Church Council
The Church Council is charged with bringing the mission of the Galilean to life. The council is comprised of members elected from the congregation at large who serve three year terms. Council members also serve as liaisons between the council and the congregation’s ministry teams.
The Church Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM.
Meet our Council Members
Regina Hickman, Pastor
I can’t tell you how excited I am to be doing ministry at the Galilean! I look forward to leaning into a time of worship and service a little closer to normal than the way things have been for over a year. We’ll figure it out together and make a way to continue being the hands of feet of Christ in our community and our world.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your pastor.
You can check out Pastor’s weekly messages here:
Bret Jacobs, Congregational President
It is my privilege to serve the Galilean as Congregational President. My family and I have been members of the Galilean for over 30 years and I have watched my children grow up as part of this loving congregation. The council works diligently throughout the year to manage the day-to-day operations of the Galilean and to be sure that we remain mission-centered to Impact communities by GIVING generously, SERVING sacrificially and LOVING unconditionally. I sincerely hope that you will visit the Galilean and personally experience what we are about.
Colleen O’Reilly , Secretary
I am the Recording Secretary for the Church Council. Additionally, I am the team leader for the Education Team which supports the children’s Sunday School Program. I have been a member of the Galilean Church for over 35 years. My children and grandchildren are growing up in this church. “ The people of this church are my family, inside and outside the walls of this building.”
Adam Neighbors, Treasurer
As Treasurer, I am responsible for the safe keeping and proper disbursement of all money belonging to the congregation. I provide monthly financial reports to the Church Council, supervise the budget and budget preparation, and provide any additional financial reports as necessary throughout the year. I also maintains all applicable congregational insurance policies, and serves as a liaison between the Property Committee and the Church Council.
Maria Jacobs, Financial Secretary
I serve as Financial Secretary and Chairperson of the Fellowship and Outreach Team at the Galilean. The Galilean is a place where everyone is accepted and encouraged to share their talents as we reach out to those in need within the community.
We enjoy providing school supplies to students in need, food donations for St. John Ministry of Care and our annual Trunk or Treat activity which is the largest of its kind in the area. We also assist with seasonal events at the schools we support by adopting a needy family at Christmas as well as supporting the Positive Behavioral Incentive Program at Emily Watkins School.
We have Fellowship events throughout the year for children and adults to come together and share Great Food and Fun!
Being Chair of the Fellowship and Outreach Team allows me to meet new people within the community and reach out to help those in need. Jesus asked that we provide compassion and support to everyone in need and everyone at the Galilean is engaged in that ministry!
Arlene Hicks, Council Member
I was born in Reading, PA and lived in that area until I was 12. My family then moved to Denver, CO. I graduated from Aurora Central High School. I met and married my husband Danny in 1966. A year later we moved to the New Orleans area and have lived here ever since.
I retired from Shell Chemical in 2003. Danny and I had two children – one of which is deceased – two grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. We have been married for 53 years and counting. We have been members of the Galilean since 1987. In addition to service on the council and several ministry teams, I also sing in the Galilean Choir.
Wanda Lobell, Council Member
More than 25 years ago, my husband of 29 years, Buddy, and I walked into the Galilean and immediately felt welcomed by this wonderfully warm congregation, which soon became part of our extended family. Besides now being a council member, I am currently a choir member and serve on other ministry teams. I am the proud mother of three children, five grandchildren, a step daughter, and two step grandchildren. Currently a resident of St. James Parish, a retired teacher of 33 years, Buddy and I enjoy traveling every chance we get.