Pastors:
Chad Oyer
Lead Pastor
Pastor Chad Oyer, along with his wife Angie, and 4 children, came to First Congregational from Birmingham United Methodist Church, where he served for 7 years as Associate Pastor. His prior pastoral experience includes associate pastorates at the Church of Nazarene in Roseville, Michigan, at Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church in Greenville North Carolina, and as church planter and lead pastor at New Heights Community Church. Pastor Chad's ministry has been distinguished by team-oriented, hardworking, mission-focused, loving environments. Pastor Chad received a B.A. degree in Philosophy and Religion from Olivet Nazarene University and continued his education at Nazarene Theological Seminary. Most likely, you can see Pastor Chad and his family enjoying downtown Traverse City, swimming at a local beach, picking apples at an orchard, racing down ski slopes, and always playing games in the backyard.
Dr. Gary Hogue
Pastoral Care
I arrived at FCC in 1984 with my wife Karen and sons Mike and Jeremy. Over the years we have experienced God‘s faithfulness through the joys and burdens of church and family life. We are blessed to participate in God’s work at FCC. Currently, I preach occasionally, consult with church leadership, and provide pastoral care to the congregation. We have eleven grandchildren and many friends in the church and community.
Karen and I met at Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio where we received Bachelor‘s’ degrees in 1968. I went on to pursue a Master of Divinity from McCormick Seminary, earning credits also at Chicago Theological School and The University of Heidelberg, Germany. While serving my first pastorate I pursued graduate courses at Ohio State University, and later at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio where I earned my Doctor of Ministry. I served 3 churches in Ohio prior to FCC, and I’ve done sabbatical work with Max Stackhouse of Princeton Theological Seminary and Jean Elshtain of the Chicago Divinity School.
I believe we live and work in perilous times that are yet filled with the Triune God’s presence and unfolding promises. I believe the church exists to provide environments where the Holy Spirit creates, renews, or deepens faith in Jesus Christ. May God bless you as you explore what God is doing through FCC.
Sam Javed
Youth Pastor
Raised in Traverse City, I graduated from Traverse City West Senior High School in 2013. After high school I played community college basketball before moving back home. I discovered that I enjoyed the trades and in 2018 completed an Associate’s degree in Construction Management. It was shortly after that I felt the call to ministry. In 2022 I received my Bachelors in Science of Religion from Liberty University. It is an honor to be able to serve the Lord Jesus as the youth pastor at FCC! I love being with young people as they discover who Jesus is and His purpose for their life. Sara and I have been married since 2017 and we have two children, Norah and Josiah. The Javeds are all about Jesus, people, food and fun!
Worship:
Russ Larimer
Sanctuary Choir Director
Russ Larimer is the Sanctuary Choir Director of Traverse City‘s First Congregational Church, a position he has held since 2005, and also serves as Director for the Mel Larimer Concert Series. He is Emeritus Director of Choirs from Traverse City West Sr. High, having recently retired from public school teaching after 33 years of service. Russ’s high school choirs toured and performed frequently throughout the U.S. and Europe. He directed Michigan high school Honors Choirs on 3 occasions and was recently recognized as the 2014 Teacher of the Year by the Michigan School Vocal Music Association.
Russ is a graduate of Albion College and taught for 7 years on the Rosebud Indian Reservation and in the Black Hills of South Dakota prior to returning to Traverse City in 1987. Russ married his wonderful wife Deb in 1981, and they have 2 delightful daughters, Ashley and Allison.
Dr. Carole Halmekangas
Organist/Pianist
Shortly after retiring to beautiful Northern Michigan with my husband, Rich, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was offered the opportunity to succeed FCC’s beloved organist, Sally Lewis, whose talent, wisdom, and multiple gifts the congregation enjoyed and depended upon for 60 years! Sally left mighty big organ shoes to fill! I am honored to step in, recognizing the grace of God in the synchronicity of the events that led Rich and me to relocate at this unusual time.
Back in 1967, while a student at the University of Michigan, I was invited to be the organist at Ward Presbyterian church in Detroit. It was my joy and privilege to serve this growing, dynamic congregation for 45 years, both as Organist and then as Director of Music. I retired in 2012, but shortly thereafter, I “flunked” retirement! Within just a few months, I had the opportunity to serve at First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham, and shortly thereafter to join the staff at First Presbyterian Church of Northville as Organist/Director of Music. Additionally, I often subbed at the organ at First United Methodist Church of Birmingham, where Pastor Chad served as Associate Pastor before being called to FCC.
Over the years, I earned three degrees at the University of Michigan: a Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance; a Masters in Organ Performance; and a Doctorate in Organ and Church Music.
Rich and I are parents of a daughter and two sons, and grandparents to two wonderful granddaughters. We are both Real Estate Brokers, having had our own small business, AAA Real Estate in Northville, for many years. We enjoy working together to help people through the buying and selling process, and we hope to have opportunities to continue to do so here in Northern Michigan.
It is my desire to nurture and support FCC through music, liturgy, Scripture, and prayer. I am grateful to be a part of this church family, and I look forward to experiencing God’s grace and goodness with you here at First Congregational Church of Traverse City.
Jim Seidel
Handbell Choir Director
I’m Jim Seidel, and I am honored to be following in Sally Lewis’ footsteps by directing the Handbell Choir. Sacred music has always been one of my deepest joys, whether I am conducting groups, doing solo work, or participating in groups.
I grew up in St. Louis MO, and after living in Streator IL, my wife, Carol, and I moved to Traverse City in 1991. We are the parents of three children. Our son, Tony, was profoundly disabled and passed away at age 35. Our daughter, Julie, and her significant other live in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and our other daughter, Katie, and husband live in Lafayette, LA. My faith has always been nurtured and increased by my involvement in church life wherever I have lived. This involvement came from my directing groups, serving on committees, or fellowship with dear friends. Church participation has always been at the center of my and my family’s life.
I have a B. Mus. Ed. degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington IL., and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Ohio University, Athens OH. In Illinois, I taught music in various positions while directing church choirs, and in addition to my involvement in the church, I served and held leadership roles on education committees, community boards, and organizations. In January 1994, I became the Director of Music at Traverse City Presbyterian Church. I retired from that position in August 2016. Since the fall of 2017, my wife and I have enjoyed being active in the FCC Sanctuary and Handbell Choirs. We became members of FCC in February 2018.
Livvi Prior
Northside Music Coordinator
(Bio Coming Soon!)
Ashley Larimer-Kelly
Ashley Larimer-Kelly is excited to serve God as Assistant Choir Director at First Congregational Church! Ashley began singing in the FCC traditional services in 2009. She performs regularly in the Grand Traverse Area Festival Chorus and has toured abroad with the church choir. Ashley has a passion for working with young people and families. She brings over 10 years experience of teaching general music, choir, and musical theatre to kindergarten through 12th grade students. Mrs. Larimer-Kelly also directs with Northwestern Michigan College Children's Choirs.
Ashley met her husband Chauncey at Albion College. They were married in the Garden of Remembrance in 2012. Ashley and Chauncey have been blessed with two daughters and a Saint Bernard/Mastiff named Aria. The Kelly family enjoys outdoor adventures, reading books, and playing games together.
Eric Fegan
Associate Musician
Eric Fegan is First Congregational Church’s Associate Musician, working on both the traditional and contemporary services, depending on the week. Eric sings and plays piano, guitar, and saxophone, and has dabbled with instruments from accordion to didgeridoo. With a BFA in Musical Theatre and BA in Economics—both from the University of Michigan—he splits his time between data work and music.
Eric grew up in Traverse City, and after a decade living in and around Ann Arbor, New York, and abroad, tickling ivories all the way, he is thrilled to be back in the area. He lives with his wife (and several pets).
Caleb Smith
Northside A/V Tech
(Bio Coming Soon!)
Senior Staff:
Cheryl Chism
Church Administrator
Cheryl Chism, Church Administrator, has been on the church staff at FCC since 2009. With a Business Administration degree from Central Michigan University, she enjoys helping church members and ministry leaders with accounting issues and office needs. She and husband, Randal, have a son, Christopher. Cheryl enjoys working on quilt hangings, playing guitar, and making crafts. A favorite hymn for her is “If We Never Meet Again” sung by Selah. She feels very blessed to be a part of such a special team!
Kate Attwood
Communications Coordinator
Kate Attwood is the Communications Coordinator, and has been on staff at FCC since early 2011. Kate was born and raised in Traverse City. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from Grand Valley State University in English and Elementary Education, and previously served as the Director of Community Children's Center at FCC for nine+ years. Kate is married to her high school sweetheart, Kyle, and they have 2 sons. Kate is grateful to be a part of the wonderful staff team at FCC!
Joann Miracle
Community Children's Center Program Director
(Bio coming soon!)
Kellie Parks
Anchor Kids Ministry Director
Kellie and her husband, Jason are Traverse City natives, happy to be raising their son, River in the same community where they grew up. Kellie’s life has truly been transformed by Jesus. She has a passion for Biblical literacy and theology, and delights in continually learning more about God. Kellie has a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies from Michigan State University, is an MSU Extension Master Gardener, and is a licensed real estate salesperson.
She enjoys quilting, beach days, kayaking, gardening, and hanging out with her family and ridiculous pets (two dogs & two cats). In addition to serving families through FCC’s children’s ministry, Kellie also serves on the church’s Garden and Landscape Board.
Kellie is excited to partner with parents to establish a firm foundation of faith in their kids, and feels it a privilege to help children learn that Jesus loves them, forgives them, and helps them.
Vladimir Sus
Maintenance Supervisor
Vladimir has provided dedicated service since December 2010. His willing attitude and warm smile have blessed our church! He and wife Valentina have four children and three nieces. Vladimir participates in choir and the men’s vocal group. He enjoys working with his hands, fishing with his sons, and spending time with family.