Thank you, Sean Noe
Sean and Arricka with teens in Kennedy Park.
It’s with a mix of sadness and thankfulness that I share the news that Sean Noe has resigned as Program Manager at our Portland site. Sean’s last day with us will be May 15th, as he is pursuing some new projects with his family.
In 2014, we added a long time volunteer to our team in Portland. Sean Noe had served faithfully for several years in our teen center, after school programs and was a regular at Thursday Night Community Dinners. His heart for Jesus and the community was evident, investing in relationships with anyone he met - including another volunteer named Arricka, the future Mrs. Noe. Sean became the Program Coordinator overseeing the same programs in which he volunteered. Sean faithfully served under several leadership changes, ultimately taking the helm of the team in 2021 as the Program Manager.
He cared for each employee that has reported to him with unique dedication, selflessness and thoughtfulness. Through each uncertain bump in the road, Sean was there - faithfully serving, taking on additional roles when needed, learning on the fly and filling any needed position. He has been integral in the revival of ministry that we have experienced in Portland, guiding new employees and volunteers as well as supporting a growing list of community partners. He leaves us in as stronger place than when he took the lead, with a team ready for the next season of ministry. His addition to the team in 2014 has proven to be an incredible blessing to so many - myself included.
Sean and the Kids in KP
His employment with The Root Cellar has only been a small part of how he follows the teaching of Jesus to “love your neighbor.” Sean has always been “all-in” when it comes to the Bayside and Kennedy Park neighborhoods. He and his wife Arricka own a home in the neighborhood, raising their growing family and seeking to serve their neighbors in creative ways. This authentic and faithful approach to life and work has become part of the culture of this place one the last 10 years. It’s not a surprise that when any neighbor drops by - an older adult, a teen or a child - they are almost always looking for Sean. He’s well loved and respected among all of our community.
Sean and Mustafa
On a personal note, it has been a genuine honor to work alongside him in these recent years. Sean and I have grown up together in some ways one the last 10 years, serving the same mission in our day jobs. I have admired his approach and dedication to following Jesus, shown in how he cares for his neighbor, but even more so in his love for his family. His dependability and faithfulness is rare these days. Sean has embodied what it means to, “love God and love your neighbor.” The organizational values of Welcoming, Fostering Interdependence, Compassion, Shalom and God’s Kingdom could easily be observed if you spend any time with him.
He’s left a mark on this place, on our team and his neighbors. I have no doubt that blessing will continue on, well past his employment with us.
We have scheduled an Open House for Sean on Thursday, May 9th from 3-5pm at The Root Cellar in Portland. We’d love for you to stop by and congratulate Sean on a job well done, share a story or drop off a card.
If you can’t make it, feel free to fill up his inbox at Sean@therootcellar.org and let him know how he’s blessed you (feel free to CC me at joel@therootcellar.org). You can also leave a comment on this post.
I will share soon about how we hope to fill his position, so check back and consider if you or someone you know may be interested in leading the next chapter of our ministry in Portland.
