Our Teachers

Heather Burk

Learning Community Volunteer Teacher
(K-4th Grade)

I am a Pacific University graduate (Business Administration major & Psychology minor). Rich and I live in Hillsboro and were married at FGUCC, and we brought up our two kids (Madeline & Dalton) at FGUCC. I have been active in the Learning Community since my kiddos were in the nursery. That’s 20 years! What I love most about being involved with the Learning Community is the camaraderie with the teaching team, and the weekly “out-of-my comfort zone” adventure time with the kids in my class… I love preparing and pondering the lesson during the week, and then seeing where they take the content. It’s wonderful to see the kids building a community with each other. They really care for each other. I see examples of that each week as they interact and share about their own lives (school, pets, family, friends, highs and lows). Feel free to contact me if you have ideas for this age group, or if you have talents you want to share with us.

Terri Jones

Learning Community Volunteer Teacher
(K-4th Grade)

Terri Jones is the mother of Ethan and Nebula (drummer). I taught Sunday school when my kids were little and I enjoyed that time so I was excited to have the opportunity to teach again. Working with early elementary-age children is such a blessing to see their bright and curious minds. I am a teacher at Forest Grove High School.  I enjoy reading, baking, and hiking.

Jeannine Murrell

Learning Community Volunteer Teacher
(4th-7th Grade)

Jeannine Murrell has been a long-time member of the Forest Grove United Church of Christ, Congregational, in her time with the faith community, she has held a number of leadership positions. Jeannine, a graduate of Marylhurst University with a degree in interdisciplinary studies and a major in religious studies, has taught a number of classes in church for all ages over the years. Currently, she is a Learning Community teacher for 4th through 7th grade alongside Ben Lawerence for the past years. She and the team are providing a balanced understanding of the many stories of the Bible and how they pertain to our lives today.

James and Geneva

Learning Community Volunteer Teacher
(8th-12th grade)

James and Geneva Houx grew up in the Midwest, where they met and married. They transplanted to the West Coast in 2001 and to Oregon in 2004. They have been proud members of FGUCC since 2009 and have taught Sunday school to the 8th-12th graders since the Fall of 2012. They’ve raised their children in the church and are happy to serve their congregation and community in any way possible. In the senior high Sunday school class, James and Geneva seek to provide a safe, age-appropriate space for teenagers to establish community with one another and to express their questions and opinions as they forge their own spiritual beliefs.