. Here at PCJH, a big thanks to Bobbi, June and Ron for planting the seed and watering it, to get me here to this church family. God truly has a plan!
CHRIS GULOTTA / NEW MEMBER
I was born in New Jersey and grew up in a loving Christian family and attended a Presbyterian church. I was married there to Charlie, my amazing husband of 50 years this August in 1975. We have two wonderful children, Katherine and Brian. I am blessed with a wonderful son-in-law, Andy, and two grandchildren, Drue (11) and Paige (6) who were fortunate to attend Little Lambs. I have been in the interior design business for over 40 years and continue to be active. In prior years, I volunteered for a variety of organizations and large events.
Charlie and I moved a lot while he was working for IBM for 35 years. When we lived in San Diego, I was introduced to Bible Study Fellowship and first made a commitment to the Lord there in 1984. Along my faith based journey, I found the women I have met through BSF, Community Bible Study, my churches, and Bible Study group have filled me with a joy and love of the Lord beyond my wildest dreams.
I have found a wonderful group of Christian women friends in the Jackson Hole area, who all have a love of Christ. Having been raised Presbyterian, I started attending PCJH and found the congregation to be warm and welcoming. Ben and Tammy’s sermons are thought-provoking and filled with God’s word and blessings of His grace. All life revolves around the joy of Jesus Christ’s love for us. I thank you all for welcoming me into the church family.
