Helen Sawyer

Helen Sawyer is originally from the UK, she has lived in the States for 25 years. She has run many small groups over that time, and has been a part of small groups at Grace for the last 6 years. She has led campaign small groups with her husband Simon, and small groups focused on prayer. Helen and Simon are currently leading and teaching "Second Half Strong", a small group for the 50+ age group which focuses on making the most of the second half of your life for the Glory of God. Helen's main passion for small groups is to see people learning, growing and doing something new with the Lord.

Simon Sawyer

Simon Sawyer is originally from the UK, and has lived in the US for over 25 years. He and his wife, Helen, first joined Grace Church in 2005 when they moved to Chapel Hill from New York. Simon has led and co-led numerous small groups over the last 6 years including creating and leading “Second Half Strong”, a small group for the over-50s, particularly those approaching retirement. Simon worked in software engineering within investment banks for many years. Now semi-retired, he has his own tax business and enjoys family, traveling, triathlons and long-distance running.

Lisa Oechsli

Lisa Oechsli has been a long-standing member of Grace Church since 1988! Over the years she has served in several leadership capacities such as small group leader, Step 3 group leader, women's mentoring, women's development group leader, and prayer team coordinator. Lisa has a heart for supporting women and encouraging them to grow in their relationship with Jesus and with others, but also for helping them find a place in their spiritual family to get connected and flourish using their God-given giftings and strengths. Lisa also enjoys reading, gardening, and using her administrative skills by helping her husband Bernie manage his company, plus doing part time work for a realtor and a contractor. She and Bernie have four young adult kids who are all active in serving Grace Church as well.

Elizabeth Dawson

Elizabeth Dawson came to Grace Church in 2006 with her husband, Pastor Adam Dawson, after getting married and being called to move to NC. She has been a steady part of the community ever since: she has served as a small group leader, Step 3 leader, Freedom Groups ministry team, Women’s Development Group leader, and a volunteer with both Grace Kids and Grace Students. With degrees in philosophy and math, Elizabeth loves bringing depth and clarity to all of her endeavors. She runs two small businesses—one as a postpartum doula supporting new moms, and another managing the cleaning of medical facilities. She is passionate about encouraging women as they grow spiritually and emotionally, helping them discover their purpose, and walking with people through seasons of grief or pain with compassion and hope. She also finds deep meaning in caring for her own family—supporting her husband's calling and raising her children with intention so they can grow into the fullness of who God created them to be. As a mom of six and a former homeschooler of ten years, Elizabeth has learned to find peace and joy in the midst of work and chaos. When she isn’t serving at Grace, working or running her household, you can find her enjoying coffee, foreign films, travel, and dry humor—or periodically dominating competitive jigsaw puzzles. Above all, she delights in fostering moments where people feel seen, encouraged, and invited to grow into the fullness of who God created them to be