My signature on my e-mail account reads: “Gregg Koskela / Elaine's Husband, Natalie, Hayley and Aubrey's Daddy / Pastor, Newberg Friends Church.”

I love my family! And I love what God has given me to do as a pastor.

Elaine and I began our life journey together in 1990. Now, right in the heart of raising our kids, the times for just the two of us are more rare than I would like. But when we do get away—for a lunch together or a trip downtown to Portland—I realize again how much I like who God made Elaine to be: hiker, nature lover, reader, thinker. And I realize again how much I like who God is making me to be through her.

Aubrey—almost five—is joyful, exuberant, and supremely confident (“Dad, I CAN TOO drive if I want!”). Hayley loves gymnastics, computer games, and building forts out of furniture. She's ten and a fourth grader. Talli (Natalie) is a middle schooler, and is involved in lots of good things: Bible quizzing, playing the trumpet, and she's one of our youth yearly meeting officers. She still loves reading, writing, drama, and art.

It is a joy to be a part of the Newberg Friends Church community. I have way too much still to learn about being pastor here, but God is being faithful to teach, as well as giving me many wonderful mentors and wise encouragers. Being parents of young kids doesn't leave much time for Elaine and me to do the things we enjoy, but I hope to give some time to fishing, golfing, and writing in the upcoming year.