Meet the Team: Ella Oh
Here on the Zine we wanted to introduce you to our CV Staff team. She has been around a while, and done a lot of different things, but get to know our Communities (hapori) pastor: Ella Oh.
If you had to describe yourself using only three emojis, what would they be?
My recently used emoji’s give an accurate idea of me:
😳 Because I often do awkward things
🤪 Because my life feels chaotic but still light and a bit silly
😭 Because since becoming a Mum I cry at the littlest things; beautiful and sad.
What’s your go-to coffee order, and where’s your favorite spot to grab one?
It’s not my every day, because sadly it’s not everywhere, but I’m partial to a Einspänner. First tried it in Korea and found Kompass Coffee on Kitchener Street makes a good one. Go try it :D
If Central Vineyard had a staff talent show, what would you perform?
I even find this question stressful to consider. Can I sub in Namu (my eldest son) for a mid-show interruption? He’s talented at that!
If you could have dinner with anyone — dead or alive — who would it be and why?
Eve. The OG wāhine. I would like to have a word about listening to that snake, but mainly to hear what it was like to walk with God in the garden.
What’s something quirky or unexpected about you that people might not know?
Guys, I’m an open book, I’ve got some quirks, but pretty sure they’re well on display. Not much hidden here.
What’s one thing about working in ministry that surprised you?
How sneaky God is. I came for Gratis, He used a foot-in-the-door technique, now I’ve stayed for nearly 6 years because He’s led me to love the Church in its entirety. It’s an honour to be here.
What’s a worship song or Bible verse that has been especially meaningful to you lately?
Exodus 34:6-7. I’ve been revisiting who God says He is. It’s pretty amazing to have experienced the truth of that, and to hope in who He will continue to be. I’ve found it very faith-building.
And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”
Tell us about a moment in your work here that made you think, “This is why I do what I do.”
In my Gratis era, it was when some people who we met on the street became part of the Gratis team. A merging of our two worlds, it was really beautiful and I hope for more of that for our community. In my Circles era, it has been seeing some of our Circles walk with their members through some really difficult situations and seasons. The love and care they show is amazing. Basically, any moment where you can see the forming of the alternative family that Jesus talked about, that stuff really floats my boat.
How can the Central Vineyard community be praying for you in this season?
Back to this emoji 🤪 my life is beautiful but full. Please pray I can almost divinely use my time wisely; to be with Jesus, to love my family well, to serve you all well. And, would you join me in praying for the lonely, disconnected ones in our church? That they find a place to be known, loved and welcomed into Jesus’ alternative family.