MEET The Gierach Family

Korey Gierach began attending Vineyard Church in 2015 with her two sons, Graham and Kole, who are now 14 and 10. At the time, she was going through a divorce, and although she had attended church regularly since childhood, she “felt completely lost” in her relationship with God. She said, “I remember crying in my seat the first few months visiting Vineyard.” Because she felt welcomed and at home at Vineyard, Korey continued to attend services. And in time, through Pastor Pat’s and Adam’s messages, she found hope, peace and comfort. “I learned my true worth was only found in what God says about me,” she said. “It wasn’t until my divorce that I found a deeper relationship with Christ, discovered who I truly am and what my gifts are.”

Korey and her sons continue to be active members of the church. Korey co-leads the Vineyard Youth Group; Graham greets worship attendees through the Vineyard Welcome Committee; and the family serves at Ozaukee Food Alliance. Korey also volunteers in the wider community as a co-facilitator of a local support group for parents of children with special needs; as a committee member of the Wisconsin County Community on Transition, which aids special education students transitioning from high school; and as an event volunteer at Balance, a nonprofit supporting the special needs community in Ozaukee County.

Because Graham has an intellectual disability and also an autoimmune disease called alopecia, the Gierach family is committed to raising both awareness of and funds for these conditions. Korey has even grown out her hair to donate to the Children with Hair Loss organization five times over the course of Graham’s life.

In addition to their volunteer work, Korey and her sons keep busy with hobbies and travel. Graham participates in equine therapy once a week and plays on a special needs baseball team during the summer. Kole enjoys fishing, basketball and solving his Rubik’s cube. The Gierach family also likes to camp, play miniature golf, visit museums, go to movies, attend hockey and baseball games, and check out local festivals. They regularly travel to Wisconsin Dells and Door County, as well as to the Minnesota State Fair to see extended family. A few years ago, they hiked in the Great Smoky Mountains, and they have also traveled to Disney World six times.

During difficult times, the family often states the motto, “Choose joy!” Korey said it helps them remember that “there is joy beyond the circumstance.” For Korey, who found a deeper faith in the midst of hardship, that sentiment has proven to be true. She said, “In the 10 years since joining Vineyard, my relationship with Jesus has strengthened more than I could ever have dreamed, and I found meaningful friendships. I am so thankful for the Vineyard Community that focuses purely on love and healing.”

- written by Krista Maxwell

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Reach out to Cherie or send an email to cherie@vineyardchurch.co