We’re excited to welcome new members to Roosevelt! Additionally, we’re blessed to have them involved in the important task of leading our youth group. In Nathan’s words:
“RCC youth is a community built to empower teenagers to take ownership of their faith. It is a community where youth should feel safe to share what is going on in their lives, their struggles, and the hard questions they are facing. By providing a biblical and theological foundation, RCC youth aims to equip teens to engage the culture and live out their faith in practical ways. We meet most Sundays after church from 12-1:30 PM in the back hall, lunch is provided.”
We asked Nathan and Elly to share some goofy and not-so-goofy stuff with us.
Nathan Paul
Where did you grow up and how did you end up here?
I grew up in Lynnwood, Washington (about 20 minutes north of Seattle). I lived there the first 22 years of my life until I moved to Phoenix because my wife is in grad school here.
What’s your job?
I work in Environmental Health and Safety at ASU. Basically, I make sure all the research and academic labs on campus are operating safely by addressing chemical, biological, radiation, and fire hazards.
Why are you at Roosevelt?
When my wife and I moved to Phoenix, we looked for churches online and Roosevelt was the first we saw. We attended online for a few weeks because of COVID, and we have been attending since. I appreciate the diversity in ages, life stories, viewpoints, and ethnicities at Roosevelt because God has really been teaching me about unity amongst diversity the past 3 or 4 years.
How long have you been here?
1.5 years
How long have you been a Christian?
Around 15 years
What are your hobbies?
I love to play disc golf by myself and with my friends. My wife and I love to go camping, hiking, and pretty much anything outdoors. Also, growing pepper plants in my apartment.
Do you have pets?
No
Name two things on your bucket list. Why are they on your bucket list?
Hiking the Washington section of the PCT. Hiking was a big part of my life growing up and so, in high school, I had the goal to walk from one end of my home state to the other.
Be a stay-at-home dad – it just sounds awesome.
What is your favorite book?
Favorite book that I read in school – The Phantom Tollbooth
Favorite book that I read growing up – The Hunger Games Trilogy
Favorite Christian book – Mere Christianity or the Screwtape Letters
What is your favorite movie?
Favorite movie of all time – Gladiator
Favorite movie I have watched recently – Lion
What is your favorite TV show?
“Psych”
What is the weirdest place you’ve visited
Any place in New Mexico that I’ve been to.
Do you have any special plans for 2022?
Harvesting my peppers.
Elly Paul
Where did you grow up and how did you end up here?
I grew up in Washington State a little north of Seattle, and I moved to Arizona to attend NAU’s physical therapy program on their downtown Phoenix campus.
What’s your job?
I’m currently a student in my last year of my physical therapy program.
Why are you at Roosevelt?
My husband, Nathan, and I grew up in different churches, so when we got married we made a list of important qualities we both look for in a church. Once we got to Phoenix, we started looking for churches online and the first church we decided to try out was Roosevelt. After watching online and trying a couple other churches for a few weeks, we decided to start attending Roosevelt and we’ve been here ever since. We love that Roosevelt is a diverse, gospel-centered, and welcoming community that teaches truth and seeks to serve others.
How long have you been here?
We started attending Roosevelt shortly after moving to Phoenix and have been coming to attending for about a year and a half.
How long have you been a Christian?
I accepted Jesus into my heart at 5 years old, so about 18 years.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy baking (mainly to procrastinate from schoolwork), hiking, camping, playing pickleball/tennis, and spending time with friends and family.
Do you have pets?
No pets 🙁
Name two things on your bucket list. Why are they on your bucket list?
-Be a foster parent. I have had a heart for adoption from a young age and, more recently, I have seen the impact that a loving and safe home can be on a child in foster care.
-Visit Switzerland. I don’t have any particular reason for wanting to go other than the fact that it looks absolutely beautiful and I would love to hike and stay in little towns there.
What is your favorite book?
Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Bailey
What is your favorite movie?
Cars (yes, the animated Pixar movie). It’s so wholesome, I cry every time.
What is your favorite TV show?
I’m a big fan of “This is Us” right now.
What is the weirdest place you’ve visited?
The Donner Memorial State Park Museum in Truckee, CA. I went there while on a high school senior trip with some friends and we thought it would be interesting to learn more about the Donner Party. Kinda dampened the mood for the rest of the day.
Do you have any special plans for 2022?
Graduating PT school and becoming a doctor!