Leadership
The clergy and leadership of St. John's.Rector Search
St. John’s is currently searching for a new rector! Please reach out to our Search Committee for more information.
The Rev. Pam Renna
Associate Priest
The Rev. Dr. Pamela Renna, though a longtime resident of Saginaw, is
Pam assists with worship services on Sundays and
Pam is a retired Delta College French professor and travels frequently to France.
Dr. Kevin Simons
Director of Music & Organist
Kevin has been Director of Music and Organist at St. John’s since 2002, in which time he has developed a thriving choral music program. Under his direction, our choir has grown to include major works such as Luigi Boccherini’s Gloria, and the Missa Brevis in D Major of Mozart. In addition, he works to develop leaders in church music through the Choral Scholar and Voice for Life youth choir programs. Kevin is also the Director of Choirs at Saginaw Valley State University, directs the Sewanee Church Music Conference, and is an active member of the American Guild of Organists.
Amy Simons
Director of Christian Education
Amy has been with St. John’s since 2007 and has served in various positions, now exclusivly as Director of Christian Education. Her bachelor’s degree in education and her recent completion of the FORMA Children’s Ministry certificate program have launched Amy into new ministry
Al Gissendanner
Sexton
Al has served as our church sexton since 2007 picking up where his father, Jim Gissendanner, left off. Al maintains St. John’s facility, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, with meticulous care and dedication, and sees his work as an act of service to God. The people of St. John’s are grateful to have such a dedicated sexton sharing in their ministry.
Elected Leadership
The Vestry
Lucas Curell
Senior Warden
Wendy Biggs
Clerk
Norm Wika
Vestry Member
Barb Ilkka
Junior Warden
Kathy Coman
Delegate-at-Large
Mary Baukus
Vestry Member
Nanette Fein
Vestry Member
Katie Beltran
Vestry Member
Sean Hall
Vestry Member
What is the vestry?
The Vestry is the elected leadership of the church. At St. John’s, it consists of nine members, elected in three classes of three at each annual meeting. It’s the responsibility of the Vestry to maintain and ensure the property of the parish, supervise investments, with consultation with the Rector authorize staff terms of employment, and act in support of the Rector in whatever is appropriate for the furtherance of the Gospel.
What do Vestry members do?
The Vestry meets once a month and acts as the executive team to the Rector. The two wardens serve as the legal representatives for all business of the church and serve as the judges of church elections. The treasurer looks after the funds and disbursement of monies of the church. The clerk
Who can be on the Vestry?
Any adult member of the congregation (16 years of age or older) who also:
- has been baptized
- has made a “mature affirmation of faith” such as having been confirmed or received
- participates in regular worship
- is supportive of the ministries of the parish
- is not a relative or immediate family member of anyone currently serving on the Vestry
- is not a relative of a current staff member
- understands the expectations of a serving member of the Vestry and is willing to commit to parish leadership
- is able to be bonded (as necessary)
Committee Leadership
Marcia Hoffman
Altar Guild
Burris Smith
Treasurer
Ray Ilkka
Building & Grounds
Tom Kostrzewa
Generosity Team
Paul Schaub
Verger / Financial Secretary