Eastgate Christian Church
Rick Harting began as our pastor in November 2021. Although this is Rick's second career, he grew up in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) tradition. Rick previously services two churches in Corydon, Indiana so he is well-versed in attending to the needs of two churches. His sermons are rich and Bible-based, but with a hint of humor that makes you . . . wait for it.
Rick has been married for 25 years to Rachel. They have two children, Jeremy (married to Areli) and Carissa. They have one granddaughter, Sophia.
We welcome Rick and his family to our church family with open arms.
Rev. Rick Harting, Pastor
Donna Opel, Director of Music
Donna (Russell) Opel, who grew up in Centenary Christian Church, was immersed in an intense and highly respected music education at an early age. She studied under her father who was a long-time director of music in churches and the public school system, most notably Tech High School.
Donna accepted the position as Director of Music at Eastgate Christian Church in 1992.
With her musical knowledge, passion, and keen intuition, she has established a wonderful program of a dedicated adult choir and excellent accompanists. As she truly sings from the heart, and chooses all the music here at Eastgate by that criteria, the listeners and participants are gifted with blessings.
Lola Wolfe, Keyboardist
Lola Wolfe, our keyboardist, has studied and felt dedicated to music ministry from an early age. "From birth I listened to my mother play piano in a church orchestra and sang my first solo on the church radio program at age 5," says Lola.
A graduate of Indiana University and Christian Theological Seminary, Lola is a private piano/voice teacher and has been a music minister in several denominations. Although ordained by the American Baptist Churches, her heart affiliation has long been with Disciples of Christ, so Eastgate CC has felt like "coming home".
Lola's adult sons, Allen and Ryan, have populated her life with girls, three granddaughters and a great-granddaughter. Fridays are “Nana Day” and sleepovers are common.
