616.866.2412 | Worship every Sunday @ 10:30 a.m.
616.866.2412 | Worship every Sunday @ 10:30 a.m.
Get to know your church leaders and staff.
Pastor Brian has been an ordained minister for 26 years and has pastored FCCR since the Fall of 2022. He is married to his beloved wife, Jocelyn, and they have two adult sons. As a native Canadian, he is passionate about ice hockey and remains a Toronto Maple Leafs fan! As a Christian, he is passionate about living out of our true identity in Christ, and invites others to discover and anchor their identity on the truth of being beloved children of God. Pastor Brian devotes three quarters of his time to pastoring FCCR and the remaining time he works as a pastoral counselor at West Michigan Wellness Group.
Greg has been singing his whole life. No kidding. He started singing solos in church at age 3 in Indianapolis with his mother accompanying him on the piano. He won several talent shows all over Michigan and even won the Ted Mack Amateur Hour in New York City at age 6. He was the Minister of Music at First Congregational Church in Greenville for 35 years prior to coming to Rockford. He has been married to Val (his FCCR Music Team partner) for 38 years and yes, you guessed it, she sang in his choir at FCCOG and he sang in her choir at MCC prior to their marriage. They have 5 adult children and 5 grandchildren. He is passionate about all genres of music and expects the highest level of performance from his choirs, vocal and bells, with a little bit of humor and a whole lot of fun enjoyed by all! FCCR is very blessed to have so many talented musicians.
Valerie Vandermark has been making music in churches since she began singing in a children’s church choir under her mother’s direction. Val holds music degrees from the University of Michigan and Central Michigan University. She taught elementary music in her early career, and retired as music faculty and Performing Arts Coordinator from Montcalm Community College.
Val feels blessed to share the privilege of being the Music Team at FCCR with her husband, Greg. They have 5 children and 5 grandchildren, and enjoy traveling, theater, and gardening.
Anna is a Rockford native who lives with her husband Zac and their three children. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Learning Disabilities from Hope College and spent a decade teaching before pursuing a career in family photography for another ten years. In 2021, Anna returned to the world of education by joining First Congregational Church as the Children’s Faith Formation Director.
She is inspired by the opportunity to walk alongside young people as they grow in their faith. Nothing brings her more delight than wondering together, exploring tough questions, and introducing biblical wisdom that can be applied to everyday life.
The CE Board oversees all religious education programs coordinated by our Christian Education coordinator.
The “Fun Board,” as it is commonly referred, oversees, develops, and promotes good fellowship for all ages by planning various activities throughout the year.
This board oversees the spiritual care and nurture of the congregation and assists the pastor in all aspects of worship.
Our Missions Board develops our church’s outreach program at home and abroad.
The Executive Board consists of the church moderator, vice-moderator, treasurer, clerk, and chairpersons of each board.
The Trustees receive and disperse funds required for the corporate life of the church and oversee the care and upkeep of the church building.
