Getting to know Mel Neville

Most of our church family knows Mel Neville and his wife Eileen, who have dedicated their time and their love to RB Community for many years. Mel and Eileen grew up in southeastern Ohio, and are proud of their three children and four grandchildren. They first came to California in 1979 so Mel could work as a research scientist at Beckman Instruments, where he grew microorganisms and formulated reagents for blood testing. Mel received his doctorate in microbiology at Iowa State University and then taught at Illinois State University. His professional career included jr. high school science teacher, college professor, research scientist, and several management positions. After a brief time back in Ohio, they returned to California in 1989 and have lived in RB ever since. Although Mel is a familiar figure at church, it is without a doubt many of us may not know all that Mel has been involved in during those years at RB Community. One marvels at how God’s wisdom can guide a teacher and research scientist now to serve our church in human resources and finances. During his 30-year corporate management career he learned about managing human resources and financial responsibilities at various levels. When he came to RB Community, Mel was willing to offer those skills to God to do the same for our congregation. Mel gives God the glory for all the opportunities in which he has been able to serve our church family. He says his God is an awesome God, and he finds Him everywhere. He feels God is particularly close when he serves Communion, in the friendships he has made, Life Groups in which he has participated and led, as a Ruling Elder for two terms, as a Deacon for two terms, and as a member of the Interim PNC that brought Geoff to us. He sees his role as a spiritual leader of our church family to be one of servant leadership: be present to see the needs of others and act upon them. After all the years of committee meetings, Mel still likes to listen carefully and learn from others. He is always available to hear what he might do better as an Elder. Mel would agree that he has been greatly blessed by his gracious God who has led him to be a blessing to our church .