Leadership
Officer Nominations
April 26, 2026
We will have a brief congregational meeting following the service on Sunday, April 26. Up for election are the following candidates:
Elder Nominees
I am married to Becky Cole Hand; we have four grown children and eight grandchildren. I’ve been attending Grace Mills River since December 2018, and have been active in various Men’s Ministry activities, the Prayer Ministry, and numerous Bible study classes. I serve on the team which brings monthly worship services to Terrabella Assisted Living, as a monthly Offering Counter, and set-up assistant for various occasions.
I was very blessed to have grown up in a Christian family, where the Church and serving others have always been an integral part of my life. Over a lifetime, I have experienced the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance, bringing me God’s grace and mercy through good times and tough times. I want to help people realize that they are not alone; that God is always with them. As an Elder I’ll have the opportunity to talk and visit personally with people, share God’s written Word, and pray with or for them. I will strive to spread God’s Word and Kingdom by glorifying him to the best of my abilities by listening for ways to encourage my flock and their families.
Diaconate Nominees
My name is Naomi Griffin. My husband, Chris, and I have been married for over 36 years. We moved here in 2019 from Northern California and became members of Grace Mills River in 2023.
I have served as part of the Cafe Clean Up crew and the Pray for GMR group, as well as being involved in several activities with the Deaconesses. I am interested in becoming a Deaconess because the most special times in my Christian walk have been when I was serving others in being the "hands and feet of Jesus".
My name is Craig Verm. Along with my wife Karen and daughter Lauren, I became a member at Grace Mills River a year ago. We have been attending Grace since moving to WNC in 2024 to own and operate a Bed & Breakfast in Mills River. Prior to that, we have visited GMR for years as guests of Alan (my brother) and Leigh Verm.
I’ve been a regular volunteer with Chainsaws for Christ, and Karen and I open up our B&B for regular women’s events and anti-human trafficking fundraisers. I have a passion for fixing things, and am eager to dig into serving the body at GMR alongside the rest of the diaconate.
I am Joshua Masella; a grateful son of God, husband to my loving wife, Julie, and father to my enthusiastic son, Jacob. We've been members of Grace for a little over 2 years. Julie and I started helping in Children's Ministry last fall and love watching the kids grow in their understanding of, and relationship with, Jesus.
I've always enjoyed being of service to others and have found various ways to jump in and help out my Grace family. Working alongside and studying scripture with the deacons and elders has fanned the flame God put in my heart to be of deeper service to our church body. I was humbled and honored to be nominated for the diaconate. My time spent studying and preparing for the role has only strengthened my desire to answer the call.
Staff
Elders
Diaconate
Our deaconesses provide their vital assistance to the Diaconate by virtue of their appointment by the session.
About Officer Nominations
Grace Mills River, as a member of the Presbyterian Church in America, has a representative form of government.
Ruling elders are men who have oversight of the spiritual welfare of our body/congregation as a whole and individually. Deacons are particularly tasked with leading the congregation in ministries of mercy and generosity, both within our body and in the community. As a group, elders and deacons are sometimes referred to as servant-leaders and sometimes as officers.
Annually, members of Grace are asked whether there is someone who they think has the gifts and character for effective service as an elder or deacon. The Session (body of elders as a group) and pastors at Grace encourage members to pray and to carefully consider their choices before they make a nomination. Each nominee must meet the requirements for the office for which they are nominated. Please check out the documents linked below for more information about qualifications, job descriptions, and how to nominate someone.