Deacons at MERCYhouse
Deacons are Officers in the Church who lead by serving.
The role of Deacon varies widely across church traditions. We find the origin of this church office in Acts 6:2-4 where deacons (from the Greek word meaning “servant”) address tangible or administrative needs, enabling elders to focus on the work of teaching and prayer. We also see qualifications for serving in such a role: being respected, being full of the Spirit, and having wisdom.
1 Timothy 3:8-13 shows us that deacons remained an ongoing office of the church, and lays out additional qualifications: being respected, avoiding greed and addiction, having faith in the Gospel, and having been tested by experience.
In light of these passages, we see deacons as servant leaders, recognized and empowered by leaders of the church, to meet the needs of the church body.
We, the church, are committed to the support and development of our deacons. We will prioritize their spiritual health as we encourage them to serve the church body with the gifts in a sustainable, Godly way.
Nominating Deacons
If you are a member of MERCYhouse and recognize someone in our church body who fits the Biblical qualifications above, please let us know! You can email the elders directly here.
MH Elders will prayerfully consider your nominations and personally invite members to prayerfully consider stepping into the office.
Things to keep in mind as you think of people for the role:
Deacons lead by serving the church. Is there someone that comes to mind who already serves faithfully?
Deacons are Biblically qualified and are those who are of "good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom," (Acts 6:3) and, "must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience." (1 Timothy 3:8-10)
Deacons can be either men or women.
Our Active Deacon(s)
Luke Showalter
Deacon of Facilities and Grounds
Luke graduated from UMass Amherst in 2011 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He lives in South Hadley with his wife, Sarah, and three children, Caleb, Millie, and Zeke.
“We love that our church is a diverse group of people who prioritize loving God and those around them. We also love our church's tendency to gather and celebrate what God has done, with lots of joy and laughter.”
Vika Katko
Vika is a home grown and raised New Englander, passionate for the Gospel to transform her little corner of the world. She comes from a big first generation immigrant family, works as a Software Consultant, and lives with Hazelnut neé Poofy Puff, her cute Holland lop bunny.
“I love both doing life at MERCYhouse and how full of life MERCYhouse is. I have been so loved in and through good and hard times, built up and blessed by the Body. I pray that MERCYhouse continues to be a place where people encounter the power and grace of God and spread it all over the world.”
Kaitlyn Moore
Kaitlyn moved to the Pioneer Valley in 2012 and has never left. She was a professional dancer and taught ballet for years and now works at MERCYhouse as the Director of Children and Family Ministries. She lives in South Hadley with her husband, Tommy, and their daughters, Chloe and Davina.
“I love MERCYhouse's commitment to God's Word. There are so many, in both our leaders and members, who spend so much time trying to understand the Word and follow it with their whole hearts. I also love being a part of a church community that is so loving and compassionate.”
Laura Looman
Laura grew up in Leverett, went to Amherst High, Greenfield Community College and UMass. She has degrees in Finance Admin and Food Service. She works at UMass as the the Financial Administrator for the Vet/Animal Sciences Dept. She lives in Shelburne with her husband John, daughters Erika and Brooke and John's mother Sarah.
“We came to MH when our hill town church closed their doors in 2012. From day one we have loved to energy of the college students.”
Matt May
Matt May graduated from UMass Amherst in 2023 with a degree in Computer Science. He lives in North Amherst and can usually be found playing Ultimate Frisbee or at his favorite cafe—Share Coffee.
"I love that I've felt a true sense of belonging at MERCYhouse. When I was in high school, I asked God for a friend who was faithfully walking with Jesus to come into my life. He gave me a whole church of them”
Tolu Oke
Tolu graduated from Mount Holyoke College (2009) and UMass Amherst (2010) with degrees in Physics and Mechanical Engineering. She and her husband, Jimi, live in Amherst with their daughter, Dara.
“I love the energy and passion of the MERCYHouse college students. It is wonderful to see them dedicating their lives to Christ and passionately seeking the Lord! Their lives and stories are a powerful testimony of the work God is doing in and through this community.”
Kate Telman
Kate graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 2008 with degrees in Chemistry and Spanish which she now uses as a teacher in the Holyoke Public School. She lives in South Hadley with Cory, their son Benji and dog Ella.
“One thing that I love about MERCYhouse is how much people love Jesus and allow that to shape and motivate their lives. I am filled with joy when we worship together, and spending time with church members in bible study and fellowship leaves me encouraged.”
Noreen Kelly
Noreen moved to Amherst MA in 2021 and started going to MERCYhouse that September. She graduated from Liberty University Online in December of 2024 with her degree in Social Work. She is now pursing working in the field of social work.
“I have loved being at MERCYhouse! I have grown personal in my walk with Christ but have also grown in my love for His bride the church in a new way as well. The people at MERCYhouse have such a servant’s heart, just like Christ, and are always ready to give and to be used for His glory and the good of the church!”