NICKNAME: Erina Derevko (It's from the old Jennifer Garner show Alias).

NERDY STUFF: Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Liberty University in 2013.

CLEANING/WORKING TUNES: EDM or Rock

BOOK (OTHER THAN THE BIBLE OF COURSE): No favorites, but I enjoy biographies and historical fiction.

SPORTS TEAM: Serious fans don't like to watch sports with me because I cheer for both sides.

HOBBIES: Playing guitar and yard work.

FEARS: Spiders

LAST MEAL ON EARTH: My grandma's fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy and sweet corn. (It's my last meal...carbs and saturated fats don't count)

Erin came to City Gate Church's student ministry when Pastor Taunja was the Youth Pastor, because some girls invited her (those girls later became pastors and leaders here as well). As a 17-year-old, she was hurting, angry, and considered a loner; but she agreed to come to church with them. Her life was changed forever when God revealed his overwhelming love for her. She transformed so radically that her mom thought she got involved in a cult. Her mom came to make sure Erin wasn't drinking the cult "Kool-Aid" and became part of the church family too. 

Erin fell in love with Drew, and in 2011 they were married. They have a dog they adore named Puck. They are avid foodies and love to try the new weekend brunch spot in Portland. She has served in youth ministry for 20 years and is now our Youth Pastor. She also leads worship and plays guitar in our band. Erin is known for having to run to the stage at the last minute for worship because she is talking to everyone. Not many can make people feel loved, accepted, and valued better than Erin; we're all pretty sure we're her best friend. On occasion, she has accidentally spilled the beans about surprise parties because she gets so freakin' excited; but all is forgiven when she busts out her signature dance move, "The Carlton" (circa 1990's Fresh Prince of Bel Air) . A perfect end to a good day is when she can sit around her fire pit with family and friends.

I love my church. I want to see us grow in our understanding of God's love, and share that more effectively with each other, and our community. Ephesians 3:18