The Building Committee
This project is led by a dedicated Building Committee, overseeing the project from initial planning through completion. The committee is co-chaired by Jennifer Appleby and Pastor Michelle Chappell. They are supported by a leadership team composed of subcommittee chairs, each leading specific aspects of the project.
Each subcommittee is staffed with Dilworth Church liaisons to ensure alignment with the overall project goals. For a detailed roster of committee chairs, members, staff liaisons, and subcommittee responsibilities, please refer to the detailed committee structure slides available for review. This structure ensures comprehensive oversight and coordination across all facets of the project, from architectural design and construction to fundraising and communications.
JENNIFER APPLEBY, BUILDING COMMITTEE CHAIR
Jennifer brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the church’s history. With more than 20 years of dedicated membership, Jennifer was initially drawn to Dilworth by the welcoming and kind nature of the congregation, which made her feel at home.
Jennifer has played a pivotal role in shaping the church’s future, having led both the Vision initiative and the 125th Anniversary celebration. These significant efforts initiated the current chapel renovation project, providing her with a unique perspective on the church’s heritage and the efforts that have shaped its present and future.
She is passionate about the renovation project, viewing it as a crucial opportunity to expand Dilworth’s mission and create a dynamic, flexible space that can better serve the evolving needs of the church and its community. Jennifer believes this project will infuse new energy and excitement into the historic campus, envisioning a future where the renovated space will be a hub of activity and inspiration for generations to come.
What excites Jennifer most is the potential to welcome more people into the church and the community, fostering an environment where everyone feels included and valued. She emphasizes that this project is a collective effort, requiring the involvement and support of the entire congregation. Jennifer sees this as a moment for current members to plant seeds for the future, just as past generations have done.
In her role, Jennifer is committed to ensuring the success of the renovation, believing that together, the church can achieve something truly remarkable.
JAIME ROBINSON, ARCHITECTURE + CONSTRUCTION CO-CHAIR
Jaime brings more than 20 years of experience in the local engineering and public infrastructure industry to her co-chair role on the Architecture + Construction Committee. Throughout her career, she focused on projects that benefit the community, and she’s excited to apply this experience to Dilworth Church’s campus.
As a church member of 23 years, Jaime was initially drawn to the church by Pastor Verinita, who preached in Birkenstocks, making her feel at home. The blend of traditional music, friendly faces, and a shared value of community solidified her decision to join.
Jaime is inspired by the opportunity to reimagine and refresh the Terry Chapel, believing it will strengthen connections within the congregation and the broader community. She is particularly excited about how the reimagined space will complement the existing beautiful areas on the campus, generating community interest and attracting more people to the church.
For Jaime, the most rewarding aspect of the project so far has been seeing how it has united church members around a shared goal. She is enthusiastic about making Dilworth Church even more welcoming, and providing more opportunities for both members and the community to enjoy and utilize the church’s beautiful campus for the glory of God. Her dedication and experience make her a valuable leader in this transformative endeavor.
GREG SNELSON, ARCHITECTURE + CONSTRUCTION CO-CHAIR
With a 15-year career as an IT project manager and extensive service on various church committees, including a recent term as Chair of Trustees, Greg Snelson brings a wide range of experience and skills to his role as co-chair of the Architecture + Construction Committee.
Greg and his family have been members of Dilworth Church for nearly 20 years, joining shortly after the birth of their son, Jake. The warm welcome they received from Gwen Cook on their first visit made the church immediately feel like home. Remarkably, Greg now serves alongside Gwen on the same subcommittee, underscoring the lasting connections they’ve made within the congregation.
The chapel renovation project is particularly inspiring to Greg due to the enthusiastic input from many members about the vision for the renovation. He is motivated by the challenge of working within the limited building options on the campus and the potential to modernize the building to better serve the congregation and the wider community.
What excites Greg most about the project is the opportunity to transform the chapel into a modern, functional space that enhances the church’s ability to serve its members and the community. He looks forward to diving into the project and exploring the creative possibilities that lie ahead.
Greg points out that Dilworth Church has a strong tradition of adapting to meet the needs of its community, a spirit that inspired the original construction of the chapel and the Dilworth Child Development Center. He is excited to carry on this tradition, helping to create a space that will benefit future generations.
AMY ALENKY, PROGRAM + MINISTRY CHAIR
Amy’s experience as a former teacher is highly relevant to the Program + Ministry committee. Amy has been a member of Dilworth for 12 years, initially drawn by the church’s welcoming atmosphere and the intimate community feel of the early service. She found Pastor Ben Devoid’s sermons particularly engaging, which solidified her connection to the church.
In her role, Amy leverages her creativity and collaborative spirit to plan a variety of enriching experiences for the congregation. She enjoys brainstorming and working with her committee, which comprises individuals with diverse talents and backgrounds.
The chapel holds a special place in Amy’s heart, as it was the setting of the early services she and her family attended for their first several years at Dilworth. These experiences formed the foundation of her connection to the church. Amy is inspired by the building project, seeing it as an opportunity to foster the same sense of community and engagement that initially drew her in. She believes the renovated chapel has the potential to attract new members and enhance the community’s overall experience.
Amy is excited about the possibilities the renovation brings for community engagement. She envisions the renovated building becoming a vibrant space that serves the needs of the current congregation, future members, and the broader community. Amy is confident in the dedicated group of individuals working on the project, and believes their efforts will maximize the building’s potential, creating a welcoming environment for all.
RYAN MILLS, DESIGN, FURNISHING + TECH CHAIR
Since joining Dilworth Church in 2016 with his wife, Tarah Coleman, Ryan Mills has been an active and dedicated member. He was drawn into the church by the warmth and friendship he and Tarah immediately found within the congregation, particularly from Sallie Anna’s welcoming spirit.
Ryan brings deep and relevant experience to his role, both from his time at Dilworth and his professional career. He previously served four years on the Board of Trustees, where he was directly tasked with stewarding the church campus. This role allowed him to deeply understand the importance of maintaining and enhancing church facilities. Professionally, Ryan has worked in the paint and coatings industry for more than 16 years in various roles across several states. His current position as an Account Representative in the Charlotte market involves direct interaction with commercial construction and renovation projects, making him well-suited to oversee the renovation of Terry Chapel.
Ryan’s inspiration for the building project is rooted in practicality. Having witnessed the chapel fall into disrepair, he feels a strong responsibility to restore it, just as he would with his own home. He is excited about the opportunity to reimagine the space into a multi-use facility that will better connect to the main body of the church, making it more inviting and accessible for members and guests.
Ryan is enthusiastic about collaborating with the creative minds at Dilworth to fully realize the vision for this new space. He believes the renovated space will bring endless possibilities to the church campus, enhancing its functionality and appeal for future generations.
ARTHUR NOLL, FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR
Arthur’s experience in management consulting and corporate strategy makes him a natural fit for his position on the Building Committee. A member of Dilworth for 13 years, Arthur was initially drawn to the church by its welcoming atmosphere and charming community vibe, which beautifully blended with Christian scripture.
In his role as Finance Committee Chair, Arthur leverages his professional background to assess the financial viability of the building renovation plans. His expertise helps the team monitor and build safeguards around potential risks, helping ensure the project is financially sound and sustainable.
Arthur is inspired by the opportunity to leave a positive imprint on such a historic community site. He views the renovation as a chance to enhance the church’s legacy and contribute to its ongoing mission. The project excites him because he believes a successful build-out will act as a multiplier for the existing ministries, services, and membership of the church, amplifying its impact on the community.
With Arthur’s strategic insight and dedication, the Finance Committee is well-equipped to navigate the financial aspects of the renovation, ensuring the project’s success and sustainability for future generations.
CRIS ARESKOG, CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
Since joining the church in 2014, Cris has been an active and enthusiastic member. The welcoming spirit of Ms. Frances and Mr. Parlier, who greeted Cris and his wife, Andrea, during their first visit, made Dilworth immediately feel like home.
In his role, Cris aims to drive the rejuvenation of Terry Chapel, invigorating the church and bringing more people to Christ. His dedication to this project is fueled by his own experiences attending early services in the chapel, where he felt the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit. The opportunity to see the building revitalized and once again, as a center of worship and community engagement, is a key inspiration for his involvement.
Cris is excited about the potential outcomes of the project, particularly the opportunity to grow the church family and utilize the gifts the Lord has blessed us with. He believes a successful renovation will not only enhance the physical space, but also expand the church’s outreach and impact within the Charlotte community.
Cris encourages the congregation to share thoughts, ideas, and prayers with the committee. He emphasizes that the project is a collective effort aimed at praising God and sharing the grace of Jesus Christ. Cris wants every member to feel included in Dilworth’s vision and outreach, ensuring the renovation reflects the hopes and aspirations of the entire church family.
ANDREA ARESKOG, CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
With over a decade of membership, Andrea Areskog’s deep love for the church drives her commitment to this project. From the moment she and her husband Cris first visited Dilworth, they felt warmly welcomed and encouraged to return. The church has become their extended family, and she values their multi-generational relationships that offer the opportunity to learn from the Dilworth saints who came before them.
In her professional life, Andrea is a leader at Novant Health, where she excels in interviewing and selecting partners, creating business plans, and connecting strategic vision to actionable plans. These skills are directly relevant to the tasks needed for the Capital Campaign, and Andrea hopes to leverage her experience to help others see how the project can be personally meaningful to them.
Andrea is inspired by the opportunity to renovate the chapel, which she believes will create more space for current members to worship and learn about God, while also serving the wider community. She is excited about the potential to showcase Dilworth’s hospitality throughout the week, not just on Sundays.
But what excites Andrea most about the project is not just the prospect of a beautiful new space, but the potential for faith development within the church. She prays that the project’s vision evolves into one the entire congregation feels ownership of, and that the financial component of giving will enhance their faith journey. Although the project goals might seem lofty in this early stage, Andrea trusts God will guide us on the right path.
She wants the congregation to know that the committee has researched how other churches have approached similar building projects, and has leaned on the experiences of others as examples. Andrea’s leadership and dedication are instrumental in steering the Capital Campaign toward a successful and spiritually enriching outcome.
MEGAN BURTON, COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR
Megan leverages her passion for community building and effective communication to chair the Communications Committee. A member of Dilworth for about 13 years, Megan was initially drawn to the church by its strong sense of community, reminiscent of the deep connections she experienced in her childhood church. She wanted her own children to grow up with the same sense of belonging, and to feel that connection again herself.
In her role, Megan sees the Communications Committee as a vital link that connects the efforts of all subcommittees, the congregation, and the wider community. Her goal is to ensure that every church member feels informed and continuously invited to participate, share ideas, express concerns, and ask questions.
Megan is particularly inspired by the project because it aligns with her personal value of making the most out of what we have. She views the Terry Chapel as a beautiful, historic building with immense potential. By reimagining it, the church can give it new purpose and expand its programming and offerings to the community.
One exciting outcome Megan sees is the opportunity to innovate on what it means to create connection and community in today’s world. Recognizing how family lives and schedules have changed, she envisions new and diverse methods of fellowship in the space that go beyond traditional Sunday services.
Megan emphasizes that this dream has been building for several years, and expresses her excitement about kicking off the project in earnest. She encourages everyone to stay engaged and involved as the church embarks on this transformative journey.
MATTHEW SINK, CONFERENCE LIAISON
Matthew serves as the Conference Liaison at Dilworth Church, leveraging his experience and extensive network from participating on the Jurisdictional Conference delegation. His role focuses on cultivating relationships across the conference to support the church’s initiatives, alongside applying his strong problem-solving skills to assist in various project aspects. He also serves on the board of the United Methodist Foundation and will be able to leverage his relationships from the Foundation to help move the project forward.
A member of Dilworth Church for six years, Matthew was initially drawn by the welcoming community atmosphere. This sense of belonging inspired his decision to join and actively engage in church life. Additionally, Matthew has been the chair of the Endowment Committee for the past four years, where he has provided strategic leadership and financial oversight.
Matthew finds profound inspiration in the chapel renovation project, viewing it as an opportunity to create enduring benefits for the church community over the years. He is particularly enthusiastic about the project’s potential outcomes, seeing it as a catalyst for new opportunities that will enrich not only the church but also the surrounding community.
He encourages the congregation to acknowledge the challenges ahead, but remains steadfast in his belief that with God’s guidance, all obstacles can be overcome. Matthew’s dedication to fostering positive change and his collaborative approach make him an invaluable asset to the church’s renovation endeavors.