Relationships are fundamental in life; all life is connected. At the same time, conflict is natural. We have different perspectives, experiences and interests. Resolving conflicts and maintaining healthy relationships are a challenge in living. Recognizing these realities and responding to the need, the people of the Lacey Community Church, a dually aligned congregation of the Northwest Regional Christian Church, partner with the Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County to help provide mediation services for people of our larger community.

Mediation in this context is an empowering process. Trained mediators facilitate conversations between people in conflict helping them to name critical issues, develop creative solutions and form effective agreements. Not all mediations are successful, but far more often, they provide mutually satisfying results that defuse tensions and enhance relationships.

The major contribution of the LCC congregation is providing use of our building for extensive mediator training and mediation sessions. Sharing our building is a way to encourage ministry that meets a need and makes life better for our neighbors. In the process, several members of the congregation have become mediators and all have gained insights about reconciling differences.

Lance served as NBA President from 1982 to 1996, succeeding William T. Gibble upon his retirement. By 1988, Lance had led the NBA to be recognized by The Non-Profit Times as one of the top charities in the United States. In his 14 years as NBA President, he led NBA growth from 42 to 82 care-giving facilities across the United States, and assets increased from $78 million to $305 million.

"Rick was not a corner-office president," said Leon Whitney, former NBA CFO during Lance's tenure. "He cared about the people we were serving, as well as the local and nationwide staff who were helping him get the job done. He made us dream big, then plan big. He stretched us and made us grow." Read more