Bruce Chapin has served as Labish Church’s head trustee since 2014. He grew up in a Christian home. After graduating from OSU he married Velan and became a full time Orchardist. They have four adult married children. Their son and son-in-law work with them in the family business raising cherries and hazelnuts (called “filberts” by us old Oregonians). It is Bruce’s desire to see people become equipped to build better relationships with God, their families and all they meet.

“No words can describe the way Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit alive in me, profoundly changes my life day by day.  (In a very good way!)  What a privilege to serve Him as a pastor. Sheila and I have been married over 20 years, each passing year growing deeper in love and honor for each other.  We are blessed to be the parents of Korey, Kasey, and Gabriel, three fabulous sons."   

Velan has been a member of the Pastor Parish Committee since 2009 and church treasurer since 2012. She grew up in a Christian home, was baptized and confirmed as a child. Her steepest spiritual growth began in 2011 when she began meeting weekly with the Pastor Parish group for spiritual study and to pray for the congregation. Velan and her husband have been farming since they got married in 1973. They have four children and soon will have 20 grandchildren. It is Velan's desire to see others experience the joy of spiritual growth.