Lorie Addison | Speaker

After spending my childhood in various cities in Tennessee, Mississippi, Michigan, California, and Texas, I married a very “rooted” man and have lived in Magnolia, TX for the past 28 years.  I enjoy going on adventures with my husband: exploring historical sites, being amazed by God’s grand creation, and meeting people from other cultures – especially other brothers and sisters in Christ.  I love digging into the treasure box of God’s Word and finding special jewels to marvel over and to share.  I LOVE talking to God and watching Him show up in mighty ways.  I love my family… and I will admit that I am especially partial to my grands!

My favorite Bible passage is Luke 4:17-21:

“And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

Kendra Blake | Worship Leader

I did the majority of my growing up in a small town in Southern Arkansas but I definitely feel my home is here at Woodland Oaks. I've been a member here for almost 8 years and 7 years ago met my amazing husband, Joel, while attending. Before this, I attended Harding University and received an undergrad degree in Early Childhood Education and then a Master's degree in Reading Education. I taught for 9 years as a third grade reading teacher and I now stay home with my sweet three year old son, Davis. I feel so blessed to be able to do this. I love spending time with my family, singing, cooking and laughing.

My favorite bible verse is Psalm 61:2-3:

“From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.”

Deanna Carroll | Speaker

My name is Deanna Carroll, and I grew up in west Texas in a small town called Big Spring. I have lived in the Houston area for the last 17 years and in The Woodlands area for almost the last 5. I am most passionate in my life about my amazing family and raising them to love each other and most of all, learn to serve God. We love laughing together and just looking for the joy in life! Lifting up one another as well as others is our mission!

My favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11 because it has brought much peace to my life during times that were challenging! It provides such security to know that He is in control! That is a true blessing!

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

Christina Davis | Speaker

Hi, I’m Christina Davis and I have been living in The Woodlands since 2003.  I grew up in the small town of Burnet, TX in the hill country where my parents still live.  I have been married to my supportive & wonderful husband for 11 years and we have two energetic boys Harry (8) and Archer (5).  I received my bachelorette degree from Texas A&M University in Elementary Education and continued my education at Baylor University where I received two master’s degrees, one in Educational Psychology and one in School Psychology.  Although, I enjoyed my working career I have chosen to stay at home and raise our two boys.  I am actively involved in activities/projects at Woodland Oaks Church of Christ and volunteer at my son’s elementary school.  I began racing triathlons several years ago, with several shorter races and raced Ironman Coeur d’ Alene in 2014 and Ironman Florida in 2015.

My favorite scripture is Isaiah 40:28-31:

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Elise Fair | Speaker

After growing up in Columbus, Ohio, I spent four years at Harding University studying English and French. During that time, I studied abroad in Greece and met my husband, Daniel, a fellow Harding student. After graduation, we moved to Texas where I began teaching French at Oak Ridge High School. I absolutely love stories--stories in books, personal stories from our lives, and the greatest story of all: How God's love for us led Him to sacrifice His Son, allowing us to be with Him eternally. I also enjoy playing tennis, writing letters, being outside, and drinking coffee.

My favorite Bible passage (at least right now) describes the unifying nature of Jesus' sacrifice - Ephesians 2:13-18:

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”

Jenn Tolbert | Speaker

My name is Jenn Tolbert and I am orginially from Jourdanton, Texas. I am a mommy to Cy (7), Case (5) and Mallory (4). I have a B.S. from Texas Tech University and a M.S. from Texas A&M. I love cooking, graphic design, and anything crafty!

My favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Katrisha Tomberlin | Speaker

I grew up in a small town called Hugoton, KS and lived there until I moved to college. I attended York College, where I obtained my BS in Psychology. My amazing husband, Chris, and I met while we were just kids attending Alva Singing School. Through many years of building friendship and enjoying spending time together once a year for a week singing praises to our Lord, I knew I wanted to be his wife for the rest of my life. We were married in 2007 and after graduating from York, we moved to Lubbock, TX to continue our education goals. I attended Lubbock Christian University where I obtained my MS in Counseling. We have lived in several places since finishing school and over a year ago God brought us to Woodland Oaks where Chris is the Youth Minister. God has blessed me richly and allowed me to stay home raising our sweet, incredible, little boy! God is so good! I absolutely love being with my family, DIY projects, reading books, cooking, and helping other learn more about God.

My favorite Bible passage is Psalm 27:

“The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.  For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. Teach me your way, LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.  Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.  I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”

Janice Rowe | Speaker

I'm the wife of John, who serves as an Elder at WOCC. We married 36 years ago after dating during our college years where I got my accounting degree from Texas Tech. Our best memories are of raising Andy Rowe who is 28 & lives & works as an Electrical Engineer in Houston. Cooking real food is my daily passion. Teaching 2nd grade Bible class for 34 years has been a joy. I've also grown spiritually serving as Ladies Bible Class coordinator for several years.

One of my favorite Bible passage that spoke to me as I became a mom is Deuteronomy 6:6-8:

“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.”

Jennifer Watrous | Speaker

Woodland Oaks has been my church family for over 20 years now; it truly is a home to my husband, three children and I.

I suppose a quick summary of my life would go something like this.....spontaneous artist attempting to have fun with equine photography and figuring out how to please the Lord while watching my 3 kiddos grow up way too fast!!  If you stand still too long with me, you will likely hear all about baby horses, being the Mom of a Marine, how awesome it is to see my middle son race in cross country, and how God must have known I needed a little girl.  I am blessed with a husband who sacrifices and loves his family; I suppose you could say I am living the good life. 

Oh, not because of all of that stuff, but....because of my Lord!! 

My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 37:4:

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”