Deacons
Our Deacons and Deaconesses are called to be dedicated caregivers who use their spiritual gifts in a shared ministry of concern for the total well-being of God's people at Winchester Grace. They minister to the body of Christ and assist the pastor with the work of the ministry related to the congregational care. The primary role is to meet the physical, general welfare and material needs of the congregation. Our Deacons provide all things necessary for the Lord’s Supper and Baptism and aid in these administrations. They care for the needy, first in the church then in the community. They assist the Pastor with Hospitality and in the caring for the sick and shut in. They assist the Pastor in every way they can to build up both spiritually and temporally the church. They are dedicated to prayer and live out the vision of our church, "A community centered on complete love and devotion for Jesus Christ with a focus on changing lives through Him.”
Pete and Linda Stevens
(304) 702-5437. Linda and I have been married for 59 years and we have five children, eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Linda and I both responded to GOD’s calling on our life around the same time in 1974 and HE has been leading us ever since. We believe that GOD has given us a ministry of hospitality and service. We love ministering to people through our catering service and helping people in need. We want to share the gifts that GOD has given us with fellow believers and as a way of bringing others to a saving knowledge of JESUS CHRIST.
Steve and Shari Whitacre
(540) 533-5509. Steve and Shari were married at WGBC on Sept. 1, 1984 and are the parents of two fine men, Jake and Ethan. We have two beautiful daughters-in-law, Heidi (Jake), and Rebecca (Ethan), and two awesome granddaughters, Bre and Bristol. We have served in many different capacities over the years, and currently serve in the Deacon Ministry and wherever else needed. Steve works in the custom millwork industry and Shari is a special education paraprofessional at Redbud Run Elementary. Colossians 3:23
Gary and Elizabeth Comparetto
(540) 533-9852. Elizabeth and I have been married for 39 years and have nine children, ranging in age from 16 years old to 36 years old. We have 7 grandchildren and are expecting our 8th in November 2025! Gary loves to teach through the books of the Bible, reading the classics, watching romance movies, and learning about God’s grace and His instructions as we apply them in our lives and throughout our community. Elizabeth loves homeschooling our boys, getting together with family, swimming, cooking, baking, reading, studying and sunsets . We both enjoy meeting new people and sharing what the Good Lord has taught us.
Rodney and Teresa Boward
(540) 550-7211. We have been attending WGC since 2012, and later that year we were married. We have 6 children, Natasha, Johnny, Rodney, Elizabeth, Ethan and Genesis. We also have two grandchildren, Sadie and Mason. The Lord called us into Foster Care several years ago and we have enjoyed having dozens of children in our home and hearts. Along with being Deacons we serve in several other areas. Rodney is a trustee and a leader in the Men’s Ministry. Teresa is head of the kitchen ministry, a leader in the Women’s Ministry and the day-to-day director at Grace Academy. Matthew 6:33-34
Darryl and Aleta Walden
Darryl (614-216-0294) and Aleta (614-216-1562) Walden. Aleta and I were married in 1975, 48 years ago. We have one son, David, who is 44 years old. We moved to Virginia in 2022 and began involving ourselves in Winchester Grace Church ministry. So far, we have been involved with the Men of Promise, Women’s Ministry, Helping Hands Ministry, WGC Food Pantry, and have recently become a part of the Deacon Ministry. Before relocating from Columbus, Ohio we were in various church activities such as Sunday School, Choir, Ushers, Children’s Ministry, Food Bank, and Home Fellowship Groups. Both of us love helping others, family gatherings, nature walks, and Aleta loves water aerobics. One of our favorite verses is, “I must work the work of him that sent me while it is day, for the night cometh when no man can work.” – John 9:4
Dale and Merle Kerns
(540) 550-6189. Dale and Merle have been married for 60 years. They have 2 sons (Bret and Bart), a daughter-in-law Laura, and 4 grandchildren (Nicolette, Danielle, Cameron & Ginny). Dale is a veteran of the US Army and retired from the grocery business. His hobbies include wood cutting, hunting, and volunteering RSVFCO. Merle is retired from Bell Atlantic after 36 years and then worked at FEMA for 18 years. Her interests include cooking, sewing, & crafts. Merle is a church SS teacher, and is a volunteer and auxiliary chairperson for RSVFCO. She loves the Bible Verse Romans 8:28. Dale and Merle have been members of WGBC since 1969.
Roger and Cindy Tinsman
(540) 539-2183. Roger and Cindy met at the Jim Barnett Park. He played softball and she worked at the concession stand. In 1962 they married and had two children, a boy and a girl. The Lord took their daughter home in 2006 after a three-year battle with cancer. Roger and Cindy have 5 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and are awaiting the arrival of another great grandson in July! Roger loves to golf, bowl, sing in the choir, and help wherever needed at church. Cindy taught Sunday School for over 40 years. She enjoys singing in the choir, being on the decorating committee, reading and painting. They both are thankful to be a part of the Deacon’s Ministry where they can serve the Lord by serving others. Romans 8:39