People/Staff

Rev. Andrew Pomerville - Senior Pastor
 

Andrew was raised in Brighton, MI, the son of an automotive engineer and a Montessori music teacher. As an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Brighton, he followed a path toward ministry as a student at Alma College, majoring in history with a minor in religious studies and an emphasis in environmental studies. Before pursuing his Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, Rev. Pomerville spent time in environmental work in Alaska, as well as youth ministry in the Detroit Presbytery. During seminary, he was awarded the Watermulder Prize in Church Leadership, for the student who displays the most potential for parish leadership, as well as the Gerald R. Johnson Memorial Prize for the senior who most demonstrates the gifts necessary to be an effective preacher and communicator. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Ministry in Reformed Theology from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and University of Aberdeen, Scotland.

In July, 2011 Andrew, his wife, Rachell, and two children, Denali and Bryce, enthusiastically brought their talents, gifts and desire to serve to The Peoples Church.   Click here to go to Andrew's church blog.
 Rev. Penny Swartz - Associate Pastor
 

 Penny was born and raised in California.  In 1973 she graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.  She experienced a life altering call to the ministry during a trip to Israel in 1990.  She began seminary studies at United Theological Seminary, New Brighton, MN and Lansing, MI before becoming Associate Pastor here in June 2002.  Penny is also a trained Spiritual Director.  She and her husband, Mike, have four children between them. 
   Jennifer Hill, Director of Campus Ministry, has been working with The Peoples Church since March of 2011. The Campus Ministry is called Peoples EvoLution and is rooted in the idea of an unconditionally loving community. Jennifer is working with her staff of Peer Ministers to build just such a vibrant and loving community dedicated to ministering to the many college campuses in the greater Lansing area. The ministry’s desire is to see students, faculty, and young professionals from all walks of life unite together on their faith journey and encourage and love one another. 
   Betsy Aho, Director of Christian Education for Youth, has been working with the 6th-12th grade students of Peoples Church for over a decade.  She has a heart for teens, and for helping young people explore their faith through questions, games, discussion, Bible study and mission work.  Betsy feels blessed to have a position she loves at the church that she loves, and is learning from the students all the time.  She lives here in East Lansing with her husband and two elementary age children.
 
   Dana Johnson is in her 19th year directing The Peoples Church Preschool.  It became nationally accredited under her direction in 1998.  The church established the preschool in 1951 and it continues to provide a full- and/or half-day, high quality learning environment for infants, toddlers, and two year olds, as well as preschool- and school-age children.  Dana is married to Nick and has three children, Mandy, Hannah and Nicky.  
 

Jonathan Reed is Director of Music at the Peoples Church. Concurrently, Dr. Reed serves the Michigan State University College of Music as Associate Director of Choral Programs. Jonathan and his wife, Sandra Snow, have two children, Lochlyn (11) and Siri (7).  Jonathan also has two older children, Hallie and Christopher.
   
   
 


 
   Andy Mayville has worked for Peoples Church since 2001 and is the Superintendent of Building and Grounds.  He has served in this position since September of 2009.  Andy is responsible for building and grounds maintenance.  He lives in Lansing with his daughters Mia (8) and Maura (6).
   
 

Dee Przybylski is a lifelong member of TPC and has worked here as the Wedding Coordinator since 2009.  She began her position as the Receptionist in the Church Office in 2010. TPC has been a part of her life ever since she can remember and she says, “I feel like I am home”.  Dee and her husband, Dave, have 2 wonderful sons, Paul and Dean.