Randall Burns--Senior Pastor
Favorite part of your role at MSBC?
I have many favorite parts, but following Jesus into the broken and hurting places where so many people are stuck and where angels fear to tread; experiencing and observing the healing and delivering power of Jesus, our Healer, Deliverer, Savior, and Friend. Whether it's in preaching/teaching, visiting at the hospital, counseling with people, officiating funerals and weddings, going out on the “Blocks” with Adopt-a-Block, or visiting the Strong Tower Orphanage in Haiti, I love pointing people to the Lord Jesus Christ and celebrating His ever amazing grace and love.
How did you get into ministry?
When I was a little kid, my parents took me to nursing homes and elderly relatives’ homes to visit them. I was also expected to be in church every Sunday. Little did I know God was training me for ministry. Then, a mere month after I surrendered my life to Christ in 1980, I was invited to travel and play trumpet with a Continental Singers Group for a summer. It's been a steep climb of following the Lord into the pastorate since then, with me kicking and resisting most of the way.
Hometown:
I spent the first five years of my life in Stickney, SD, then moved to Mitchell, SD, home of the world's only Corn Palace. I graduated from high school as a "Mitchell Kernel. Concordia College, Moorhead, MN was where I went to college, and received a Bachelor's Degree in Music/Trumpet performance. Ironically, I graduated from there as a Concordia "Cobber." uffice it to say, my education sounds a bit "corny" as I look back at it today."
Family Info:
I'm the oldest of three brothers and a sister, who live back in the "home country" of the northern plains. My father was a printer who shared with me his love of the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. My mother has been a piano teacher and church organist, handing down her love of music. My wife Melanie and I have been married over 30 years, and we get to be in ministry together every week. God has graced us with two delightful children, Mackenzie and his wife, Hallie and Madeline, an RN and her husband, Ben Fondren. All are pursuing God’s plans for them, and we love praising Him together. Houlton, Maine has been our home and ministry base since 1991.
One thing God wants me to share with others...
Know, love, and trust Jesus personally and deeply as your Lord and Savior, and "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and everything else will be added unto you as well."
What is a fun/interesting fact about you?
I LOVE to travel and deeply appreciate the beauty of God's handiwork on this globe. I've had the priviIege of having been to every state in the USA except Alaska, and have visited 17 different countries in the world.
What makes you laugh?
Being goofy with Melanie and the kids makes me laugh. It may surprise you, but the Burns family can be really weird sometimes ;-)
Melanie Burns--Worship Director
Favorite part of your role at MSBC?
I love working with the people in the worship teams (choir, band and techs). I am continually blest by their servant hearts, musicianship and loving discipleship. We have fun together, whether in rehearsals or on Sunday mornings.
How did you get into ministry?
In many ways, I was born into it! I come from a long line of musicians who have served Christ through His church. More than ability has been availability to walk through open doors of ministry. It's been awesome to look back at the journey, as well as to look forward to what God will have in the days to come.
Hometown:
Beautiful, sunny, friendly San Diego, California
Family Info:
I am married to Randall, our Lead Pastor. We have a son, Mackenzie (married to Hallie), who is a worship leader in Jackson, TN, and a daughter, Madeline (married to Ben Fondren), who is a registered nurse and also lives in Jackson, TN. We have one daughter, Amanda Grace, waiting for us in heaven.
One thing God wants me to share with others...
...that He is completely faithful and worthy of our total trust, no matter what this life throws at us. There is nothing to fear! “Nothing to prove, nothing to lose” (credit my friend Karen with that one!)
What is a fun/interesting fact about you?
Hmmmm...my father was once offered 200 camels for me :>). That was in Jordan in 1980 ~ I guess the guy was desperate to come to the USA!!
What makes you laugh?
Randall makes me laugh! :>) …and watching Tim Hawkins!!
Robert Nuccio - Youth & Discipleship Director
Helping people on their journey with Jesus.
How did you get into ministry?
A week after I gave my heart to the Lord I was invited to lunch after church. Little did I know that it was a recruiting lunch for the youth ministry. I gave it a try and have been involved with youth ministry ever since, but it would be another 9 years before God called me to full-time ministry.
Hometown:
Charleston, South Carolina.
Family Info:
My wife and I met in 2003 and were married in 2006. We have three children, Morgan, Anna, and Grayson. We have traveled the world together and look forward to what God has in store for us next.
Trust in Him. If we can trust God with our eternal security, we can trust Him with our day-to-day issues too.
What is a fun/interesting fact about you?
I have traveled all over the world, some for work with the military and a lot for fun. I enjoy visiting new places! Oh, I’m also a diehard Carolina Panthers fan!
What makes you laugh?
Random jokes. I laugh at spots in movies when no one else does too.
Children's Ministry Director
Tammy Goetsch--Executive Administrative Assistant
Favorite part of your role at MSBC?
My favorite role at MSBC is to serve those who God has given to our care. From those I know, to those I don’t, by reaching out into our community and loving others. Every connection is a great opportunity to share the love of God.
How did you get into ministry?
When I surrendered to Christ in 1991, my life was no longer my own. I had spent many years A.W.O.L. (away without the Lord) and I wanted to give him all I had for the advancement of His Kingdom on this earth. I believe that on the day we say, “Yes Lord” we are compelled into ministry, He gives us the ability to be witnesses at that very moment.
Hometown:
Houlton, Maine. Lived in California for 25 years when the Lord called our family to return to the place of my birth.
Family Info:
I married Bill, the love of my life, in 1987. He loves God and spurs others to do the same. We have 4 grown children and are blessed to have grandchildren as well.
One thing God wants me to share with others...
That’s hard because there are so many things that He wants me to share, but one is that no matter where we have gone, or what we have done, there is forgiveness at the foot of the cross. Jesus’ love has no beginning and no end. Because I have been forgiven much, I can love much!
What is a fun/interesting fact about you?
I played the golden goose in Jack and the Beanstalk, and Tiger Lily in Peter Pan, it might not be interesting but it sure was fun! Those were two of many characters I was able to play in the many years I was involved in theater.
What makes you laugh?
Other people’s laughter, it’s contagious. (Oh, and seeing someone really wipe out while tubing behind a boat…for some strange reason I find that very funny!)
Cara King--Secretary
Favorite part of your role at MSBC?
Organizing clutter and paperwork, I know that sounds weird but I love to do it. Helping and supporting the needs of the other staff members.
How did you get into ministry?
I have been volunteering for AABA, Sunday school and Coffee Time for several years. As soon as the secretary role was announced that it was going to be vacant, I instantly inquired about the position. For 2 years prior to this moment, I had been praying that I would be able to work at the church someday. God graciously opened the door and I jumped at the opportunity!
Hometown:
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Family Info:
My husband’s name is Joe and we have a daughter, Olivia. I have never wanted to move away from my parents, Chuck and Chris Loucka because they are so cool so we are their next door neighbors. We all own a family Lodge business together and I love every minute I get to spend working alongside them.
One thing God wants me to share with others...
His love.
What is a fun/interesting fact about you?
I love being outside. I love to hunt. I love cats. I love fast cars.
What makes you laugh?
Funny cat videos
Facility Manager