REV. DR. JEFFREY D. WEENINK, Pastor/Head of Staff. Jeffrey is responsible for oversight of all aspects of the church’s ministry and mission. Jeffrey graduated with a BA degree from Alma College, a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University Divinity School and a Doctor of Ministry degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary. He served as Student Assistant Pastor at Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church in Durham, N.C.; Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Danville, IL; and Pastor/Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church in Holt. Jeffrey has served on committees at the Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly levels as well as leading work/study/mission/cultural exchange trips to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. He has also been a visiting Pastor to the Livingstonia Synod in Malawi, Central Africa and Pyung Buk Presbytery in South Korea.
            Jeffrey brings enthusiasm, intelligence, imagination, vision and hard work along with his abiding love for the parish ministry as head of staff.
            He and his wife, Jeanne, have three young daughters, Jenneke, Justyne, and Jaime. Jeffrey began ministry in Bay City in April 1998.

            HEATHER BAILEY, Christian Education Director. The development of our faith through education and learning is a major emphasis in our church. Heather has a B.S. degree from Charleston Southern University and also holds a teacher certificate in Secondary Education. Some of her responsibilities include oversight of the church school, adult education, Bible studies and teacher training. The depth and breadth of her ministry unfolds with E.T.C., Vacation Church School, Advent Workshop, Bible Sunday, Summer Camping and other events. Heather is married to James and they have two children, Nathaniel and Abigail. In response to a deepening desire for spiritual and theological growth, she recently completed her work on her Christian Education Certificate through the Presbyterian Church. Heather’s enthusiasm also leads her to serve on several presbytery committees and to participate in a leadership role in Lake Huron Presbytery’s summer camp program.

CATHY SHORT, Youth Director. Cathy began her career in youth ministry in 1989 as a volunteer junior high leader. Since 1991, she has directed all youth programming. But her responsibilities extend far beyond weekly youth group meetings. An innovator and motivator, Cathy has envisioned and built many programs and ministries in the church including Prayer Partners, Monday Night Live, Monkey Business (the youth newsletter), Next Door (college/young adult group), and Tuesday Night Talk (youth Bible Study).  Cathy also leads the annual Confirmation/Commissioning class and directs the youth musical. With a passion for mission, Cathy has taken groups of youth, college students and adults to summer workcamps in twenty states. She also coordinates the Riverfront Workcamp projects in Bay City.

LEO NAJAR, Director of Music has served in artistic leadership capacities with the Saginaw Bay Orchestra, The Midland Symphony Orchestra, Ohio Chamber Orchestra, Ballet Michigan and the symphony orchestras of Flint, Dearborn and Traverse City. He has appeared around the country as a guest conductor, and he has garnered special praise for his work with choral and opera repertoire. In 2001 he served as a special advisor and principal guest conductor to the National Orchestra of El Salvador under the auspices of the American State Department. An accomplished arranger, he has written over 100 works for a rainbow of groups that include traditional ensembles such as chorus, gospel choir, jazz and bluegrass quartets to steel drums, klezmer and zydeco bands. Mr. Najar has had a distinguished career as a teacher, serving on the faculties of The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and in Flint, Georgia State University, Central Michigan University, Wayne State University and the National Music Camp at Interlochen. A popular clinician and workshop presenter, he has conducted the Michigan and Florida All-State high school orchestras as well as the Georgia Music Educators High School Orchestra Festivals and numerous regional events. Mr. Najar is currently Artistic Director for Bay Musical Arts and The Bijou Orchestra. His wife Regina is the Executive Director of the Bay Area Women’s Center. They are residents of Bay City.

CAROL COLLINS, Administrative Assistant. The church newsletter (the Herald is mailed semi-monthly from mid-August to mid-June) and the Sunday bulletin are Carol’s main responsibilities. She also maintains the membership rolls and the church calendar, along with numerous other duties. If you have questions regarding the newsletter or bulletin, please contact Carol daily by 4:40 p.m. Carol came to First Presbyterian Church in December 1992. She has served as an officer and is active in her own congregation. Carol and husband, Al, have two sons, Cheyne and Scott.

JERRY BECHTEL, Business Manager. Jerry joined the staff in June 1997 as the Financial Secretary, and later that same year also assumed the duties of Building Manager. Jerry is responsible for scheduling and coordinating the use of rooms for the variety of activities that take place in our church. He is also responsible for maintenance of the building and the supervision of the custodial staff. Jerry also oversees the posting of contributions, preparation of statements and payment of invoices. He develops and maintains the Charts of Account for the various organizations in the church, and prepares a variety of financial reports for the IRS, General Assembly, and the staff and committees of the church. Jerry and his wife Marilyn have been members of this church since 1981. They have two adult children.

          RON WARDYNSKI, Custodian. Ron is responsible for the custodial work in the common areas of the church, the grounds outside the church, and for minor maintenance and repair of the facility.
           Ron is a lifelong resident of Bay City and a Navy veteran. He and his wife, Jaqueline, have one son, Matthew. Ron enjoys camping and spending time with his family.