Full name: Vicki Lynn Miller
But please call me: Vicki
Born where and when: in Newark, Ohio on October 12 (Columbus Day)
Family facts: My husband, Phil, is a Newark native, baptized and raised at First Church, attending over 55 years. Phil has been an Independent Truck Owner/Operator for 32 years, and is currently leased to Fed Transport, St. Paris, Ohio. We have been married since 1975 and have one son, Ross -- a 2004 Newark High School graduate. Ross is currently employed as an Associate with TS Tech, a seat producer for Honda of America. Ross also enjoys show cars and is currently modifying a 2000 Chevy S-10. I enjoy leisure writing, and have sold several magazine articles. I am a 17-year breast cancer survivor. As a family we enjoy "hanging out" with friends and family and traveling to places of interest that Phil has seen as he drives around the United States.
Education: Graduate Granville HS; Bachelor of Science in Journalism with a Minor in Political Science, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 1975.
How I became a Christian: I was raised in the Christian Union denomination and became a Christian through the love and instruction of Sunday School teachers as God led me to him, accepting him as my personal Savior when I was 12.
How I ended up at First Church: The former FUMC secretary retired, the position was advertised in the bulletin, I applied and was hired in March 2003. I came to First Church after working in public broadcast TV, for daily and weekly newspapers, working part-time as a substitute building secretary with the Newark City Schools, and retiring with 25 years of service from the City of Heath as the Payroll/Personnel Administrative Assistant.
The most important thing I do around here: is be a willing servant, be flexible, and try to extend a supportive hand to members, staff, and visitors.
My vision for the future of First Church is: a growing, young church with a multi-purpose center. I believe First Church can be viable downtown, but we need to replace the youth house with a prefabricated building (with stone facade) with a kitchen, restrooms, large multipurpose room that could be divided and/or basketball court, and a stage with sound/video. It could be rented out, used for after-school and kids programs, expanding the preschool, youth gatherings, sports programs, almost anything. And, if we could ever navigate the regulations, to provide housing for the homeless in the building from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. during the winter months. I think FUMC as it is without buying more land or moving could really make a difference to many lives in Newark.
One way folks can pray for me is: that I listen to God not make my own plan - but follow God's plan.