FHPC STAFF
Email: [email protected] |
JIM POLLARD LEAD PASTORJim is the lead pastor and does most of the teaching. After graduating from Western Theological Seminary with his Master of Divinity, he has served churches in Lake Geneva, WI, Harbor Springs, MI, and now in Forest Hills. Jim’s life verse is Philippians 4:13 which states, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. He is passionate that, we as a church, should be Christ-centered; People-focused and Mission- driven in all we do.
Jim is married to Barb, a childhood friend. Their dads sang together in the same barbershop quartet in the 1950's and 60’s. They are so grateful and thankful that God brought them together so both could have a second chance at love. Jim has three children; Lauren and her family live in Canton, Michigan. Jon and his family live in Traverse City, and Jeremy also lives in Traverse City with his wife. Jim & Barb are also the proud grandparents of 9 grandchildren! On their days off, they can be found volunteering with missions around town or on mission trips serving those in need. Music is a huge part of their lives, listening to everything from Light Rock to Easy Listening, Country, Praise and Worship as well as Barbershop. Now that’s eclectic taste. |
EMAIL: [email protected] |
Angela Ringler office administratorAngela serves as our Office Administrator at FHPC. She comes to us with seven years of experience, as she previously worked at a local DK-2 elementary school.
She was raised in Dorr, Michigan and now resides in Howard City, Michigan with her husband of 14 years - Brandon, her three children - Ayden, Madalyn, and Greyson, and a hoard of pets. She loves to volunteer her time in her community by being a co-coordinator for the Howard City Harvest Festival Queen and Court Pageant, President of the Tri County Youth Wrestling Club, and the Tri County Rocket and Flag Cheer Director. In her free time, she likes to read, take walks, spend time on the boat with her family, and plan in her planner. |
EMAIL: [email protected] |
Kelvyn koning Director of Worship MusicKelvyn Koning (he/they) serves as our Director of Worship Music and leads our praise band, choir, and handbell ensemble. He is a composer, lyricist, songwriter, countertenor, pianist, music director, and poet. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Music Theory and Composition from Calvin University and his Master of Music in Composition from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, and has spent much of his career thus far in the worlds of choir and musical theatre.
Two of his many musicals have won awards (The Glassblower’s Daughter with Columbia Entertainment Co. and The Prince and the Painter with Moonbox Productions) and his numerous choral compositions have been performed both across the United States and internationally. Kelvyn is a co-founder of the West Michigan Choral Lab, Lilith Vocal Ensemble, and Nightingale Vocal Ensemble, and has performed with and composed for each group. He was the winner of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington D.C. 's Portraits Project and was a second place winner of The American Prize for the Marian Anderson Award in Social Justice. Kelvyn’s choral compositions have been published by Gentry Publications, TUX People’s Music, MusicSpoke, GIA Publications, and Hinshaw Music and he has self-published both music and poetry. He was a finalist for The American Prize in Choir and Musical Theatre Composition and in singing Art Song/Oratorio, and he wrote and recorded a queer Christian album, The Veil is Torn. Kelvyn is an accomplished accompanist and music director, a versatile performer and composer, and a passionate teaching artist and worship leader. |
Email: [email protected] |
JANA TREES FINANCIAL SECRETARYJana is the Financial Secretary at FHPC, where she is the point person for all things financial: giving records/deposits, payroll, accounts payable, monthly reporting, budgeting, year end, and most recently setting up a new church financial system.
Jana comes to FHPC with a B.S. in Management Accounting from Illinois Wesleyan, 8 years at Haworth serving mostly as a Logistics Plant Controller, and several years in a similar financial role at the now-closed Cherry Valley Presbyterian out of Caledonia. Jana hopes to continue this year's achievement of a balanced budget every year; the important work of the church is much easier to concentrate on if finances are not a pressing issue! Jana is married to Matt and has two boys - Nate and Justin. Jana also enjoys golfing; her claim to fame was playing on an otherwise all-boy golf team in high school. She is already looking forward to next summer's FHPC golf outings. |
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Diane devries Pianist & accompanistDiane has been active in music for most of her life. Thanks to an insightful mother, she started formal piano lessons at the very early age of 4, learning to read notes on a musical staff before learning to read a book. Organ lessons came a bit later, after she was tall enough to reach the pedals.
Diane has earned a BS in Economics and a BA in Music, both from Grand Valley State University and a Masters and Ph.D. in Music Theory from Michigan State. After teaching as an adjunct professor at GVSU, serving as Worship Director at Georgetown UMC, and accompanying choirs at Holland Christian High, Diane has transitioned to teaching private piano lessons. Currently, Miss Diane's Piano Studio has 24 students. "God has given me a wonderful gift, and now I have privilege of passing it on to a new generation." But her desire to play is still strong, and she is grateful that God has led her to Forest Hills PC to make music with others wo share her passion. Diane and her husband Fred live in Byron Center, where they enjoy spending time together and with friends on the golf course. "I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope." -Jeremiah 29:11 CEB |
EMAIL: [email protected] |
CASSIDY SANFORD hEAD AV ENGINEERCassidy is a 2020 graduate of Alma college with a bachelor's degree in theater. She has been doing sound and live mixing work since high school. She is the Head A/V engineer and she is responsible for the mix for the Sunday service. Cassidy is grateful for the opportunity to help enhance people’s worship experience. She has an adorable golden mix named Lucy.
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EMAIL: [email protected] |
Emilio De La Garza Livestream ProducerEmilio operates cameras and manages the livestream feed of our Sunday worship.
Emilio comes from the east side of Michigan, where he was born and raised. He comes from a Spanish background, and has strong roots in Mexico where his parents are from. He came to the west side of Michigan for school and ended up staying in downtown Grand Rapids, where he also works at WOOD TV8 as a floor director and robotics camera op. |
Email: [email protected] |
SUE CLAY PRESCHOOL DIRECTORSue Clay is the Director of the Preschool. She taught in the 3’s program and has been directing for 15+ years.
Her hope for the preschool ministry is to be able to open the hearts of young children to God’s love while infusing in them a passion for learning. Sue graduated from Hope College and earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Aquinas College. Sue has three children; Nick, Mitchell, and Bridgett. Sue enjoys horses, diving and she LOVES the beach. |
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Erika Iwatsu Nursery CoordinatorMiss Erika loves to help develop toddler’s and infant’s social skill, as the Nursery Coordinator at FHPC. She has been at FHPC since the summer of 2019, and enjoy spending her Sunday mornings with the kids who join us in the nursery.
During the week, she works as a nanny for 3 wonderful boys. She also currently in her last semester at Grand Valley State University and studying International Business and Marketing with a minor in Spanish. Interesting facts about Erika is she knows 3 languages, and loves to spend her free time traveling and finding new places to visit. She also adopted a dog named Mila in 2019, and she is her best friend. |
ELDERS & DEACONS
To contact any of the people listed below, please email [email protected] or call 616.942.2751
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