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Our Church Leadership

Our Churchthrives because of the energy and style of the people who are a part of our leadership.  To the right is a photo from the 2023 Leadership Ordination and Installation service.  Listed below are a few of the people that make our church community special.

 

Up-to-date contact information for the individual leaders listed below can be found on page 2 of each issue of The Herald.  You can also contact the church office at 610-621-5770 or office@sprucc.org.

 

Navigation Quick Links for this Web Page:

     Pastor

     Staff

     Officers

     Leadership of the Five Major Committees & Sub-Committees

          Evangelism Committee

          Worship Committee

          Christian Education Committee

               Youth Group Advisors

               Youth Fellowship Group

          Mission, Fellowship, and Fund-raising Committee

               Women's Fellowship Group

               Men's Fellowship Group

          Property Committee

     Leadership of Other Committees

 

Resource Downloads:

     Committee Booklet

 

 

 Pastors

MotzB-2009g-C3

 

Pastor & Teacher

Lead Pastor of Vision & Administration

The Rev. Dr. Benjamin D. Motz

The Rev. Dr. Benjamin D. Motz (Pastor Ben) is the Lead Pastor of Vision & Administration and Pastor and Teacher of our congregation.

In this role he is also the chairperson of the Spiritual Council, overseeing the Elders and spiritual life of the congregation.

 

 

Mest MaryEtta_230128_c3x4

Pastor & Teacher

Lead Pastor of Connections

The Rev. Mary Etta Mest

The Rev. Mary Etta Mest (Pastor Mary Etta or Rev. M.) is the Lead Pastor of Connections and Pastor and Teacher of our congregation.

She is also the vice chairperson of the Spiritual Council, helping Pastor Ben to oversee the Elders and spiritual life of the congregation.

 

 

MillerGeorge 1993YB

 

Pastor Emeritus

The Rev. George Miller

The Rev. George Miller served St. Paul's UCC as Pastor and Teacher from 1975-2002, and has been Pastor Emeritus from 2002 to 2020.  His obituary can be found by clicking on this In Loving Memory of the Rev. George Miller link.

 

 

 

 

Staff

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Office Secretary

Geri Gammel

Since August 13, 2019, Geri Gammel has been our Office Secretary.  She previously held this position under the guidance of Rev. George Miller, now St. Paul's Pastor Emeritus.  She is looking forward to serving the church in this position.

 

 

 

Masenheimer-Bob 20141220_C

 

Minister of Music, Choir Director, and Organist

Rev. Robert Masenheimer

The Rev. Robert Masenheimer is an ordained minister within the United Church of Christ.

Pastor Bob started serving our congregation as the Minister of Music on February 24, 2019.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PastorTerry 1988
 

Financial Secretary

  Terry Pastor

   Since November 1, 2016 Terry Pastor has been the Financial Secretary.       The Financial Secretary keeps track of all the monies coming into the

   church,   keeps records of individual giving, and sends out the quarterly

   and annual giving statements.  The Financial Secretary is responsible for

   managing the Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT) or electronic contributions

   to the church.  The Financial Secretary provides monthly written reports to the Consistory, annual reports to the congregation, and assists with the development of the annual church budget.  The Financial Secretary is a paid staff position within the church.

     Terry is currently serving as Acting Financial Secretary.  The church is in need of a new Financial Secretary.  Terry will continue in this position until we are able to fill it with another person.  She will help with the transition and she will help train and support the new person in learning the tasks.  If interested in this position, please contact the Head Deacon, the Consistory President, or Pastor Ben Motz.

     The Financial Secretary is a member of the Stewardship Team (chaired by the Head Deacon) and is an ex-officio member of the Budget Committee (chaired by the Vice President of Consistory).

 

 

 

PastorTerry 1988 Treasurer

  Terry Pastor

   Since January 1, 2022, Terry Pastor has been our new church Treasurer.

   The Treasurer keeps an accounting of our church's bank accounts, 

   designated church funds, check book, and all the monies going out of

   the church.  The Treasurer provides monthly written reports to the

   Consistory, annual reports to the congregation, and assists with the

   development of the annual church budget.  The Treasurer is a paid staff

position within the church.

     The Treasurer is a member of the Stewardship Team (chaired by the Head Deacon) and is an ex-officio member of the Budget Committee (chaired by the Vice President of Consistory).

 

 

 

  HenningJon 170122cAssistant Treasurer

   Jon Henning

   As of January 1, 2022, Jon Henning is our new Assistant Treasurer. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PastorMike 170129 

 Sexton

     Michael Pastor

     With all the events and activities taking place on site at St. Paul's UCC,

     we need the gifts of Michael Pastor to keep everything so wonderfully

     clean and maintained.

     The Sexton is a paid staff position within the church.

 

 

Consistory

Officers

The board of directors of St. Paul's UCC is called the "Consistory."  The word "Consistory" literally means "to stand with," as in to stand with one another.  The role of the Consistory is discern the leading of God's Holy Spirit in providing leadership of the church and its ministries.  The Consistory is the board over all the other committees and groups within the church.

The Consistory is comprised of five elected Elders (two year terms), five elected Deacons (two year terms), two elected Trustees (two year terms), two elected youth representatives (one year terms), and the Pastor.

 




 Consistory President

    Sheri Rowe

 
Consistory Elder

Sheri Rowe is our Consistory President.  We are pleased to have her in this role.  As Consistory President she moderates the Consistory and Congregational meetings.

 

 

 

WertzElsa 170122_CQf
 Consistory Vice President

 

Elsa Wertz

Consistory Elder

Elsa Wertz is the Vice President of Consistory.  The Vice President 

     functions in the role of President, when the President is absent.

     The Vice President is also the chair of the Budget Committee.

 

 


Consistory Secretary

   TBD

    The Consistory Secretary takes and maintains the minutes of the Consistory and Congregational meetings.  Within the UCC, the Consistory Secretary also serves as the Clerk of the church.  

 

 

MotzB-2009g-C3

Head Elder

The Rev. Dr. Benjamin D. Motz

Pastor

The Rev. Dr. Benjamin D. Motz, as the church's Pastor and Teacher, is the spiritual head of the church, and as such is the chairperson of the Spiritual Council.  The Spiritual Council is composed of the Elders who oversee the spiritual life of the congregation.

"The Elders are to be the advisers and counselors of the Minister in the Minister’s episcopal trust; they are to be to the Minister as hands and eyes, acting with the Minister and for the Minister, and representing the Minister’s presence throughout the congregation."

 

 

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   Head Deacon

    Steve Miller

      Consistory Deacon

     The Head Deacon is a member of Consistory, who is appointed by the

     other Deacons to that position.  The Deacons of the church provide

     support, encouragement, and oversight of some of the more physical,

     practical, and financial matters of the church. 

     The Deacons form the Stewardship Committee of the church.

 

 

   MentzerDale 170129Head Trustee

    Dale Mentzer

      Consistory Trustee

   The Head Trustee is a member of Consistory who serves as the vice

   chairperson of the Property Committee.  The Property Committee provides

   oversight of the church building, grounds, and parsonage.

 

 

Five Major Committees & their Sub-Committees

Chairpersons & Vice Chairpersons

     Each of our Five Major Committees are organized and led by three elected officers: (1) a chairperson, who is not a Consistory member; (2) a vice chairperson who is a Consistory member; and (3) a secondary consistory liaison, who is a Consistory Member.  Those three officers appoint additional members to their committee.  The Pastor, President, and Vice President are ex-officio members of all five committees to give support and guidance and to enhance communication.

 

Evangelism Committee

Biblical Mandate:

[Jesus said], “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

~ Matthew 28:20-21

 
Mission Statement:

Promote, advocate, and provide structure, opportunities, and encouragement for all the members of St. Paul’s UCC to share the love of God with others through both their words and actions, and to lead others to join in the discipleship and the Body of Jesus Christ.

 

 

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   Evangelism Committee & Vision Committee

    Chairperon   

    Geri Gammel

    Robin Henning is the chairperson of the Evangelism Committee, which is

    the committee that provides leadership in helping the members of the

    church connect others into a living relationship with our loving God.  This

    committee also provides leadership for helping visitors and others within

    our community feel warm and invited into the church.

 

 

 

Evangelism Committee

   Vice Chairperson 
    Consistory Elder

      The vice chairperson of the Evangelism Committee is a member of the Consistory; serves

      as chair when the chairperson is absent; and serves as the primary liaison between the

      Evangelism Committee and Consistory to help foster good communication and

      cooperation.

 

 

 
 

Evangelism Committee

Consistory Liaison

TBD

The Secondary Liaison is a member of both Consistory and the Evangelism Committee.  This person serves in the role of the back up communication link between Consistory and the Evangelism Committee, and assumes the role of the Evangelism Committee's vice chair, when the vice chairperson is absent.

 

 

 

 

 

Worship Committee & Sub-Committees

Biblical Mandate:

“All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him.”

~ Psalm 22:27

 

Mission Statement:

Promote, advocate, and provide structure, opportunities, and encouragement for all the members of St. Paul’s UCC and the residents of our community to be engaged in the regular communal worship of God; to assist the Pastor in the planning and implementation of regular and special worship services; and provide for the needs of the Music Minister.

 

 


PastorTerry 1988

Worship Committee

   Chairperson

   Terry Pastor

  Terry serves as the chairperson of the Worship Committee, which

  provides support and oversight of the Minister of Music, organizes the

  lay leadership for worship services, provides support in planning worship

  with the Pastor, and organizes regular and special music programs.


 

 

Worship Committee

     Vice Chair

    TBD

The vice chairperson of the Worship Committee is a member of the Consistory; serves as chair when the chairperson is absent; and serves as the primary liaison between the Worship Committee and Consistory to help foster good communication and cooperation.

 

 

 

Worship Committee

Consistory Liaison

Sheri Rowe

       Consistory Elder

  The Secondary Liaison is a member of both Consistory and the Worship

  Committee.  This person serves in the role of the back up communication link between

  Consistory and the Worship Committee, and assumes the role of the Worship Committee's

  vice chair, when the vice chairperson is absent.

 

 

  

Decorating Committee

Subcommittee of the Worship Committee
Chairperson

     Liz Brunner

  Liz serves as the chairperson of the Decorating Committee, which, in coordination with the

  Worship Committee, cares for, changes, and maintains the paraments (the altar cloth

  coverings), banners, flowers, and other decorations in the sanctuary.

  The Decorating Committee is a subcommittee of the Worship Committee.

 

 

 

Christian Education Committee & Sub-Committees

Biblical Mandate:

“For this reason, since the day we heard [of your faith in Jesus Christ], we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God....  I became its servant according to God's commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery that has been hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints....  It is [Christ] whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”

~ Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians 1:9,10,25,26,28

 

“You shall put these words of [the Lord] in your heart and soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and fix them as an emblem on your forehead.  Teach them to your children, talking about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise.”

~ Deuteronomy 11:18-19


Mission Statement:

Promote, advocate, and provide structure, opportunities, and encouragement for the study and understanding of scripture and the Christian faith by all of the members of St. Paul’s UCC and by all persons within our local community; to develop our members as disciples, as learners and sharers of the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and deed.

 

 

PastorTerry 1988 Christian Education

  Chairperson

  Terry Pastor

  The Christian Education committee oversees the educational programs of    the church including Bible studies, Sunday school classes, and Vacation      Bible School.  It also oversees the Youth Group and our SafeConduct          policies.

 

 

 

Christian Education

Vice Chairperson

TBD

The vice chairperson of the Christian Education Committee is a member of the Consistory; serves as chair when the chairperson is absent; and serves as the primary liaison between the Christian Education Committee and Consistory to help foster good communication and cooperation.

 

 


 

Christian Education

Consistory Liaison

TBD

  The Secondary Liaison is a member of both Consistory and the Christian Education

  Committee.  The liaison helps the Christian Education Vice Chair facilitate good

  communication between the Consistory and Christian Education Committee, and assumes

  the role of the Christian Education Committee's vice chair, when the vice chairperson is

  absent.

 

SafeConduct Coordinator

George McLain

George McLain is our SafeConduct Coordinator for 2023.  In the position, he coordinates the policies, clearances, trainings, etc related to approving persons to work with youth and other vulnerable persons within our church. 

For more information about our Safe Church policies, please go to our go to our Safe Sanctuary web page.

 

WertzElsa 170122_CQf

SafeConduct Coordinator

Elsa Wertz

 

Elsa Wertz will be our SafeConduct Coordinator beginning in 2024.  This individual coordinates the policies, clearances, trainings, etc related to approving persons to work with youth and other vulnerable persons within our church. 

For more information about our Safe Church policies, please go to our go to our Safe Sanctuary web page.

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SafeConduct Co-Coordinator

Denise Unger

Denise works with Elsa to oversee the coordination of our SafeConduct policies.

 

 

 

PastorTerry 1988
Youth Group Advisors

Christian Education Chairperson

Terry Pastor

The Youth Fellowship Group falls under the leadership and supervision of our Christian Education Committee, which appoints the Adult Youth Group Advisors.  For more information about our Youth Group click on this Youth Fellowship Group link.

 

 

 

Mission, Fellowship, & Fund-raising Committee & Sub-Committees

Biblical Mandate:

“We know love by this, that [Jesus] laid down his life for us-- and we ought to lay down our lives for one another.  How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?  Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.”

                                                    ~ 1 John 3:16-18


“So those who welcomed [Peter’s] message [about Jesus Christ] were baptized....  They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers....  All who believed were together and had all things in common.”

~ Acts 2:41a,42,44


“But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love.”

~ Ephesians 4:15-16

 

Mission Statement:

Promote, advocate, and provide structure, opportunities, and encouragement for the members of St. Paul’s UCC to provide love, support, and care for one another; to strengthen the ties that bind the members as the Body of Christ.

 

 

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Mission, Fellowship, & Fund-raising Committee

Chairperson

Geri Gammel

The Mission, Fellowship, & Fund-raising Committee oversees: (1) the various local, national, and international mission outreach ministries of the church including: Soup 'n' Such, the Clothing Closet; Disaster Relief Aid; our coordination with UCC mission efforts and more; (2) the adult and family fellowship ministries, small group ministries, food fellowship ministries, and church photo directories; and (3) coordinates and oversees the small groups and individuals engaged in various fund-raising efforts to support the church's ministries.

 

 

 

Mission, Fellowship, & Fund-raising Committee

Vice Chairperson

TBD

Consistory Deacon

The vice chairperson of the MFF Committee is a member of the Consistory; serves as chair when the chairperson is absent; and serves as the primary liaison between the MFF Committee and Consistory to help foster good communication and cooperation.

 

 

MillerSteve 160110

Mission, Fellowship, and Fund-raising Committee

Secondary Consistory Liaison

Steve Miller

Consistory Head Deacon

The Secondary Liaison is a member of both Consistory and the MFF Committee.  The liaison helps the Christian Education Vice Chair facilitate good communication between the Consistory and MFF Committee, and assumes the role of the MFF Committee's vice chair, when the vice chairperson is absent.

 

HiesterSue 160110

 

 

21st Century Christian Women's Fellowship Group

Subcommittee of the MFF Committee
Chairperson

Sue Hiester

The 21st Century Christian Women's Fellowship Group is a sub-committee of the Mission & Fellowship Committee.  The Women's Group organizes the women of the church for a variety of events and activities throughout the year. 

 

 

Keppley-Brian 170122

 

Men's Fellowship Group

Subcommittee of the MFF Committee
Chairperson

Brian Keppley

Brian serves as the chairperson of the "Men's Fellowship Group," which organizes a variety of events and activities within the church throughout the year.  The Men's Fellowship Group is a sub-committee of the Mission & Fellowship Committee.

 

 

Property Committee

Biblical Mandate:

“Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp; he called it the tent of meeting.  And everyone who sought the LORD would go out to the tent of meeting....”

~ Exodus 33:7a-c

“Thus they shall keep charge of the tent of meeting and the sanctuary... for the service of the house of the Lord."

~ 1 Chronicles 23:32

[Jesus] was teaching and saying, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’?”

~ Mark11:17a

 

Mission Statement:

To provide leadership, structure, opportunities, and encouragement for the membership’s care and maintenance of the buildings and grounds of St. Paul’s UCC; and provide oversight and support of the sexton.

 

 

PastorMike 170129
Property Committee

   Chairperson

   Carl Unger

    The Property Committee provides oversight of the church building,

    grounds, and parsonage, as well as support and oversight of the

    church sexton.

 

 

 

 

MentzerDale 170129

Property Committee

Vice Chair & Head Trustee

Dale Mentzer

Consistory Head Trustee

The vice chairperson of the Property Committee is a member of the Consistory and Head Trustee; serves as chair when the chairperson is absent; and serves as the primary liaison between the Property Committee and Consistory to help foster good communication and cooperation, especially as it relates to coordinating the various activities taking place within the building.

 

 

 

Property Committee

Secondary Liaison

TBD

     Consistory Trustee

    The Secondary Liaison is a member of both Consistory and the Property Committee.   

    The liaison helps the Property Vice Chair facilitate good communication between the

    Consistory and the Property Committee, and assumes the role of the Property Committee's

    vice chair, when the vice chairperson is absent.

 

 

 

 

Other Committees

 

Pastor-Parish Relations Committee

Chairperson

Barbara Orth

The Pastor-Parish Relations Committee (PPRC) endeavors to help maintain a healthy, long-term relationship between the Pastor and the church.  We have set up this committee in order to be proactive and intentional about having a positive, good, long-term relationship, and to help provide a resource for when tensions or conflicts may arise.  Barbara Orth is the current chairperson of the PPRC.  Elsa had been the chairperson of the Search Committee that introduced Pastor Ben to the congregation, and had faithfully served as the first chair of the PPRC.

Generally, one member of the PPRC also serves on Consistory, for communication between this committee and Consistory

Photo not yet available.

 

 

PastorTerry 1988

Visitation Care Team Coordinator

   Terry Pastor

     Elder

    The Visitation Care Team (VCT) Coordinator is an Elder of the church

    who organizes the weekly Visitation Care Team Ministry members and

    co-leads the Visitation Care Team Small Group Ministry meetings.  This

    position is appointed annually by the Spiritual Council.

 

 


Homebound/Shut-In Ministry Coordinator

   Sheri Rowe

    Elder

   The Homebound Coordinator is an Elder of the church who organizes

   the list of Elders to ensure that all of our homebound members is being

   visited by an Elder.  This is a part of our Visitation Ministry.  The

   coordinator co-leads the Visitation Care Team Small Group Ministry 

   meetings.  This position is appointed annually by the Spiritual Council.

 

 


Nominating Committee

    Chairperson

    TBD

      Elder

    The Nominating Committee is composed of the Consistory Elders and Pastor.  The

    Nominating Committee offers nominations to the congregation at the Annual Congregational

    Meeting (generally held in December) for the congregation's vote.  The chairperson is a

    Consistory Elder appointed annually by the Spiritual Council.  The chairperson proposes the

    slate to the congregation.

   Most of the positions on this page are filled by going through a process of being nominated

   by this committee and elected by the congregation.

 

 

 

 

Nominating Committee

Vice Chair

vacant

Elder

    The Vice Chair of the Nominating Committee assumes the chair's responsibilities in the absence of the chairperson.  The Vice Chair is a Consistory Elder appointed annually by the Spiritual Council.

 

 

MillerSteve 20170129Stewardship Committee

Chairperson - Head Deacon

Steve Miller

     The Stewardship Committee consists of the Consistory Deacons, the

  Financial Secretary, the Treasurer, and Assistant Treasurer.  The

  Stewardship Committee is chaired by the Head Deacon.  The Stewardship

  Committee has responsibility over the proper handling of funds entering

  and leaving the church; and encouraging of good and faithful stewardship of time, talent, and treasure. 

     The Head Deacon is elected annually from among the Consistory Deacons.

 

 

 

 MillerSteve 20170129

Budget Committee

   Chairperson

   Steve Miller

     The Budget Committee is chaired by the Vice President of Consistory and is composed of one member from each of the five major committees, as well as the Pastor, Treasurer, and Financial Secretary.

     At the December Annual Congregational Meeting, the Budget Committee proposes the "Mission & Ministry Program" (i.e. Budget) to the congregation for their vote for the upcoming year.  Prior to the congregational meeting, the "Mission & Ministry Program" is proposed to Consistory for their approval.

 

 

 

HenningJon 170122cInvestment Advisory Committee

Chairperson

Jon Henning

The Investment Advisory Committee (IAC) is composed of five members elected to three year terms.  The IAC oversees the Memorial Funds and long-term investments of the church, including the Endowment Fund.

 

 

 

 

 

RohrbachDavid 1993b

 

Heidelberg Cemetery Board of Directors

St. Paul's UCC Representative

David Rohrbach

St. Paul's UCC has two seats on the Board of Directors of the Heidelberg Cemetery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike ClayHeidelberg Cemetery Board of Directors

  St. Paul's UCC Representative

  Michael Clay

  St. Paul's UCC has two seats on the Board of Directors of the Heidelberg Cemetery.

 

 

 

 

 
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