Dean Parham — Pastor
Dean is our Pastor and his responsibilities include teaching and
leading. Here is what he has to say about himself:
Who's your family? Linda and I were married in 1979.
We met while traveling on a summer teaching team when she was in college and I
was in seminary (yes, she is years younger than I am and wants everyone to be
aware of that). We enjoy traveling together and have had the chance to
visit several countries around the world while on mission trips. We have
three sons and ne granddaughter (who is clearly "very advanced" for her age and
cuter than all her peers).
How did you come to know Christ? I had the privilege of
growing up in an active Christian home and so became convinced at an early age of the need for
Christ to be a part of my life. As a result I was very involved in church
as a child and as a teen. When I went to Bible college, after high school,
I met friends who helped to make my relationship with God even more personal and
dynamic. Though life has had its ups and downs, just like everyone else’s,
knowledge of God as revealed in the Bible is what brings stability to it
all.
What is/was your nickname? Dean is one of those names
that you can't shorten very easily and so I never really had a nickname (I feel a little
deprived, though I guess you could count Deano).
Who has been the most influential person in your life? The most
influential people have been a series of a few really good friends who have come
along at just the right time in life.
What is Your Favorite...
- Time of day? 5:00 pm — assuming the work day is done.
- Movie? Hunt for Red October and all three of the Bourne movies.
- Vegetable? There is no such thing as a favorite vegetable (and don’t let anyone try to convince you there is).
- Word or phrase? anticipation , it keeps me looking to the future.
- Sport/Team? Indianapolis Colts (my home team).
- Vacation place in the USA? Hubbard Lake, Michigan.
- Restaurant? Arby's on my normal budget, Applebee's on payday, and Great Lakes Shipping Company when someone else is paying.
- Color? Green.
What is your favorite verse in the Bible? It is Colossians 1:9-10:
Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven't stopped praying for you,
asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough
understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you'll live well for the Master,
making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God
works, you will learn how to do your work. (The Message)
Alyn Goossen — Director of Student Ministries
Alyn is our Director of Student Ministries. Here is
what he has to say about himself:
Who's your family? Megan is my wife and we were married on June 9, 2000. We have one son, Bradyn, who was born on October 30, 2004. Our large dog's name is Haddie.
How did you come to know Christ? I prayed to receive Christ as a young boy through the
work and testimony of my parents.
What is/was your nickname? In high school it was "Little Goose" and
"Big Al", but I really don’t have one anymore…
Who has been the most influential person in your life? Many! Megan (my wife), my
parents and lots of friends.
What is Your Favorite...
- Time of day? Tee-time.
- Movie? The Last Samurai, Braveheart, Black Hawk Down, Unbreakable, Tears of the Sun, The Village.
- Vegetable? I guess it would be French Fries — the curly ones from Arby's.
- Word or phrase? It's not about you!.
- Sport/Team? Golf, but normally there are not "teams" in golf.
- Vacation place in the USA? Anywhere near a fishing lake or golf course.
- Restaurant? Red Lobster or Crazy Horse.
- Color? Blue.
What is your favorite verse in the Bible? It is Matthew 22:37-39:
Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.
Russ Miller — Director of Worship & Music
Russ is our Director of Worship & Music, who also gets to oversee the Small Group
and Outreach ministries. Here is what he has to say about himself:
Who's your family?
Me, my beautiful wife Amy, our son Caleb who makes us laugh every day, and naughty dog Frodo
who does not make us laugh every day.
How did you come to know Christ? Only by His grace! He used my Sunday
school teacher and my mother when I was 5 yrs old to present me with the truth. I don’t even remember who the Sunday School teacher was, but I do remember an incredible desire to know Christ personally.
What is/was your nickname? I’ve never really had one...when I was little they used to call me Buck.
Who has been the most influential person in your life? My parents and my wife.
What is Your Favorite...
- Time of day? Time To Eat!
- Movie? Dos Tres Friends (The Three Amigos), Monte Python Search of the Holy Grail, and Tommy Boy
- Vegetable? Salsa!
- Word or phrase? yeash...yuppers.
- Sport/Team? D-town Lions.
- Vacation place in the USA? Perdido Key, FL.
- Restaurant? Qdoba.
- Color? Blue.
What is your favorite verse in the Bible? It is Galatians 1:10:
Am I now trying to win the approval of men or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still
trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Aaron Paul — Director of Children's Ministries
Aaron is our part-time director of children’s ministries as of August 2009. Here is what he has to say about himself:
Who's your family?
My wife Tina and I were married on June 19, 1999. We have been blessed with a son, Sidney, and a daughter, Melina.
How did you come to know Christ? In our son’s first year of life I really felt that there had to be a better way for my new
family. I started to seek God with my wife’s help and encouragement. I gave my life to Christ in 2001 and have
been following His call on my life ever since.
What is/was your nickname? In the military it was Pauli.
Who has been the most influential person in your life? My grandfather and a group of pastors
that God has so graciously brought into my life.
What is Your Favorite...
- Time of day? 5:30am.
- Movie? Fireproof.
- Vegetable? Corn-on-the-cob.
- Word or phrase? You gotta move it, move it.
- Sport/Team? Detroit Redwings (Hockey).
- Vacation place in the USA? Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
- Restaurant? Johnny Carino’s.
- Color? Navy.
What is your favorite verse in the Bible? It is Ephesians 3:20-21:
Now unto Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power
that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,
forever and ever! Amen.
Bob DeRidder — Custodial Supervisor
Bob has been our Custodial Supervisor since about 1991. Here is what he has to say
about himself:
Who's your family? My wife, Toni, and I have been married
for 38 years. We have three single sons, Adam, Josh and Nate, and our one daughter,
Abby, is married to Greg, and they have our two grandchildren, Emma and Luc.
How did you come to know Christ? I accepted the Lord as a
child in my home after listening to a radio broadcast.
What is/was your nickname? Critter.
Who has been the most influential person in your life? My
dad and my wife share that role.
What is Your Favorite...
- Time of day? Fishing time.
- Movie? Whatever my wife watches — usually chick flicks.
- Vegetable? I don't play favorites; I love 'em all!.
- Word or phrase? Fish on!!!
- Sport/Team? Pro-football.
- Vacation place in the USA? Michigan's UP (Upper Peninsula).
- Restaurant?Brann's Steakhouse & Grille.
- Color? Blue (the color of water — and there may be fish in it).
What is your favorite verse in the Bible? It is Galatians 5:13:
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an
opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Kathy Tryce — Administrative Assistant
Kathy is one of our Administrative Assistants. Here is what she has to say about herself:
Who's your family? My husband is Dick (We were married in 1970.)
and we have two children, Ric and Melinda, who is married to Mike.
Mike and Melinda have two adorable, wonderful, smart, daughters, Joslyn and Justine. And
They live in Holland, and our son calls Chicago home. I also have a grandson, Jeren.
At this time we have no pets!
How did you come to know Christ? I asked Jesus to be my
Savior and Lord at 8-years-old. I really was afraid I would go to hell if I
died right then, so I asked him into my heart.
What is/was your nickname? Some of my nicknames have to do with
Kathleen, so Katchatory, Katchaleeny, AK, and just Kath.
Who has been the most influential person in your life? I would
have to say my Mother.
What is Your Favorite...
- Time of day? Early morning with my cup of coffee.
- Movie? Mr. Mom.
- Vegetable? Sweet Potatoes.
- Word or phrase? I love you!
- Sport/Team? Couldn't tell you.
- Vacation place in the USA? Robinson Lake, White Cloud, MI.
- Restaurant?Red Lobster.
- Color? Blue.
What is your favorite verse in the Bible? It is Philippians 4:11:
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.