1. What's your name?

Susan Hutchison

2. Will you please share a little about yourself?

I have lived in Kanawha County my entire life. Had a couple of opportunities to leave, but stayed to be near family and friends. Just retired (Dec. 27) from WV Division of Highways as Training & Development Manager to spend more time with my best friend and sweetheart. Best decision I ever made, other than marrying him. Hutch served 41 years in law enforcement. He is truly the most amazing man I have ever known. He's a 15 year cancer survivor and is dealing with major medical complications from his treatments that have severely affected him. I am in awe that he has such a strong faith and humility that keeps him going. Between us we have three children: Megan (43), Elizabeth (41, and Chris (38) and two grandchildren, Henry (8) and Clark (6) in Chicago with Chris. Gunnar is our German Shepherd. I think he is smarter than all of us combined! Earned my Bachelor's degree in 2002 at the age of 47 and Master's in 2006 at the age of 53. I love classical music, horses, riding motorcycles, shooting sports, military history, learning self-defense/martial arts, and training /teaching. Now that I am retired, I will have time to devote to some of these pastimes and more time to serve as needed here at Redeemer.

3. How long have you been attending/serving at Redeemer?

Since 2015

4. In what ways do you or have you serve(d) at Redeemer and which is/was your favorite way?

Assisted with previous congregational summit planning and logistics; attended Dave Simmons' wonderful Lutheranism 101 class; conducted active shooter response training here at Redeemer for members; conducted a temperament survey and class for members to enhance their communication skills; was a member of a share group on Tuesday nights at Ron & Sheila Sheets' home; currently a member of Tuesday morning Bible Study. With retirement, I will now have time to serve as needed here and have accepted a request to serve on Leadership Team as Recording Secretary. My favorite service will always be training/teaching.

5. How has serving at Redeemer impacted you?

Hutch and I have found a true home in Redeemer. Hearing and learning the Word of God with such loving, caring people who serve the Lord has changed our lives.

6. What’s something about you not many folks know?

Despite the fact that I have been a professional trainer and teacher for 32 years, I used to be ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIED to get in front of people to do anything - sing, dance, talk - you name it. Somehow I got over it when I figured out that all I was doing was talking with people and I can do that all day and then some. I see training and teaching as a conversation, not as an educational process. I think that God gave me the confidence to be able to help others in a teaching capacity.

7. What do you like most about Redeemer?

This church is spirit-filled and exemplifies the love and service that we care and show each other and the rest of the world. My oldest friend, Lisa, told me once that a missionary couple she knows told her that the most effective means of bringing people to Christ was showing our love for each other and that was what drew them to the church in the first place. We have that love here at Redeemer. God's light shines very brightly in this congregation.

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