The Book of Acts - Week 1
It is easy to build our lives around comfort, career, family, and future plans without asking how our lives fit into the much bigger story God is writing. Jesus has given us His Spirit and entrusted us with carrying His story to the people He has placed in our lives, because the story did not come all this way to stop with us.
Ricky and Alee Dimas
Ricky and Alee moved to Tonto Basin in 2024 and began attending Expedition Church that same year. They have two young children, Juliana and Gabe, ages 3 and 4, who keep life full of adventure and laughter. As a family, they love camping, hiking, lake days, and game nights with friends. They believe that some of the best friendships are the ones that become family. As young parents themselves, Ricky and Alee understand the joys and challenges that come with raising children, navigating marriage, and figuring out life along the way. They wanted to become Life Group leaders to help other young families find meaningful friendships and build a strong community around them. Their hope is to create a space where people can be raw, real, and honest about the things they’re walking through, whether that’s parenting, marriage, careers, or simply figuring out who they are. They want their group to be a place where families can encourage one another, offer healthy and Christ-centered advice, and always know they have people in their corner. Above all, Ricky and Alee hope to build a village where families can grow together, support one another, and grow closer to God.
Scott and Kelli Sheffer
Scott and Kelli Sheffer made Payson their home in 2019, leaving behind Hillsboro, Oregon, but bringing with them a deep love for God’s Word and His people. With two adult sons, one serving in the U.S. Air Force and the other active in church leadership, their family is rooted in faith. Kelli, a retired officer from the Portland Police Bureau, and Scott, with a background in probation, are both passionate about living out the gospel daily. They find joy in Rim Country’s natural beauty, enjoying activities like golfing, skiing, and hiking. Their life’s mission is to know Jesus more intimately, obey Him faithfully, and reflect His character to those around them. Hosting a Life Group at Expedition is their way of creating a space where believers of all ages can experience the transforming power of God’s grace and truth.
John and Karen Cornelius
John and Karen Cornelius have been a part of Expedition Church for over seven years, having moved from Flagstaff where they frequently visited the church. Their commitment to the Expedition community has grown through their involvement in the children's ministry and supporting hospitality events. With interests in art, music, cooking, and fostering friendships, they have found Life Groups to be a key component in deepening their connections within the church. Now, they are eager to help others feel loved and connected, building meaningful relationships with Jesus and each other.
Randy and Mary Kohls
Randy and Mary Kohls, retired with three grown daughters, moved to Payson in 2021 after spending many years in California. Originally from Chicago, they accepted Christ as teenagers and have a rich history of leading and hosting Life Groups for over 20 years. Randy, a former commercial banker, and Mary, a stay-at-home mother and real estate agent, have a passion for building relationships and staying active in God’s beautiful creation in Payson. Their goal is to continue fostering strong, faith-based connections within their community, encouraging others to grow in their walk with Christ.
Jeremy and Amy Hogan
Jeremy and Amy Hogan are a blended family with three adult boys and an 8-year-old daughter, who bring joy and energy to their lives. Their sons have blessed them with four wonderful grandchildren, making family gatherings lively and full of love. Jeremy runs a small business, while Amy manages the beautiful chaos of their home, keeping everything running smoothly. They moved to Payson in 2021 and quickly became involved with Expedition Church, where they have built meaningful friendships. Whether coaching, playing, or cheering from the sidelines, you’ll often find them at the local sports fields, deeply engaged in the community. They understand that life can be messy and not always perfectly put together, but they believe in doing life together, embracing the imperfections along the way.
Pat and Paula Schrader
Paula and I have been married for over thirty years and are parents of three grown boys. We’ve been living in the area since 2006 having a cabin in Pine at which time we attended First Baptist Pine before moving to Payson permanently in 2022. We were led to Expedition Church by golfing friends of Paula and have been blessed by the ministry and friendships of the body of believers. Prior to retirement Paula’s career was in technology where her major involvement was as a network administrator in a hospital setting. My career was as a school administrator for over fifty years. For a number of years I’ve been blessed to facilitate Life Groups and Bible studies. During these experiences the participants along with Paula and myself grew in our relationship with the Lord as well as each other. Our Life Group meets at 8:30am on Fridays.
Larry Kosloski
I relocated to Payson in August 2023 after a 40-year career in sales management in the A/C and plumbing industry. I have one son, three grandsons, and two great-grandsons. In my early adulthood, alcohol took hold of my life. What started as casual drinking gradually became a destructive force that led me down a path of addiction. Over the next 40 years, I lost relationships and experienced financial devastation. But then God set me free! Through His grace, I found healing, restoration, and a new purpose. Now, I feel called to walk alongside men who are struggling as I once did, because I know firsthand that God can work miracles through prayer and by surrounding yourself with the right people. I am grateful for Expedition Church and the incredible community of believers I have met here. It is exciting to see where God will lead us as we seek healing, redemption, and transformation for His glory. This group is a place for men to find hope, accountability, and encouragement. No matter where you are in your journey, you are welcome.
Tom and Shannon Ruth Ferguson
Hello Expedition Family! We have made Payson our home since 2018 with our daughter Katie and Granddaughter Cassidy. A few years later, our son Ian and his wife, Brittany, also joined us here in Payson. Our oldest daughter, Annie, also moved here with our grandson James and granddaughter Cora Lynn. Two years ago, Shannon’s Mom joined us, too. We have enjoyed hosting a Life Group at our home since the initial kickoff. We have been blessed with so many new and lifelong friends over these years; it truly has been amazing. We look forward to continuing to meet new friends and being blessed by our church.
Jeff and Barbara Kleck
Jeff and Barbara moved to Payson a couple of years ago and have been members of Expedition since shortly after moving. However, both have been involved in church ministry for many years. Jeff is retired, and Barbara is a Flight Attendant for Southwest Airlines.
They will lead and host a sermon-based study designed to focus on using the Bible as a “mirror” for personal growth in Christ. They love praying with each other and like to enjoy fun activities like hiking, board games, golf, fellowship, and other things. "Come and let us edify one another so we can bless others."
They will lead and host a sermon-based study designed to focus on using the Bible as a “mirror” for personal growth in Christ. They love praying with each other and like to enjoy fun activities like hiking, board games, golf, fellowship, and other things. "Come and let us edify one another so we can bless others."
Gary and Jaz Volpe
Gary and Jaz moved from Philadelphia (Go Eagles!) to Arizona in 1995. The story goes Jaz threw a dart at the map and it landed in Arizona. She really wanted warm weather and Gary was in agreement. The truth is God wanted us here. We moved our family to Mesa and joined a Christian church where as a family we were baptized and chose to follow Christ. We have served in many ways over the years while living in Mesa. In 2018 we moved to Payson and God lead us to Expedition Church in 2023. Since then we have been blessed with the opportunity to serve and to grow stronger in Christ.
Brian and Alyssa Ruesch
Brian and Alyssa Ruesch moved to beautiful Payson from Salt Lake City and are thankful to be raising their kids, Carolynn (2) and Dietrich (6 months), here. Brian is a General Contractor, and Alyssa is a stay-at-home mom.
They love hiking, camping, good conversations, and good food. They have been deeply impacted by their time at Expedition over the last 3.5 years and thoroughly enjoy the community that Life Groups create.
They love hiking, camping, good conversations, and good food. They have been deeply impacted by their time at Expedition over the last 3.5 years and thoroughly enjoy the community that Life Groups create.
Michael & Kimberlie Thompson
Michael and Kimberlie have been married since 2022 and moved to Pine from Chandler in 2024. They love the slower pace, cooler weather, beautiful surroundings, and wonderful people of the area. They are both entrepreneurs, with Michael owning a business supply company and Kimberlie managing vacation rentals.
They enjoy spending time outdoors, seeing live music together, and exploring the area. Michael has been a Christian for 30 years and Kimberlie for 20 years. After attending several churches in the Valley, they found Expedition after trying churches throughout Pine, Strawberry, and Payson. They have been attending Expedition for about a year.
Having led and participated in Life Groups before, they look forward to getting to know more people in the community while growing in Christ together. They hope to create a group where people can be themselves, be transparent about life's challenges, and have honest conversations about real-life issues and faith. Perfect people aren't required!
They enjoy spending time outdoors, seeing live music together, and exploring the area. Michael has been a Christian for 30 years and Kimberlie for 20 years. After attending several churches in the Valley, they found Expedition after trying churches throughout Pine, Strawberry, and Payson. They have been attending Expedition for about a year.
Having led and participated in Life Groups before, they look forward to getting to know more people in the community while growing in Christ together. They hope to create a group where people can be themselves, be transparent about life's challenges, and have honest conversations about real-life issues and faith. Perfect people aren't required!
Doyle and Elli Figueroa | Lori & Rich Buskirk
Doyle and Elli Figueroa are excited to serve Expedition Church in a new way through Life Groups! Elli has called Expedition home for 14 years, and Doyle has served on the worship team for several years. They’re looking forward to growing in faith, building community, and doing life alongside others.
Together with Lori & Rich Buskrik, they’ll be co leading a welcoming, mixed age Life Group where different generations can connect, share their experiences, and grow together in Christ.
Together with Lori & Rich Buskrik, they’ll be co leading a welcoming, mixed age Life Group where different generations can connect, share their experiences, and grow together in Christ.
