Hello,

My name is Tim Merki, and it has been our joy to serve at Sonoma Baptist Church in Winnemucca, Nevada, since June of 2017. In God’s providence, He has allowed me to shepherd His people for about twenty years, including previous pastorates in Texas, North Carolina, and Maryland, before leading our family to this rural corner of northern Nevada. Each place has stretched us, shaped us, and reminded us again and again of the Lord’s faithfulness to His church in every season and setting.

My wife, Heidi, and I were married in June of 2003, and she has been a steady and faithful partner in life and ministry ever since. I am deeply grateful for the way she loves our family and quietly serves the church, often in ways that are unseen but deeply felt. The Lord has blessed us with three boys—Ben, Jos, and Whit—who keep life full, active, and often loud, and we count it a privilege to raise them in the life of the local church. As a family, we enjoy being outdoors, cheering on our boys in their activities, opening our home, and simply doing life together with our church family.

Though we are not native Nevadans, northern Nevada has truly become home to us. We have grown to love the wide‑open spaces, the close‑knit community, and the unique opportunities for gospel ministry in a small, rural setting. In addition to my pastoral work, I also serve in education, which allows me to invest in students and families throughout the week while continuing to shepherd a smaller congregation with care and attentiveness as a bi‑vocational pastor.

More than anything, our desire is to see Christ exalted, His Word faithfully preached, and His people strengthened and equipped for every good work. We are thankful for what God has already done at Sonoma Baptist Church and look ahead with prayerful expectation, asking the Lord to continue using this small church to make much of Jesus in Winnemucca and beyond.

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Phil Wright has been faithfully serving as a Deacon at Sonoma Baptist Church since 2022. In this role, Phil seeks to support the spiritual health and practical needs of the church body, coming alongside the pastors and leadership to help ensure that the ministry of the Word can flourish and that the congregation is cared for well.

Phil and his wife, Linda, share a deep love for Christ and His church. They are passionate about serving Jesus alongside the saints at Sonoma Baptist Church and are committed to being active, engaged members of the church family. Whether through quiet acts of service, encouragement, hospitality, or simply being present and available, Phil and Linda desire to reflect the servant-hearted example of Christ.

They are grateful for the fellowship and unity the Lord has given at Sonoma Baptist and look forward to continuing to grow, serve, and labor together with their church family for the glory of God.

Steve Lange began serving as a Deacon at Sonoma Baptist Church in 2024. He entered this role with a desire to faithfully support the ministry of the church and to serve in a way that reflects the servant heart of Christ. As a deacon, Steve is committed to helping meet practical needs within the congregation, promoting unity, and assisting the pastors and leadership so that the church can remain focused on the preaching of the Word and the care of souls.

Steve and his wife, Connie, serve the members of Sonoma Baptist Church with genuine love and compassion. They are grateful for the fellowship of their church family and seek to encourage others through steady faithfulness, thoughtful care, and a willingness to come alongside those who need support. Whether through quiet acts of service, prayer, or personal encouragement, their heart is to strengthen and bless the body of Christ.

They consider it a privilege to be part of Sonoma Baptist Church and look forward to continuing to serve the Lord and His people in the years ahead.

Dave Hawkins began serving as a Deacon at Sonoma Baptist Church in 2024. He stepped into this role with a desire to faithfully support the ministry of the church and to serve in a way that honors Christ and strengthens His people. As a deacon, Dave seeks to assist with the practical needs of the congregation, encourage unity within the body, and work alongside the pastors and fellow deacons to help ensure that the church remains healthy and mission-focused.

Dave and his wife, Sue, are deeply committed to serving and loving those who attend Sonoma Baptist Church. They value genuine relationships within the church family and strive to reflect the kindness, hospitality, and compassion of Christ in their interactions with others. Whether through acts of service, opening their home, offering encouragement, or simply being available to help, Dave and Sue desire to bless and support the body in tangible ways.

They are grateful for the opportunity to serve at Sonoma Baptist and look forward to continuing to grow, fellowship, and labor together with their church family for the glory of God.

Gale Griggs faithfully served as a Deacon at Sonoma Baptist Church beginning in 2024. Though his time in this role was brief, his impact was deeply meaningful. Gale loved Jesus Christ and demonstrated that love through humble, consistent service to others. He approached ministry with a sincere desire to honor the Lord, support the work of the church, and care for the needs of the congregation.

As a deacon, Gale was committed to strengthening unity within the body and assisting wherever he was needed. His kindness, steadiness, and servant’s heart were evident to all who knew him. He was devoted to loving and encouraging his church family, reflecting the grace and truth of Christ in both word and action.

Gale has now gone to be with the Lord he loved so deeply. While he is greatly missed, we rejoice in the hope we have in Christ and give thanks for the faithful example Gale left behind. His life was a testimony to quiet faithfulness, genuine love, and a steadfast commitment to serving God and others.