Jay Held - Senior Pastor
jayheld@wapatovalley.org

We have been married since 1988. We love the outdoors and are thankful we get to experience this in Oregon! We love that we get to be a part of Wapato Valley Church as we help people find and follow Jesus.

Rob Dixon - Elder
rdixon@wapatovalley.org

We joined Wapato in 2006 and have always appreciated the authenticity of the church family at Wapato as well as the willingness to learn, change, and grow. We served as part of the Elder Team from 2007 to 2021 and are excited to be back on the Elder Team again now. We both “retired” June 2018 and are as busy as ever with married children, grandchildren, managing small timber wood lots, and more time available to engage the community and serve within the local church. 

Greg Fordyce - Elder
gfordyce@wapatovalley.org

We love our Wapato family! The relationships developed through the years have enriched our lives. God blesses us as we serve the community together. Our children are now parents serving God in various capacities. Being a Papa and Gramma are the best gifts! This side of Heaven we strive to finish the race set before us with thanksgiving for God’s goodness to us all, loving well and living obediently as a disciple of Jesus. We are not capable to achieve this on our own, only by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Director of Operations
lfordyce@wapatovalley.org

I have lived in Gaston and loved being a part of this community since 6th grade.  I married my high school sweetheart, Casey, in 2007, and we are raising our three kids here.  I have a passion for connecting people and serving those around me - through our Wapato family, Gaston Elementary School, and youth sports.  

Director of Worship
kworst@wapatovalley.org

I want people to have the hope of Jesus and to work to take care of one another in our community and in our world. As our worship director, my goal each week is to prepare us to respond to the presence of God and his work in our lives through corporate singing and prayer. My encouragement to our worship team is to prepare, sing, and play with this in mind:  "Whatever task you must do, work as if your soul depends on it, as for the Lord and not for humans." Colossians 3:23. 

Lastly, I am grateful to be a wife and mother who loves animals and has the awesome job of being a school counselor!

Director of Children's Ministries
bclark@wapatovalley.org

I enjoy cheering for my three boys during basketball and baseball games. I love to volunteer at the Elementary School, be in the garden and working outside with my husband, Nic. I've been involved in Children's Ministry for 11 years.