Ready for the Next Challange

Bill Simmelink is one of those people who I need in my life. He is an encouraging presence for me, yet also one who is willing to challenge me to take my ministry to the next level.

The truth is, those same words could be said about Bill's presence in Good Shepherd: He generously shares his gifts to encourage and build up our ministry. At the same time, Bill is always ready to challenge us to be better. He understands that our congregation needs to remember the words in the New Testament, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

Bill is one who speaks of his tremendous gratitude for God's blessings. And in the very next breath, he will speak about the joy that comes from sharing those blessings.

Bill serves on our Church Council as well as on our Stewardship Committee, and has chaired our Finance Committee in years past. He likes to get out in front of issues and try new things, which benefits and challenges our mission in many ways.

He is our Web master and designer, and is continually at work to support and innovate our Internet presence. He sees social media and networking venues not only as information tools for our members but also as key to evangelism in the ways they can reach out to newcomers and those seeking a church home.

Bill also shares his gifts in music at Good Shepherd. You will see him up front

playing the clarinet in ensembles for special music offerings at 9 a.m. worship. Over the years, Bill has played in our hand bell groups and taught Sunday School.

Bill is a Midwesterner, growing up in Ohio and graduating from Purdue University with a degree in math. He had a terrific career in the telecommunications industry and considers it a blessing to have been on the forefront of world-changing technologies, including Satellite Communications, Voice-Over-IP, and Cable Modems. Bill most recently worked in California as the president of the US arm of CopperGate Communications, an Israeli semiconductor company. He joined Good Shepherd in 1992, and maintained his connection to our church family while living on the West Coast. Returning to the area in 2010, he jumped right back in to help our mission grow. He lives in Gaithersburg with adult daughter Christian, and continues to consult with area IT/telecommunications firms.

Bill is an avid cyclist in his spare time and has traveled to France for the Tour de France. His work also provided him with chances to travel the globe visiting China, India, Egypt, the Holy Land and countless other places.

Bill says, “When I returned from California, I realized what a special environment existed at Good Shepherd, but also sensed things that needed to be done. I was quite excited to be able to jump in and start serving.”

Bill is truly a leader and one who is helping our mission at Good Shepherd thrive. - Pastor Dave Sonnenberg

Bill in Action at Good Shepherd

• Bill at Council Retreat
• St. Barpara Church in Egypt - where Mary and Joseph fled with baby Jesus
• On top of Mt. Ventoux at the Tour de France
• With family - Paul, Christian, and Mary
• With new Good Shepherd Cycling Group
• At the Pyramids in Egypt