Staff
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Rev. Ruthanne Herrington
Interim Pastor
Dr. Lori Tate
Director of Spiritual
Formation
Lori coordinates spiritual formation opportunities at the church. Spiritual growth takes place over time in the context of community and we need each other for encouragement and “reality checks.” Serving others is also an integral part of our spiritual growth and journey.
Lori has helped people live the meaningful, rich life they desire by teaching them to listen and trust the Spirit's voice. She also provides spiritual formation teachings, retreats and Enneagram training. Lori is a spiritual director and an Accredited Professional Enneagram teacher.
Lori has a bachelor's degree in Art & Design from GVSU, as well as a MA in Christian Education from Asbury Theological Seminary. She later earned a Doctorate of Ministry in Spiritual Formation through the Graduate Theological Foundation via the Dominican Center of Marywood in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Email:
Wendy Treacher
Director of Music
Wendy Treacher grew up in Jackson’s 1st Presbyterian Church where she started singing in the Cherub Choir when she was in elementary school. She also started organ lessons here. She graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy and received a Bachelor’s degree in Choral Music Education from Eastern Michigan University.
While Wendy was the choir director at Northwest High School she also was the music director for these Jackson churches: Immanuel Lutheran Church (20 years),
Brookside United Methodist Church (10 years) and Jackson First Presbyterian Church. Wendy loves praising God through music with handbells, singing, piano and organ!
She has been the director of Jackson’s community choir, The Jackson Chorale, for sixteen years and also is active as an adjudicator for the Michigan School Vocal Music Association. She has also been on the Board of the American Choral Director’s Association-Michigan and Central Division. In 1993 she was elected Vocal Music Teacher of the Year for the State of Michigan.
Wendy was born in the upper peninsula and is a Yooper at heart! She loves to spend time in the upper peninsula at the family cottage with her husband, Randy, and their Pomeranians and is the happy Grandma of 2-year- old Anna Treacher!
Kait is currently a senior at Spring Arbor University studying to be a high school history teacher for a school in the Grand Rapids area. During her time teaching, she will be getting a masters degree at Oxford University and proceeding to Harvard for a doctorate in Medieval European History. Outside of academics, Kait love to travel and be outdoors with her friends and family. She has five sisters and two nephews, which she spends most of her time outside of work and school with. Kait loves iced coffee, is a cat person, and loves Jesus with all her heart!
Kait Meyers
Office Administrator
Melissa Curtis
Bookkeeper
SESSION
The Session is the group of active ruling elders, elected by the congregation, who make decisions for the running of the church and serve as spiritual leaders of the congregation.
Shelley Hirsch
Elder
I serve on the Care of Members Committee and am excited to learn how I can make a positive difference in our church family!
Other JFPC Involvement: I have enjoyed singing in choirs here at JFPC since I was 10 yrs old! We used to put on musicals and even took one on tour to Tampa one summer! (Fun fact: My boyfriend Scott Brewer and I met in youth group here and went on that trip together!) Recently I have enjoyed ringing with the hand bells! I am a soloist and occasionally sing for weddings and funerals.
Community Involvement: I volunteer with Love INC here in Jackson by helping people to obtain/renew their ID/drivers license. This has helped many to obtain jobs or housing which is very rewarding. I have prepped and served meals at the Interfaith Shelter with the youth group in the past. A couple of years ago, Scott and I performed in a benefit musical shows for the Autistic community in Jackson.
Hobbies/Activities: In my spare time I enjoy traveling, spending time on the lake and playing games/cards. Quality time is my love language and I live for time with family and friends!
I serve on the Mission Committee working to keep the congregation aware of opportunities to serve the Jackson community.
Other JFPC Involvement: I serve with the tech team to provide material on the projection screens during worship and stream the worship service to people who can’t join us in person for worship. I work with youth and children programs, usher and help with building care.
Community Involvement: I volunteer with Café Connection, Relay for Life and Jackson Pride Community.
Hobbies/Activities: Ask me about pollinator gardening.
Randy Herrick
Elder
I serve as the Clerk of Session.
Other JFPC Involvement: Scouting. I am the Charter Organizational Representative. I am also an usher.
Community Involvement: I am member of the State Employee Retirement Association, and the Ciritan Service Club.
Russ Jacobson
Elder
I lead the Worship, Music and Sacraments Committee. This committee sets policy for and oversees Worship services including the service of Holy Communion as well as the music for worship. This includes creating the schedules for lay Lectors and Communion Servers and coordinating pulpit supply for when the pastor is unavailable to preach.
Other JFPC Involvement: I serve as a sound tech and oversee the Church in the Park trailer used for outdoor worship services.
Community Involvement: I work with Center Stage Jackson, the local community theater group helping primarily with the Youth Theater program.
Hobbies/Activities: In my spare time I am involved with community theater, enjoy playing golf, and researching genealogy.
Doug Meyers
Elder
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I lead the Spiritual Formation Committee. This committee introduces new ideas, practices and experiences that will broaden and deepen the community's faith in Jesus.
Other JFPC Involvement: I also play in the handbell choir, attend worship, and help coordinate intergenerational events.
Community Involvement: I coordinate, serve as a liason and volunteer with the Northeast Elementary Library program. I also serve at the Cafe' Connection - a weekly free dining experience for the Jackson community - at the First Baptist Church downtown.
Hobbies/Activities: In my spare time I like to read and travel. I care for my granddaughter, lead a quilting club and participate in a book club.
Karen Meyers
Elder
I serve on the Marketing Committee for the church. Some people wince at the thought that we do marketing, but I see it as the opportunity to bring God’s word to people who are receptive and make them aware of a wonderful community where we are all finding ways to love and serve God , each other, and our neighbors in Jackson and beyond.
Other JFPC Involvement: I love music, so I sing in the adult choir and play in the Bell Choir. Occasionally I volunteer to prepare food and drink for coffee hour.
Community Involvement: I support a number of non-profits financially. I sing in the Jackson Chorale.
Hobbies/Activities: I knit and sew and love trying out new recipes for guests (Watch out!). Most of all, I love my daily walks with my pooch, a 10-year-old Wheaten Terrier mix.
Chris Prokos
Elder
Kurt Rudolph
Elder
I am the Chairman of the Finance & Stewardship Committee. The Committee seeks to be good stewards of the funds provided by current and past members of the Church. The Committee works with the other committees of the Church to assist with budgets, track finances, and meet the various needs of the Church. The Committee’s focus is on utilizing the resources given to the Church in a manner that matches the mission of the Church. We also operate as the landlord to the Hive building next door, which benefits the Mission of the Church through Samaritas’ work with adoption services, foster care, and child & family services.
Other JFPC Involvement: I enjoy doing property projects to keep our costs down as much as possible. These might include installing a drinking fountain, keeping up the Memorial Garden courtyard, and miscellaneous other projects.
Community Involvement: I serve on the board of the Grand River Environmental Action Team (GREAT) performing river clearing, clean-up, and helping lead paddles. I serve on the Summit Township Recreation Planning Committee and the Summit Township Zoning Board of Appeals. I am also the Treasurer of the Golf View Hills Neighborhood Association.
Hobbies/Activities: I enjoy birdwatching, cycling, kayaking, and hiking.
Randy Tate
Elder
I serve on the Finance Committee. The purpose of this committee is to prayerfully make decisions on how the church’s monies are to be allocated to the various needs of its property, its ministries, and its congregants.
Other JFPC Involvement: I enjoy being part of the Men's Breakfast Group on Saturdays.
Community Involvement: I am on the Advisory Board of Michigan Works! Southeast whose slogan is, “Creating Connections to a Better Future!” Michigan Works! Southeast seeks to understand and advocate for the needs of the Southeast Michigan region. Connecting individuals and organizations with helpful resources. Creating hope for a better future by providing examples of what is possible.
Hobbies/Activities: I play the guitar and enjoy listening to a variety of types and styles of music. I enjoy going to The Wharton Center and concerts at the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. I also enjoy spending time with my family, particularly at Lake Michigan, when possible.
John Vanderpool
Elder
I serve on the Property Committee. The property committee oversees the overall operations of the facilities of the church: Minor maintenance of electrical & mechanical systems, working with contractors for internal & external services, coordinating with public agencies for inspections & certifications, helping coordinate volunteers for using of talents (friends of property), coordinating with other committees needs for property.
I gain knowledge of old and new systems that affect church building operations, so others may have a safe place to worship without worry, and listen to the concerns of the people.
Other JFPC Involvement: I enjoy ushering on Sunday, participating in men’s group spiritual (Bible) study twice a month, and being a lector on communion Sundays.
Just finding a friendly face and friend to chat with about anything. Attending / participating in spiritual formation activity.
Community Involvement: I have served on a city charter commission, and work with city commissioners on request in the Ward where I live. These days my volunteer time is consumed with serving JFPC as chair of property (I am semi-retired and still have a day job part time).
Hobbies/Activities: I ride a motorcycle for pleasure. It’s important to spend time with grandchildren (4) ages 2 to 26. Hang out and visit with friends.
Phil Wilcox
Elder
I serve on the Kitchen Committee & Marketing Committee. I am the licensed Food Service Manager for the Church. I oversee the use and running of the Kitchen, its volunteers and services. We offer funeral lunches or dinners to our members as well as to the community. The Kitchen (and Fellowship Hall) are also available to be booked by community members for other events as well. Currently our church participates in preparing meals once a week for the Jackson Interfaith Shelter.
Community Involvement: First Presbyterian Church Choir & Session, Jackson’s Hot Air Jubilee, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, Leader Dogs for the Blind Puppy Raiser, Michigan Brewers Guild, Michigan Cider and Perry Association, American Homebrewers Association, Beer Judge Certification Program, Habitat for Humanity, Capital Area Chordsmen.
Hobbies/Activities: I am still a Homebrewer, Winemaker, Cidermaker, Meadmaker, Distiller. I also sing in a Barbershop Chorus, The Capital Area Chordsmen.
I serve on the Personnel and Nominating Committee. We recruit and nominate members for service as elders and deacons each year as 3-year terms expire; prepare employment contracts for session approval; meet with the pastor on personnel issues; maintain/update employee job descriptions.
Other JFPC Involvement: Participate in Saturday Men’s Bible Study and other fellowship and volunteer activities.
Community Involvement: I serve on education and veteran’s committees and boards.
Hobbies/Activities: I am a Professor of Education at Spring Arbor University (now half-time) and retired Air Force officer/pilot.