STRATEGIC PLANNING COUNCIL

The Strategic Planning Council (SPC) is the elected leadership body of the church also known as the Church Council.  The SPC provides oversight and governance for our ministry, along with the Senior Pastor, by discerning and setting the vision and direction for Hope of who God is calling us to be, and what God is calling us to do as his church.  If you have any questions, comments or feedback of any kind, please click the button below and complete the form.


Contact SPC

  • AMY FINLEY

    PRESIDENT

    I was born and raised in Michigan and have been in Metro Detroit since 2001. I have a BA from MSU, Master’s from EMU, and Ph.D. from MSU. Currently, I serve as the Dean of Students at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where I’ve worked since 2003. I’ve been married to my wonderful husband and amazing partner Evan since 2013, and we are proud parents to a beautiful little boy named Ethan.

  • Kelley Parish Photo

    BOB BENEDICT

    DIRECTOR OF LEADERSHIP

    I was raised in Connecticut, graduated from Carnegie-Mellon University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, then moved to Michigan where I worked at General Motors for nearly 39 years. During my GM career I held various roles within Product Engineering, retiring in the summer of 2023. My wife Chris and I moved to Northville in 1999 and have been members at Hope since about 2000, and have joyously served in Hope’s music, educational and service ministries. I’m also fortunate to have previously served on the SPC. Our 2 adult sons (Nate, Caleb) were raised with all the wonderful youth programs at Hope. I currently work with Chris at Coldwell Banker Real Estate–Northville covering the nearby 5 county area.

  • Dirk Beamer Photo

    DIRK BEAMER

    DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

    I am a native Buckeye who traveled across the border to attend law school at the University of Michigan. My wife Jessica and I live in downtown Farmington and have attended Hope Lutheran Church since 1996. Our three adult children (Langston, Lawrence, and Anika Jane) were baptized and confirmed at Hope.  I’ve enjoyed being active in worship and music ministry, youth ministry, and leadership positions. In my spare time, I serve as the managing partner of Wright Beamer, PLC, and practice business and employment law.

  • Matt Tunnard Photo

    MATT TUNNARD

    DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES

    Matt Tunnard lives in Novi with his wife Joyce.  His claim to fame at Hope was as Firefighter #2 with Wally Bishop in the play. Matt is a Professional Engineer who works at University of Michigan as a construction Senior Project Manager and has spent 30 years in facility management and construction.

  • Rachel Taylor Photo

    RACHEL TAYLOR

    AT LARGE

    I grew up in Southeast Michigan and was raised in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. After graduating from Eastern Michigan University, I moved around for about 10 years, only to find myself back in Southeast Michigan. I am a Litigation Paralegal focusing my work on Transportation Law. My husband Michael and I have been members at Hope since 2017. We live in Farmington Hills with our daughter, Lucy, and son, Logan.

  • Wally Bishop Photo

    WALLY BISHOP

    AT LARGE

     ​Wally and Cindy have been members of Hope Lutheran Church since 2015. We have three children: Wallace A. Bishop III, Kyle F. Bishop, and Brittany A. Caron. Also we are blessed with four grandchildren. Wally has formally served on the Strategic Planning Council as Facilities Director. Wally is also the Lead Usher, member of the Worship Space Team, and Community Service Team. He is a former Firefighter and current Plant Manager for Reinhart Industries. He has been a resident of the city of Novi for 43 years. 

  • Christine Mwanyika Photo

    CHRISTINE MWANYIKA

    AT LARGE

    I was born and raised in Africa - Tanzania and Kenya. I have been a Lutheran all my life.  I moved to the US in 1996 to go to college and I have been here since! Michigan is the only State I have lived in.  I have an adult son who lives on the west side of the state.  I have a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Phoenix University and a master’s degree in computer information systems from Grand Valley State University. I joined Hope in February of 2020.  I work at Accenture LLP as the technology consulting manager. 

  • Tuesday Williams Photo

    TUESDAY WILLIAMS

    RECORDING SECRETARY

    My husband, Larry, and I joined Hope in 2016 and we live in South Lyon.  We have two very active children; Trey, our 14 year old son and Jordyn, our 11 year old daughter.  They are excited to be starting high school and middle school this year.  I moved to Michigan in 1998 from Minnesota and attended Michigan State University to attain my Bachelor's Degree in education.  I went on to attend Eastern Michigan University to attain my Master's Degree in school counseling.  I am entering my 20th year at Thurston High School in South Redford as a high school counselor.