Joel schreurs
Minister of the Word
Joel has served as the Minister of the Word at First CRC since 2006. Joel is responsible for the preaching and worship ministry of First CRC, offers pastoral care to those who are sick or struggling, and also oversees our staff. In his free time, he enjoys reading, cycling, skiing, and spending time in the mountains with his family. (He also spends more time watching Netflix than he cares to admit.) Joel and his wife have three school-aged children and have served as foster parents for refugee children. Joel received a masters degree from Calvin Theological Seminary and a doctor of ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary.
Bret Lamsma
Director of Faith Formation
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Bret has served as the Director of Faith Formation at First CRC since 2017. Bret oversees all of the educational and outreach ministries at First CRC and works closely with many volunteers in children’s and youth ministries. In his spare time, he enjoys woodworking, hiking, being with his family, and watching movies. Bret and his wife have two teenage children and an adopted son and granddaughter in California. Bret received a masters degree from Calvin Theological Seminary and a doctorate degree in youth and family culture from Fuller Theological Seminary.
Kyle Cooper
Worship and Communications Coordinator
Kyle began serving at First CRC in 2016 after graduating from Azusa Pacific University. He enjoys leading a variety of teams and ensembles that help us worship God with reverence and exuberance.
While not at work, he enjoys writing and recording music and spending time outdoors with his wife, Laura.
OUR COUNCIL
At First Christian Reformed Church, all staff and programs come under the supervision and direction of a governing board called "Council." The Council is comprised of individuals who are elected by the congregation to serve three year terms as either "elders" or "deacons." The elders serve as shepherds of God's people and lead in prayer, care and ongoing discipleship. The deacons help equip and encourage the congregation in areas such as outreach, financial stewardship, service and social justice. Elders and deacons also serve together in teams to provide direct care for members of their regional areas. If you are a member or regular attender of First CRC and would like to know who your elder or deacon is, or to which area group you belong, please contact the church office.
East
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Elder Jessica Cleveland
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Deacon Rebecca Schaefer
South
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Elder Cathy Van Donselaar
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Deacon Vacant
West
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Elder Alan Natelborg
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Deacon Chad Nibbelink
Northeast
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Elder Joel Jonker
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Deacon Nancy Mast
Northwest
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Elder Troy Newcombe
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Deacon Maria Buteyn