Hi, I'm RickyB! As a native Kansan, I moved to the desert in the Fall of 2019 and soon began attending Hope Palm Springs, now River of Hope. Loving the passion of our developing congregation, I joined the Launch Team in 2020. In addition to taking notes during meetings, I am leading the Worship team.

Formerly, I was the Choir Director/Accompanist at Our Savior's Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Topeka. In addition to my musical responsibilities, I also served on their Worship Committee, planning services and themes for the liturgical seasons.

I have been a Christian for as long as I can remember. I was brought up in the Catholic church but became a Lutheran in my mid-20’s. I raised my six children in the church. I love being an active part of River of Hope. ROH is made up of caring, loving, supportive, accepting people. I am living my best life in this church community.

At church, I enjoy coordinating our fellowship events and keeping us well fed. Feel free to contact me at 760-272-7545.

Hello, I am from Minneapolis, where most of my family lives, including my 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren. I'm able to see them quite often as I am still working on a monthly basis. I love being here in Palm Springs all of the other time. I'm excited to be serving on council at this time in the young life of River of Hope. We are poised to continue growing and offering an important worship and service community to Palm Springs and beyond. I have served on church council and as congregation president in other churches. I am grateful to bring what I learned in those previous settings to this exciting, and at times challenging, setting we find ourselves in today. I look forward to the months and years ahead to see what God has in store for us as we seek to do God's will for the sake of our neighbor in this place—and beyond.

Hi, I'm Corley!

My husband, Jason, and I recently moved here from the Toledo, Ohio area where we were members of St. Lucas Lutheran Church. I was a member there for over twenty-five years and served on church council for many years and as council president for nine years. I’ve also been a church elder, weekly offering recorder, and chair of a committee to create the church vision statement, guiding principles, purpose statement and the affirmation of welcome. I look forward to serving as a member of church council here at River of Hope.

Hello, my name is Allan R. Holden. My husband, Marc, and I moved here in 2014, from San Francisco, where we were members of Many Journeys MCC. Prior to that we lived in Norfolk, VA, where we attended New Life MCC. I was a member there from 1996 until 2010 when we moved to San Francisco. I was on the New Life Board of Directors from 1997 until 2001 and again from 2008 until 2010. I was also a part of their Christian Education Ministry and their Choir. I look forward to serving as a member of church council here at River of Hope.

Hi, I'm John!

I was born in Fargo, North Dakota, lived in San Diego for 45 years and moved to Palm Desert in 2003.  

My first wife was a Lutheran pastor, Rev. Laurie Line. I remarried to Barbara Tilley in 2005. I have two grown children living in San Diego. I enjoy hiking,  playing golf, and playing with our our four cats.   
Contact information via text: 619-520-9431. My daughter, Rachel Line works for the Pacifica Synod and introduced me to Pastor Tim.  

Hello, I’m Paul Molinelli.  I was born and raised in the Chicagoland area and have made Chicago my home for nearly 40 years. In 2010 I purchased a small “getaway” condo here in Palm Springs and have grown to be very fond of The Desert. I am now mostly retired from simultaneous careers in Arts Administration (30 yrs) and Real Estate (25 yrs).  In my spare time I enjoy active endeavors (biking, hiking, Pickleball, yoga, gym, walking, exploring) as well as motorcycling and doodling around on the piano. And the older I get, the more I find I enjoy life’s simple pleasures. I 1st attended Hope Palm Springs / River of Hope in 2019 at the recommendation of my Chicago Pastor Craig Mueller. I have fond memories of attending Hope Palm Springs outdoors in Victoria Park during the Covid social-distancing era. My views during the service were stunning with Mt. San Jacinto in the background.

I am a preacher, teacher and minister to disadvantaged communities, in particular unhoused families and children, and those who suffer prejudice, abuse and violence for simply being who they are. As a Christian Minister, ordained in 1987, I’ve preached and taught at Protestant and Catholic Churches, offering mystical perspectives on scripture. As a Nonprofit Management Consultant, I have shaped the global strategies of humanitarian organizations, such as Save the Children. As a transgender woman, I was the first-ever trans Member of the Board of the Harvard Gay & Lesbian Caucus, where I led its evolution to the more inclusive Gender & Sexuality Caucus. While I have lived and worked in more than forty countries, I now live and work happily in Palm Springs, where I partner with River of Hope and others to improve lives.

Hi, my name is Erik Zellers. At 21ish, I escaped from the Missouri Synod Lutheran church with the help of a mysterious and handsome ballroom dance instructor and my trusty Mustang Mach I.  In what seemed like no time at all, I was loving church, clapping on 2&4, swaying, singing in the gospel choir at the Metropolitan Church of Christ, San Francisco, now confident God loves me.

It was there I met my beloved, Matthew, carpooling to a church retreat.  At the end of 2000, we moved to Palm Springs, and shortly later, I was forced onto disability by side effects of HIV.  I've exchanged the drama of the office for the drama of caring for a parrot, three cats, a dog, and Matt. Matt and I have been with Hope Palm Springs, now River of Hope, from almost the very beginning. The director of the Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus introduced me to Tim, for which I am very grateful.  Tim says we can shape the church, so I'm aiming for a hypercube, to blend my love of God with science. I'm currently working on our presence in the Pride Parade and Celebration.