Randy Treiber is a doer. Born into the Lutheran church and baptized as an infant in tiny Shattuck, Oklahoma, he was very active in his small church across the street from his house, where everybody knew each other. He was involved in all aspects of the church, and he spent many summers at camp, just 30 miles away. During college and during his 30-year career in the Army, he found it difficult to find churches in which to worship and serve. During his longest deployment, at Fort Benning, Georgia, he did find a church home.
When he settled in the Washington, DC area, he was grateful to find a church where he could again be a doer, playing a big part in the ministry of the church. At St John’s Lutheran in Alexandria, Va, Randy served on the property committee, building committee, and as an usher, and he attended Sunday School regularly. He met and married Kathleen, a fellow doer, 25 years ago, and they have served faithfully together. They retired to Asheville in 2013 and began their search for a church in action. They were blown away by the energy, the music program, and the youth at Nativity. He spoke of his handyman skills and was immediately invited to join the property committee. He had found his new home.
There are parallels between his church experiences as a child and during his working career. He enjoys the camp, Lutheridge, just a mile or so from Nativity. He enjoys doing, serving with fellow members and his wife. He’s in the bell choir, the Wednesday men’s Bible study, he sorts and manages the name tag program every other week, fills in around the church office, and enjoys doing handyman tasks on the large campus. Nativity gives him many opportunities to serve, to channel his energy into action.
As with many congregations over the last few years, Nativity has faced new challenges. But Randy and Kathleen are dedicated to their church and the impact Nativity has in the life of its members and in the wider community. Randy appreciates the energy the new pastor has, especially his sermon style and the home visits he has conducted to introduce himself. He says the many new members finding Nativity are bringing new energy and leadership. He and Kathleen drive from their home across town at least three times a week. He’s finishing up a second term on the endowment committee, and will look for yet another ministry to dive into. After all, Randy is a doer.
