Staff
BRET LAMSMA – Pastor of Youth
As a ‘preacher’s kid’ Bret grew up in the CRC and moved around quite a bit. Bret felt called to the ministry while in high school and fell in love with youth ministry while doing an internship at an inner city church in Grand Rapids, Michigan during seminary.
Bret has a special passion for post high ministry. Integrating the ’20 somethings’ into the body of believers is a commitment he takes seriously. Building a sense of community among all church members, reaching out to the surrounding area through service projects, and ministering to the outside world through missions projects are all emphasized as part of the youth program.
As husband to wife Julie and dad to toddlers Sam and Karissa, Bret’s life is a very full and busy one. Watching sports, especially baseball, and just ‘hanging out’ are the ways this committed pastor of youth keeps balance in his life.
The Lamsma’s made the move to Ripon and Immanuel CRC in February, 2008. Fun fact: In the first year of living in the Central Valley they visited Yosemite National Park with family and friends 8 times! Should qualify for frequent visitor discount status, right?
LAURI HOWARD – Administrator/Coordinator of Ministries
Lauri, her husband Terry and family pets made the long trek to Ripon from Grand Rapids, Michigan in November of 2006. With over 20 years in human resources, corporate training and as a community college instructor, she brings a wealth of experience and skills to her position at Immanuel CRC. Extensive volunteerism and leadership in several churches, serving as a youth director for Youth for Christ and two churches during college and just after, and serving as a pastors’ wife for five years give her insights and ‘hands on’ ministry skills.
An admitted ‘history geek’, a ‘reading addict’ and a ‘theatre buff’ who loves to travel, exploring all that California has to offer has been fun to pursue during time off work. Best thing about making the move? More sunshine! Best thing about working at Immanuel? Seeing members reach out to the community and our members in need through service projects and ministries.
PART TIME – JOB SHARE – ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS
GERI WITT – Tuesday and Friday
LINDSAY RUBIO – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Immanuel CRC is fortunate to have two members who love to serve the congregation by ensuring that our office needs are handled efficiently and with an attitude of service delivered with a sincere smile and joy in helping others.
No request is too big or too small. Geri and Lindsay are very flexible which was particularly evident during the move to our new facility in 2008 and in adjusting to an interim period after losing a pastor of nearly three decades.
The staff and congregation are thankful for the invaluable assistance of these two women.