Meet the Pastor and Staff

Head Pastor David Baird loves people from all walks of life and the Deer Park Community! His life has been all about serving and loving people, whether it be his first career as a serviceman in the United States Navy, or in his current full-time career as a mental health counselor for service members, veterans or their family members with the V.A. Dave has held multiple church leadership positions, especially as worship leader, Sunday School teacher and as chaplain for the Inland Northwest Honor Flight chapter. In addition to his VA work and volunteer activities, Dave is an adjunct professor at Whitworth University local charities. He is assigned as a lead lay pastor at the Deer Park United Methodist Church in a part-time capacity as a preaching, teaching, leading worship and counseling pastor.  

Fun Fact: Pastor Dave loves to ride his motorcycle whenever weather permits.

Favorite Bible Verse:  Jesus said, ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” - John 15:5

After 30+ years of living in Glendale, Arizona, in 2024, Erik and his family decided to trade all that goes with the hot, dry Sonoran Desert, for the beauty and four seasons of the Pacific Northwest.  Since then, the Deer Park area has been an exciting landing spot for his family’s new home. Previously an executive in local government, Erik continues to have the heart of servant in retirement and supporting God’s love for all.

Fun Fact: Although Erik no longer plays ice hockey, he loves to watch his new favorite team - the Spokane Chiefs.

Favorite Bible Verse: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32
 

My husband and I are originally from southern California. It was always his dream to retire at Deer Lake where his family spent their summers. We came to this area in 2016 shortly after retiring, building our new home in the forest at Deer Lake. Leaving behind years of working in the legal field and then as a medical credentialer, I have always wanted to contribute wherever I see a need. Though I am the number cruncher for Deer Park UMC, my passions are for worship and people. My heart belongs to Jesus, and he is my focus in all endeavors.

Fun Fact: I didn't know that I love football until I discovered the Seahawks, and now I am a lifetime 12. I am known by the children around the lake who follow my husband's diving adventures as Mrs. Deer Lake Diver.

Favorite Bible Verse: "Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing His praise from the end of the earth!" Isaiah 42:10, and "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” - Proverbs 3:5-6

Kelli Baird is the “glue” that holds the Deer Park United Methodist church together! As the Secretary, she is responsible for keeping the record of all activities, all official minutes of the Church Council Meetings, maintains the membership roster (addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail), and corresponds to all inquiries of the church. Every Sunday, she also synthesizes prayer requests into singular prayer to the Lord and leads the Congregation in the Lord’s Prayer.

Fun Fact: Growing up as a pastor’s kid, Kelli swore she’d never marry a military man or a pastor. Turns out she married both in one person.

Favorite Bible Verse: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and all your strength. The second commandment is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  No other commandment is greater than these.” - Mark 12:30-31