St. John's United Church of Christ | Grass Lake, MI

Dave Cornwell - Pastor

cornwell_38@msn.com

Dave Cornwell is the pastor of St. John's United Church of Christ. He and his wife, Ginny have celebrated over 25 years of marriage and ministry. Their only son, Derek is a college student at Jackson Community College. The Cornwell's have lived in Michigan nearly twelve years and eight of those years have been in the Jackson community. Pastor Dave was ordained in the Wesleyan Church in 1989 and served faithfully 22 years in various ministry roles, 17 years as a youth pastor. Pastor Dave also serves as a Hospice Chaplain for Great Lakes Home Health & Hospice, Inc. Pastor Dave and Ginny have a deep love for God and the congregation at St. John's. His preaching style is practical, biblical, and fun. A great sense of humor is one of his greatest strengths along with compassion and concern for people. Pastor Dave brings an upbeat and positive personality into the church and deep convictions for loving Christ and others. Pastor Dave wants all who come to St. John's to feel welcome, loved, and most of all connected to Christ.

Don Jensen - Music Director

donjo@cablespeed.com

Don, and his wife Jo, have lived in the Grass Lake area since the middle '60's. They have two sons, Eric and Tim, who are both married; Eric lives in Chelsea, and Tim at Fort Wayne. Don grew up in western Michigan, and took a couple of years of piano lessons in his earlier years and recently took a new interest in playing the keyboard. When asked to fill in at St. Johns, Don did so, assuming it would be for just a couple of weeks. The compliments were appreciated and the encouragement from the church family drove him to continue with the music each Sunday. It has turned out to be a blessing from the Lord. Ephesians 5:19 states: "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord". This verse clearly explains how Don feels when playing every Sunday morning at St. Johns.

Pat Schittenhelm - Women's Minsitry Director

Pat Schittenhelm lives in Leoni with her husband Richard and has attended St. John's for many years. Her special interest is flowers, which are reflected in her yard. Pat says that "St. John's is like a big family. Everyone cares about everyone else. They are always ready to pitch in and help, when help is needed."

Her favorite Bible verse is John 3:16.

Harmony Smargon - Sunday School Director

Harmony lives in Grass Lake with her husband Steve and son Elijah. She works full-time as a Lead Preschool Teacher at Gretchen's House in Ann Arbor and has been there for eight years. Harmony holds the wonderful traditions and values of St. John's close to her heart. "It is home to me." She has been a member of St. John's her entire life and has enjoyed learning about the history of the church from when her great grandparents attended.

In her spare time she enjoys playing with Elijah, traveling and having cook outs with her family. One of Harmony's favorite bible verses is "The heavens declare the glory of God; The skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1

Paul Sager - Facility Manager

Paul lives in Grass Lake and has attended St. John's UCC his entire life. He spends much of his free time fishing or working in the garden. When it comes to his involvement in the church, Paul enjoys the friendship and food for his soul, learning more about Christ. He also enjoys the Bible Study Class that Pastor Dave has on Sunday mornings.

Paul's favorite bible verse is Psalm 103: "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy".

Judy Parzych - Newsletter Editor/Community Outreach

nitro125@prodigy.net

Judy resides in Grass Lake with her husband Harry. She spends much time every month preparing the St. John's Newsletter that is mailed out to members of the congregation. She serves as treasurer of the Womens Fellowship and also goes to great efforts, as a community outreach representative on behalf of St. John's, to visit with the elderly, the ill and those who are grieving from the loss of a loved one.

"From my first visit to St. John's, I was made to feel very welcome", said Judy. "It's like a big family of caring people. I'm lucky to have found this church." Judy enjoys attending plays and concerts with friends and spends her free time reading, gardening, bowling and going for bike rides..


	Dave Cornwell - Pastor cornwell_38@msn.com Dave Cornwell is the pastor of St. John's United Church of Christ. He and his wife, Ginny have celebrated over 25 years of marriage and ministry. Their only son, Derek is a college student at Jackson Community College. The Cornwell's have lived in Michigan nearly twelve years and eight of those years have been in the Jackson community. Pastor Dave was ordained in the Wesleyan Church in 1989 and served faithfully 22 years in various ministry roles, 17 years as a youth pastor. Pastor Dave also serves as a Hospice Chaplain for Great Lakes Home Health & Hospice, Inc. Pastor Dave and Ginny have a deep love for God and the congregation at St. John's. His preaching style is practical, biblical, and fun. A great sense of humor is one of his greatest strengths along with compassion and concern for people. Pastor Dave brings an upbeat and positive personality into the church and deep convictions for loving Christ and others. Pastor Dave wants all who come to St. John's to feel welcome, loved, and most of all connected to Christ. Don Jensen - Music Director donjo@cablespeed.com Don, and his wife Jo, have lived in the Grass Lake area since the middle '60's. They have two sons, Eric and Tim, who are both married; Eric lives in Chelsea, and Tim at Fort Wayne. Don grew up in western Michigan, and took a couple of years of piano lessons in his earlier years and recently took a new interest in playing the keyboard. When asked to fill in at St. Johns, Don did so, assuming it would be for just a couple of weeks. The compliments were appreciated and the encouragement from the church family drove him to continue with the music each Sunday. It has turned out to be a blessing from the Lord. Ephesians 5:19 states: "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord". This verse clearly explains how Don feels when playing every Sunday morning at St. Johns. Pat Schittenhelm - Women's Minsitry Director Pat Schittenhelm lives in Leoni with her husband Richard and has attended St. John's for many years. Her special interest is flowers, which are reflected in her yard. Pat says that "St. John's is like a big family. Everyone cares about everyone else. They are always ready to pitch in and help, when help is needed." Her favorite Bible verse is John 3:16. Harmony Smargon - Sunday School Director Harmony lives in Grass Lake with her husband Steve and son Elijah. She works full-time as a Lead Preschool Teacher at Gretchen's House in Ann Arbor and has been there for eight years. Harmony holds the wonderful traditions and values of St. John's close to her heart. "It is home to me." She has been a member of St. John's her entire life and has enjoyed learning about the history of the church from when her great grandparents attended. In her spare time she enjoys playing with Elijah, traveling and having cook outs with her family. One of Harmony's favorite bible verses is "The heavens declare the glory of God; The skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1 Paul Sager - Facility Manager Paul lives in Grass Lake and has attended St. John's UCC his entire life. He spends much of his free time fishing or working in the garden. When it comes to his involvement in the church, Paul enjoys the friendship and food for his soul, learning more about Christ. He also enjoys the Bible Study Class that Pastor Dave has on Sunday mornings. Paul's favorite bible verse is Psalm 103: "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy". Judy Parzych - Newsletter Editor/Community Outreach nitro125@prodigy.net Judy resides in Grass Lake with her husband Harry. She spends much time every month preparing the St. John's Newsletter that is mailed out to members of the congregation. She serves as treasurer of the Womens Fellowship and also goes to great efforts, as a community outreach representative on behalf of St. John's, to visit with the elderly, the ill and those who are grieving from the loss of a loved one. "From my first visit to St. John's, I was made to feel very welcome", said Judy. "It's like a big family of caring people. I'm lucky to have found this church." Judy enjoys attending plays and concerts with friends and spends her free time reading, gardening, bowling and going for bike rides..