Staff & Leadership
Dan Sarkipato
Interim Pastor
Dan grew up in Ely, Minnesota, and married his high school sweetheart, Merrilee, while in the Navy band (trombone) in Norfolk, Virginia.
They have four children, three in-laws, and eight grandchildren. He is passionate about the transforming power of the gospel, the importance of being authentic, and God's call to be disciples who make disciples.
He enjoys music, playing the bass guitar, and running. He and Merrilee enjoy hiking, snorkeling, and summer rides with their top down in their little red VW bug Happy Car.
Call: 616-878-1709 ext
Melanie Vlietstra Kilgore
Worship Director & Children's Ministry Director
Melanie grew up in Kalamazoo, received her degree for Worship Arts from Spring Arbor University, and joined First Reformed Church as the Worship Director in 2011. She began working as Children's Ministry Director in 2012.
Melanie met her husband Steve while working at the church, and they recently welcomed their daughter, Johanna. They enjoy serving the church together, working on remodeling projects at home, and being with their families.
Melanie loves the creative arts... music, dance, art, calligraphy, video, as well as anything that has to do with polka dots, lace and vintage.
Melanie desires to see people thrive by using their gifts and following God's call on their life which has led her to pursue a MDiv at Western Theological Seminary.
Email Melanie: melanie@frcbc.com
Call Melanie: 616-878-1709
Tina Heintz
Tina serves as Administrative Assistant in our office. She is an “on-fire" leader of our GEMS ministry with girls. Tina also serves as our Wedding Coordinator. To enter our offices and to engage Tina in ministry is to be met with Tina’s spirit of welcoming joy and willingness to assist you.
Tina and her husband Jim enjoy their children and grandchildren.
Email Tina: office@frcbc.com
Call the Office: 616-878-1709
Twyla Shaffer
Twyla serves as our Bookkeper and Office Administrator and grew up at FRC. She is a retired computer programmer and has three sons and four grandkids that keep her very busy.
Email Twyla: office@frcbc.com
Call the Office: 616-878-1709
Leadership
Type the main content for this list section here. This is just example text to show you what it will look like when you enter text content into this section. Your unique, authentic, and appropriate text will be filled into this section.
-
Luanne Deater- Middle School Youth Leader
Luanne loves people and you'll know it from the moment you meet her. That is why she is involved in so many areas of discipleship ministry. Luanne oversees Middle School Son Seekers. She is a Sunday School teacher, a member of the local outreach team, and loves hanging out with children at church and Prescott Mobile Home Park. She is also an amazing bus driver for Byron Center Schools as well as drives our bus on Wednesday nights and Sundays.
Contact Luanne if you want to know more about Middle School Youth Group, or how to involve your children in the church.
-
Ranee Christian- K Club Teacher
Ranee Christian is the leader of our K Club ministry to Preschool and Kindergarten Children on Wednesday nights as well as our Preschool Sunday School Teacher. She is amazing with children and a great teacher with an upbeat personality that children are drawn to.
Contact Ranee if you would like more information on our K Club program.
