At Port City, we are blessed to have a church made up of some incredible volunteers, interns, and staff who embody the heart and character of Jesus!
To honor and celebrate different parts of our body, we’ve created the Port City Spotlight.
Every week, in our Wilmington Newsletter, we feature people who exemplify and partner with us in our mission to “reach people and help them walk with God,” and we share a bit of their story!
NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
NOVEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
Ms. Joan Porter
Grow Zone Volunteer
If you’ve ever dropped off your little one in the 9am Baby Classroom, chances are you’ve met Ms. Joan Porter- a gentle, steady presence who brings warmth and peace to every room she enters. Ms. Joan has been faithfully serving at Port City Church for 19 years!
Known by our Grow Zone staff as “the backbone of the 9am Baby Classroom,” Ms. Joan is often the first to arrive on Sunday mornings, ready to care not only for the babies and their parents but also for the volunteers who serve alongside her. Her consistent presence and loving spirit have created a foundation of trust and care that countless families have experienced over the years.
When asked what brings her the most joy, Ms. Joan’s answer is simple and heartfelt: “The smiles from the babies.” Her quiet faithfulness has welcomed generations of children into the life of the church, many of whom have since grown up through Port City’s ministries—from Grow Zone to Treasure Island and beyond. Her volunteer coordinator, Kayla, says it best: “The seeds she has helped plant of God’s truth will produce more fruit than we will ever know.”
Trace Adams
Overflow Intern
Meet Trace Adams, a senior Overflow intern from Lillington, NC, who has been attending Port City for three and a half years. Trace first connected with Port City through a campus Pop-Up during First 14 and quickly found a home through Overflow. After being encouraged by his friend and mentor, Jake Smith, he applied for the internship- and now, three years later, continues to serve faithfully on the Overflow Team.
Trace says his time as an intern has completely reshaped his walk with God: “It’s taught me to work with God, not for Him.” He’s learned to serve from humility, to rest in God’s gentleness, and to see the church not as a building, but as home- a place where people are welcomed, healed, and loved.
As a second-year Discipleship Intern, Trace’s greatest joy is helping people feel seen and connected. His Intern Coordinator, Jake Smith, describes him as “a gentle leader who reminds us that people will remember how you make them feel. Trace helps others feel the compassionate love of the Father.”
For Trace, the highlight of his internship has been getting to baptize others- especially standing beside Jake, the same friend who once baptized him! It’s a full-circle moment that perfectly captures Trace’s heart for serving, growing, and welcoming people home to God.
Bill and Sharon Coen
Welcome Team Volunteers
Bill and Sharon Coen have been part of our Port City family for nine years. After visiting regularly with their daughter before moving to the area, they were drawn to our church’s welcoming spirit and quickly got involved as Sunday Greeters. You can usually find them at the Studio 3 doors, offering smiles, fist bumps, and hugs to families and kids as they arrive.
The Coens say one of their greatest joys is getting to know the children and their families, and they especially love seeing how the kids' ministry shows love to every child who walks through the doors.
Bill and Sharon believe that serving not only blesses others but also deepens your own relationship with God. Their advice to anyone thinking about volunteering? "Don’t hesitate, you’ll be blessed more than you can imagine!"
Our staff appreciates how consistent and compassionate Bill and Sharon are. They are dedicated to serving not just to fill a role, but to steward relationships they have been faithful to build over many years!
Ryan Baynard
Story Creative Intern
Meet Ryan Baynard, a Creative Team intern from Trinity, North Carolina. Ryan found Port City through Overflow, our ministry for 18-25-year-olds. After a few weeks of attending, Ryan decided to commit his life to Jesus and get baptized! Our church quickly became his home away from home.
As part of the Creative Team, Ryan finds joy in capturing moments that tell the story of God’s movement in the life of our church. During his time as an intern, Ryan says he’s learned “how to work with God and not just for Him.” This season has taught him the importance of serving from a place of rest and fulfillment rather than exhaustion—pouring out what God has already poured in.
Ryan deeply values how Port City prioritizes participation and inclusivity, noting that “this church invites everyone to serve—not just for the benefit of the church, but because that’s what God calls His people to do.” He’s especially grateful for the authenticity he’s witnessed across our staff and volunteers, saying that “everyone is the same person on Monday as they are on Sunday.”
Our staff is deeply grateful for Ryan's willingness and excitement to jump in, serve, try new things, and his deep and authentic commitment to following Jesus!
Judy Christen
Welcome Team and Care Volunteer
Meet Judy Christen, who has called Wilmington home for almost a year and already made a big impact at our church. After retiring, Judy knew God still had a purpose for her life- and she found it by serving on both the Welcome Team and the Care Collective. Whether she’s offering a warm smile and a cup of coffee on Sunday mornings or sitting with someone in a hard season, Judy’s heart for people shines through everything she does.
“I’ve learned that I can share God’s love, even with a cup of coffee,” Judy says. For her, serving is about connection- meeting people where they are and reminding them that they belong.
Her volunteer coordinator, Jenna Rogers, describes her as “infectiously positive, kind, and compassionate-someone who makes everyone feel like they can belong.” Jenna adds that Judy’s consistency and joy make Sunday mornings more meaningful for everyone around her.
Judy says it best: “We are all a part of the church body, and our presence matters. Let’s work as a community to participate in God’s work- He will empower you to serve.”
Charlotte Wood
Grow Zone Intern
Meet Charlotte Wood, a Grow Zone intern from Colonial Heights, Virginia, who has been part of Port City for a year and a half. Charlotte first connected with the church through Overflow while in school at UNCW, and her heart for kids and families led her to serve in Children’s Ministry. With dreams of becoming a pediatric nurse, she saw this internship as a meaningful way to grow spiritually while learning to care for families through ministry.
Charlotte says her time as an intern has deepened her dependence on God and taught her to see serving as an act of worship. Whether she’s comforting a baby, supporting volunteers, or helping families feel at home, she brings warmth and joy to everyone she meets. “Serving in kids ministry isn’t just childcare,” Charlotte says. “It’s one of the most genuine forms of ministry- showing God’s love through ordinary moments.”
Her coordinator, Molly Swander, describes her as “joyful, easy to be around, and full of light.” Molly adds, “Charlotte brings so much peace to the Grow Zone hall on even the most chaotic Sunday!”
Charlotte’s gentle presence and positive spirit remind everyone around her that even the smallest acts of love can have an eternal impact.
Jeremy and Susie Linquist
Mobilization Volunteers
Meet Jeremy and Susie Linquist, a couple whose lives beautifully reflect what it means to serve with open hearts and willing hands. Originally from Canton, Ohio, the Linquists have been part of Port City for several years and are deeply involved in ministry both inside and outside the church with our Mobilization Team- serving through Eden Village, leading study groups, and participating in missions and mentorship.
Their story began when Susie first attended Port City on Christmas Eve of 2019. As a new believer, she felt drawn to serve and soon joined a mission trip to El Salvador- a trip she describes as “life-changing” and the spark that ignited her passion for helping others find their hope in Christ. “God can use service as a way to heal you,” she says. “Some of my darkest days were turned around by serving.”
Jeremy shares that same heart for service. Whether mentoring other men, leading studies, or serving dinner at Eden Village, he finds joy in connection and community. “Serving drives me,” he says. “It brings a joy and happiness I can’t find anywhere else.” Some of his favorite memories come from watching their children serve alongside them-sharing meals, laughter, and friendship with residents from Eden Village.
Our Mobilization Coordinator, Sharon King, shared: “The Linquists live out hospitality in the way they welcome, lead, and invest in people. No matter where they serve, they always make relationships the priority.”
We love to see Jeremy & Susie discover and embody what it means to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus- faithfully, joyfully, and together!
Carley Stewart
Ripple Effect Intern
Meet Carley Stewart, a Ripple Effect intern from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, who has been part of Port City for a year. Carley first connected through Overflow during college and quickly found community serving with Ripple Effect. Inspired by former interns who saw potential in her before she saw it herself, Carley stepped into the internship ready to learn, grow, and lead- and she’s done exactly that.
Carley says her time as an intern has transformed her walk with Jesus: “My walk isn’t lonely anymore. I’m surrounded by an intern family that prays with me, prays for me, and is all after the same thing- growing the Kingdom of Jesus.” She’s learned the joy of stepping into new roles, trusting God’s strength when she feels uncertain, and finding purpose in leading the next generation.
Her favorite part of the role? The people. “Being surrounded by my girls and our community brings me so much joy,” she says. “They’re here for Jesus, and that’s the most exciting thing to see.”
Her intern coordinator, Geoff Banks, describes her as “a dynamic leader who brings light to every room.” He adds, “Carley has a gift for creating spaces where people can be authentic and honest, which helps students grow in their walks with Jesus.”
Carley’s infectious joy, quick wit, and genuine love for people have made her a special part of the Ripple Effect team!
Ed Hammell
Welcome Team Volunteer
If you’ve ever walked through the doors of Port City on a Sunday morning, you’ve likely been greeted by the friendly face and contagious positivity of Ed Hammell. Originally from Magnolia, New Jersey, Ed has called Wilmington home for 30 years and has been part of Port City since 2011. When he first moved within walking distance of the church, he decided to visit- and never looked back.
Still new to church life at the time, Ed felt prompted to get involved and signed up to serve as a greeter. More than a decade later, he’s still faithfully showing up, week after week. “PC3 is a very welcoming community,” he says. “To reach people and help them walk with God- this church really lives that out.”
Ed finds the most joy in getting to know the people who come through his door, often forming regular rhythms with attendees who look for his smile every Sunday. One of his favorite memories is the moment he learned to sign “Good Morning” to a deaf member of our church- an interaction that sparked a genuine connection and a smile he’ll never forget. Another powerful moment came shortly after his own baptism, when a man told Ed that watching his story had inspired him to stop drinking. “Praise God,” Ed says.
His coordinator, Jenna Rogers, calls him the definition of consistency: “Ed shows up, brings his whole self, and has built a community through the place he serves. People look forward to his goofy, fun presence every Sunday morning!” Jenna added that, in one of her first weeks on the job, she made Ed a nametag for Christmas that he still wears every single week (even after she made him a new, updated volunteer nametag)!
Ed’s encouragement to anyone thinking about serving is simple: “Don’t be afraid to take the step. A smile or a kind word might change someone’s entire week. Make everyone feel welcomed.”
And in true Ed fashion, when we asked if there was anything else he wanted to let us know, he shared the same cheerful words he gives those exiting his door each Sunday: “See you next week!!!”
Harrison Ashford
Tsunami Intern
Meet Harrison Ashford, a Tsunami intern from Charlotte, North Carolina, who’s been part of Port City for two years. Harrison first connected through Overflow- with some encouragement from his brothers- and quickly found a home in our church serving in our middle school ministry.
Encouraged by staff who recognized his heart and leadership, Harrison applied for the internship and says it has opened his eyes to what ministry really looks like. “Getting to pour into the younger generation and show them the love of Jesus is a true gift,” he shares. “They challenge my faith weekly and help me want to grow even deeper.”
Through his time as an intern, Harrison has learned that faith- and fruit- take time. “We’re creating a space where kids can be themselves, showing them grace and love without pressure. Fruit grows over time, and that’s perfectly okay.”
His coordinator, Brett Eddy, describes him as “everyone’s friend- full of positive energy and always ready to connect with anyone who walks through the doors.” Brett adds, “Harrison naturally makes every student feel seen and welcome. He models what it looks like to truly reach students and help them walk with God.”
From “Grilling the Interns” skits to nacho cheese mishaps, Harrison brings laughter, joy, and authenticity to everything he does. But most of all, he brings a heart that makes every middle schooler know they matter.
TOM MYLES
Production Team Volunteer
Meet Tom Myles, a faithful member of Port City for more than nine years and a key part of our Production Team. Originally from Rochester, NY, Tom and his wife discovered Port City online while preparing to retire and relocate from Nevada. After experiencing a full worship service in person, they knew they had found their church home.
Tom began serving because he believes deeply in the power of showing up—and that serving is one of the best ways to build relationships and follow Jesus’ example. “Serving is an act of worship,” he says. “It’s joining with God in His Kingdom work.” One of his favorite recent moments was seeing hundreds of volunteers come together for Friendsgiving: “No one person could do it alone, but together we fed around 1,400 people and gave each one a place to belong.”
On the Production Team, Tom serves as a CG operator, helping create environments where people can truly connect with God. He loves seeing engagement happen in real time- people leaning into worship, taking notes during the message, and building community in groups throughout the week.
Our Production staff, Jacob Grossman and Eric Blizzard, describe Tom as “a servant-hearted leader who loves the Lord and loves people… someone who shows up week in and week out with joy.” They appreciate the way he lifts the load for staff and teammates, often jumping in to handle tasks so others can be present with the team. “Our ministry is better because he’s in it,” they shared.
Tom’s encouragement to anyone considering serving is simple: “You don’t know what you’re missing. Every volunteer role is a chance to find community while helping build God’s Kingdom.”
How would the Production Team describe Tom in one word? They simply said, “he is the GOAT.”
Isabella Kirchoff
Overflow Campus Organization Intern
Meet Isabella Kirchhoff, an Intern with the Overflow Campus Organization (OCO for short!) from Matthews, North Carolina. OCO is a student-led organization at UNCW that leads outreach efforts to serve, connect, and engage students on campus. Isabella has been part of Port City for a year and a half, first finding her place through Overflow, but OCO quickly became the space where she felt known.
Through her internship, Isabella says her walk with God has grown in the small, quiet ways- learning to bring Him into everyday moments, rediscovering her love for Scripture, and realizing, as she puts it, that “God is my best friend.” She also shares honestly that being constantly surrounded by Christian community challenged her to remember the importance of the “secret place”- choosing time alone with God beyond the group settings.
One thing you should know is that Isabella brings waffles to every OCO meeting- but she also brings vision, honesty, and a contagious love for Jesus. Her coordinator, Jake Smith, describes her as “creative, tenacious, passionate, and relational.” He adds, “Isabella makes OCO better by passionately telling the story of what God is doing on our campus. She brings boldness everywhere she goes and is always looking to include those around her.”
Looking back, she says the greatest evidence of God at work in her internship has been how skepticism turned into belonging: “I was nervous about fitting in and people not really knowing me, but after my first semester, my intern huddle and my team just feel like home.”