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.
Ministries Coordinator
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Kaia was hired in 2022 and is thrilled to serve in several different areas of ministry (children, youth, family, administration, candy supplier, decorator). Way back in the 90's, Kaia earned a BA in Communication at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and worked as a case manager and group home manager for adults with developmental disabilities. After realizing she really just wanted to hang out with kids, be goofy, and talk about Jesus, she received her MA in Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Enjoying the Type A personality, Kaia also works part-time as a bookkeeper from home, and seriously loves to organize. She is married to Simon and they have a teenage daughter and son. Kaia loves hiking, lap swimming, forests, sitting on any front porch, travel, and cheese curds.
Kaia Draijer
Larry young
Custodian
Larry has been cleaning up after all of us (along with fixing things, tinkering with, and painting things) at First since 2012. He works full time as a painter for the Someran Glen Retirement Community. Larry is married to Jennifer, and they have one daughter, Alyse, who is married to Kaleb and lives in Tennessee. Larry and Jen also have a grandpuppy named Bella.
In his spare time, Larry enjoys singing, jogging, and creating visual arts. Many of the beautiful worship visuals you see in the sanctuary were created with Larry's help!
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 Lisa Lohmann
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Deacon Rebecca Schaefer
South
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Elder Jessica Cleveland
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Deacon Pam Zuiderveen
West
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Elder Alan Natelborg
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Deacon Kaia Draijer
Northeast
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Elder Shirley Van Heukelem
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Deacon Nancy Mast
Northwest
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Elder Troy Newcombe
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Deacon Werner Schroder
Chair of Council - Shirley Van Heukelem
Chair of Elders - Alan Natelborg
Chair of Deacons - Werner Schroder