Meet the Paster 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 the bones don’t heal as quickly as they once did, Erik still enjoys playing ice hockey.

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

Terri has lived in Deer Park most of her life and she graduated from Deer Park High School.  Along with her husband of 43-years, Duncan, she has two sons and four grandchildren. She attended Kinman Business University, earning a degree in bookkeeping. She has worked at various bookkeeping and clerical jobs over the years and has since retired. Terri has been Treasurer of Deer Park United Methodist Church for about 8 years.  

Fun Fact: Terri is a master chef and loves to cook for family and friends.

Favorite Bible Verse: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal live.”  - John 3:16

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

Maggie is what we call our “Staff Parish Relations Chair,” which means she serves as a liaison between the congregation, pastor and other church staff.  Even though the Deer Park UMC may be small, she provides emotional and spiritual support for all church goers and volunteers, collaborates with the pastor to identify people solutions to church needs, assess his annual performance and makes recommendations on his salary.   She also helps with the weekly plate collection, is an important part of the Administrative Council Team, is a member of our prayer chain and is mainstay at Fellowship time.

Fun Fact: As a Deer Park resident Maggie has found a true home at the Deer Park United Methodist Church.

Favorite Bible Verse: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” - 1 Corinthians 16:13