ELDER BIOS
Tim Stevens
History: My family moved to Midland in 2004 for a job opportunity. We attended Messiah for the first time at the end of that summer. The faith family here welcomed us and has been our home ever since. My daughters and oldest son have all been married here. I’ve enjoyed seeing Messiah’s growth and changes over the last 17 years and look forward to serving here if it continues to be God’s will.
Faith Journey: I was born to a Christian family in 1973 but had no idea what a relationship with Jesus looked like before moving to Midland. I was encouraged to grow in faith as the family at Messiah embraced and supported my own family. The pastors at Messiah have modeled the importance of following Jesus’ example, serving the neighbors God places on our path. Messiah’s mission to “reach one more life with Jesus by creating environments for life transformation”, represents my view of Jesus’ mission for our faith family. As God invites me to join in serving in different capacities, I continue to grow and look forward to seeing what lies ahead.
Family: Bridget (my wife) and I have been married for 26 years. Jenna (oldest daughter) and Bryon are married and live in Bay City with our granddaughters, Harmony and Zoey. Joseph (oldest son) was married to Katie this year after moving back to Midland. Allison (youngest daughter) and Kyle were also married this year and moved to Coleman. We fostered several teenagers before meeting Jaycee (youngest son) in 2019.
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Ministry Involvement: I enjoy being a sound tech in the worship arts team and helping at the Bridge. Recently I was blessed to serve on the pastoral call committee, and witnessed how the Lord worked to bring Pastor Matt to Messiah. I am also involved in Sleep in Heavenly Peace - assist in bed delivery and assembly, Bridge Food Center - assist in food delivery
Jack Metevia
Faith Journey: I was raised in the Catholic Church, but stopped attending after High School. When I met my wife, Tammy she was playing the organ during Sunday Service at Messiah. I began attending with her and eventually joined Messiah shortly after our wedding in 1988. We have grown in our faith together through the years, and consider Messiah to be our church and our faith family.
Family: Tammy and I have been married for 33 years and are pleased to call Messiah, and Midland home.
Favorite Verse: Joshua 24:15 "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
Ministry Involvement: Worship Assistant Ministry, Tuesday night Men's Group
Hobbies: Physical Fitness (biking, swimming, walking, etc) Fishing, Camping
Roger Miller
History: We joined Messiah in 1993.
Faith Journey: I was not saved until the early 90s. My wife and I went on a Marriage Encounter and Christ came into my life at that time. We attended St. John's Lutheran Church and later went Church shopping in 1993 and found Messiah. Loved it and still do. When we moved to the new church I was asked if I would consider becoming an Elder. I prayed about it and decided I would and have been ever since.
Family: My wife and I were Married in 1967 and had 2 children. We were married for 52 years and I lost her 3 years ago in a traffic accident. We lost our son to suicide 16 years ago. He left us a grandson who is 24 years old. My daughter and son-in-law also have a boy named Zach who I spend a lot of time with.
Favorite Verse: Psalm 23 "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."
Ministry Involvement: I have been involved in the 4 Work Camps we have done with the High School and lots of other construction for the Church. We made 9 trips to Biloxi, Ms.and a trip to Joplin, Mo.
Hobbies: I love to deer hunt and fishing for salmon.
Andy Wise
History: Joined Messiah in 2007
Faith Journey: Grew up attending the Baptist church. Attended church very infrequently during college and a few years after graduation. After my first wife had passed away, I began to attend church more frequently. I was baptized by my father who is a pastor. Messiah is my home where I feel loved, welcomed, and accepted. I love that the Word is preached boldly here at Messiah, and that Messiah has a strong desire to reach the lost and the surrounding community.
Family: I grew up in Arkansas and moved to Michigan in 1996. I was married for 11 years before my wife passed away in 2007. In 2010, I married Janae. She enjoys teaching Sunday school in Kids Creek. Together we have 7 children (2 boys and 5 girls). The age range is 8 years to 27. All of our children have been baptized here at Messiah.
Favorite Verse: John 16:33, I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
Ministry Involvement: I enjoy being a sound tech in the worship arts team and helping at the Bridge. Recently I was blessed to serve on the pastoral call committee, and witnessed how the Lord worked to bring Pastor Matt to Messiah.
Hobbies: I enjoy fishing with wife, kids, and friends. If it has fins and swims, I’ll try to catch it.
Jeff Kikta
History: Started attending Messiah in 1997 – transferred my membership to Messiah in 1998. The warmth of the congregation was beyond ALL churches visited. I was welcomed and approached by our pastors - which made Messiah special. I enjoyed the worship with a combination of traditional and contemporary in the services. I met my wife Michelle at Messiah in 1999 and married her in 2000. I baptized my three sons at Messiah who grew in the church and all graduated from Deeper Walk. Messiah is my Faith Family and I am proud to call this place my spiritual home.
Faith Journey: I am a lifelong Christian thanks to the Lord and my mom. I was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran church. I grew up and became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Fenton, MI. I took a major growth in faith after moving and living in Everett, WA in 1992. I continue and will always seek the Lord and His plans for me.
Family: My wife Michelle and I have been married for 21 years. Michelle and I have (3) songs: Glenn (20), Noah (18), & Alex (14)
Favorite Verse: Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Ministry Involvement: Kids Creek – 2nd thru 4th grade, Messiah Flood Relief Team, Worship Assistant, Board of Directors (2 Terms), Call Committee leading to the hire of Pastor Ed, and helped with policy based governance (constitution and bylaw revisions)
Hobbies: Golfing, fishing, wood working, home projects
BOARD OF DIRECTORS BIOS
Lori Smith
How long have you been at Messiah?
12 years
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What ministries are you involved in?
Volunteering at The Bridge
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Hobbies:
Golfing and sewing
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What is your career?
I am a retired teacher
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What is your favorite thing about Messiah?
I love our ministries!
Brandon Frost
How long have you been at Messiah?
Summer of 2016
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What ministries are you involved in?
I help out with tech on Sunday mornings at Messiah, but am involved with other ministries outside Messiah, such as Royal Family Kids (RFK) and Teen Reach Adventure Camp (TRAC) helping to create positive life changing memories and experiences for kids and teens who have been in the foster care system
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Hobbies:
I enjoy woodworking, and restoring/fixing cars, along with house remodeling. I would like to find more time to read and learn to play guitar. ​
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What is your career?
I am a controls engineer for Hemlock Semiconductor​
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What is your favorite thing about Messiah?
I love that Messiah is building community both inside its walls and outside its walls. We have classes that get people connected and opportunities to meet, work alongside each other and grow as a church body. We are also not afraid to get into our community and meet needs, whether that is an affordable auto repair shop, an appliance refurbish and resale store or a food center. I love that this church and this church's vision continues to grow.
Karen Dupuis
How long have you been at Messiah?
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What ministries are you involved in?
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Hobbies:
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What is your career?
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What is your favorite thing about Messiah?
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Isaac Benson
How long have you been at Messiah?
July of 2019 ​
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What ministries are you involved in?
I am actively involved in the Dad's Group, Men's Group, Men's Outings, Men's Breakfasts, Kids Creek, Wonderful Wednesdays, and the Young Families Group. I love building connections and supporting the church’s mission.
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Hobbies:
Outside of church activities, I enjoy a variety of hobbies, including golf, home projects, shooting sports, and spending time at lakes or beaches with my family.​
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What is your career?
I work as a Real Estate Professional with Century 21 Signature Realty, where I help clients navigate the real estate market with expertise and care.​
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What is your favorite thing about Messiah?
I love the church’s commitment to ministering to the community daily, through programs like His Hands, Gateway, Bridge, Pivot Point, and Wonderful Wednesdays, creating a lasting impact both inside and outside the church walls.
Jeff Michalowski
How long have you been at Messiah?
​2012​
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What ministries are you involved in?
​Messiah board, Gateway board, communion server in LIFT
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Hobbies:
​Biking, hiking, water skiing, traveling to see my kids
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What is your career?
​Technical Service and Development at Dow
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What is your favorite thing about Messiah?
​I like the worship style of LIFT, I love our community ministries and how we serve the ALICE population​
John Thaxter
How long have you been at Messiah?
2006/2007​
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What ministries are you involved in?
Currently, it is board service for Messiah, Elevate and for Gatway. My family and I have volunteered for and supported our other ministries at times over the years in a variety of ways.​
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Hobbies:
Aside from time with family, I really enjoy biking, gardening and home improvement jobs. ​
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What is your career?
I help people to make informed decisions about their income and healthcare in retirement through Bankers Life. ​
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What is your favorite thing about Messiah?
First, that God is our guide. I believe that we, as a body, understand that apart from God, none of any success we have attained would happen. God first. I also like that we are building strong community ministires, with so many supporters sharing whatever gifts they have to give. We are not without faults, but we are a relational church at the core, and like any relationship, it requires attention and care to keep in good health. We do that like no other church that I've ever been a part of.
Nate Eickhoff
How long have you been at Messiah?
My wife and I have been coming since 2013 and we now attend with our 2 daughters (ages 7&3)​
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What ministries are you involved in?
I am part of the hospitality team along and also the board of directors. ​
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Hobbies:
Watching football. Hanging out with my wife and kids. ​
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What is your career?
I am sales rep at my family business Grasel Graphics (local screenprinting and embroidery shop)​
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What is your favorite thing about Messiah?
I love the family feel of our congregation, our mission work in the local community and above all being completely lead by God and his word.
Eric Troyer
How long have you been at Messiah?
​I have been coming to Messiah since the fall of 2021​
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What ministries are you involved in?
​I serve communion, greet on Sunday mornings, and occasionally volunteer at His Hands.​
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Hobbies:
​I enjoy boating, gardening, snowmobiling, and tinkering in the garage in my spare time.
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What is your career?
​I work as an Engineer for International Engineering and Manufacturing in Hope, MI.
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What is your favorite thing about Messiah?
​I really like the focus on community outreach.
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Debbie Piotrowski
How long have you been at Messiah?
​18 years
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What ministries are you involved in?
​I am part of the Ladies Bible Study, volunteer at The Bridge, on the Hospitality Team, on the Prayer team - pray around the church before services.​
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Hobbies:
​I like to read, travel, walk, exercise and crocheting​​
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What is your career?
​I work part-time at SVSU for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute which provides travel and classes for those over 50. I will be retiring in March
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What is your favorite thing about Messiah?
​Messiah has been home for me for the last 18 years. Worship services at Messiah always prepare me for the week ahead. The messages are from the Bible and very applicable to today’s living. The music makes me feel very close to God. I love the friendships I have made here! The ministries are amazing and bring so many opportunities for everyone to be involved.
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