The Rev. Judson Marvel, Minister of Word and Sacrament
I serve as pastor and teacher of Forest Grove Reformed Church. I preach and teach the Word of God, administer the sacraments, and share responsibility with the elders, deacons, and members of Forest Grove for mutual growth and service to the Lord.
After graduating from Central College (Pella, IA), I attended Princeton Theological Seminary and graduated with a Master of Divinity, serving yoked congregations for 5 years in upstate New York before moving to western Michigan. I am currently pursuing a Master of Theology degree (ThM) at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. I married Jodi Jacobson in 2004 and we are blessed with a wonderful daughter, Jayla, and son, Jackson.
After graduating from Central College (Pella, IA), I attended Princeton Theological Seminary and graduated with a Master of Divinity, serving yoked congregations for 5 years in upstate New York before moving to western Michigan. I am currently pursuing a Master of Theology degree (ThM) at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. I married Jodi Jacobson in 2004 and we are blessed with a wonderful daughter, Jayla, and son, Jackson.
The Rev. Steve Simon, Minister of Discipleship
As the Minister of Discipleship, my goal is to help each of us grow as followers of Jesus. We can do that by learning to listen to God’s Word more carefully, heeding the gentle nudges of God’s Spirit, and seeing God’s presence in our lives and in the world around us. I also have responsibilities in visitation and worship—all in a half-time job description!
I came to Forest Grove in September 2010 after serving as a pastor in two other congregations in Western Michigan. I was also involved in a college ministry for 12 years out in the Pacific Northwest (InterVarsity Christian Fellowship). My wife, Carol, is currently the Dean of Social Sciences at Hope College, and we have two adult, married sons, Paul and Matt. For fun, I love to play basketball and golf, solve Sudoku puzzles, and watch the Lions/Tigers/Pistons!
I came to Forest Grove in September 2010 after serving as a pastor in two other congregations in Western Michigan. I was also involved in a college ministry for 12 years out in the Pacific Northwest (InterVarsity Christian Fellowship). My wife, Carol, is currently the Dean of Social Sciences at Hope College, and we have two adult, married sons, Paul and Matt. For fun, I love to play basketball and golf, solve Sudoku puzzles, and watch the Lions/Tigers/Pistons!
Tanya Bedker, Youth Director
I direct the ministries to youth and young adults at Forest Grove. I share the Word of God with young people and attempt to nurture and minister to them in such a way that they become Disciples of Christ and active members of the Body of Christ. Besides developing intentional relationships with students I also hope to build meaningful relationships with parents and the church as a whole. I grew up in Reed City, Michigan and after graduating from Reed City High School I attended Hope College. I graduated in 2010 with a BA in Religion and Youth Ministry.
Pamela Lubbers, Worship Director
I coordinate praise and worship music to magnify and honor the Lord in our worship services.
My husband, Randy, and I have been members at Forest Grove Reformed Church for 15 years. We have three children: Derek, Aaron and Cadee. Our family enjoys camping, swimming, biking and playing games with each other. I enjoy reading, Sudoku puzzles, music, watching football and cooking.
My husband, Randy, and I have been members at Forest Grove Reformed Church for 15 years. We have three children: Derek, Aaron and Cadee. Our family enjoys camping, swimming, biking and playing games with each other. I enjoy reading, Sudoku puzzles, music, watching football and cooking.
Leigh Anne Smallegan, Administrative Assistant
I organize and coordinate Church facilities and communicate the activities of the Church.
Forest Grove has been our home since we married. After meeting Kevin, my husband, in the fall of 1992 on the mission field at Christianville in Haiti, we were wed in April 1994. We returned to Christianville after our wedding for a six month stay during the U.S. intervention of Haiti. Although, wanting to commit full time to the mission field, God called us to be the proud parents of three beautiful children. We have chosen to raise our family in a strong Christ centered foundation here at Forest Grove Reformed Church and the surrounding area. Our family enjoys cooking, music, sports, and the great outdoors God has blessed us with!
Forest Grove has been our home since we married. After meeting Kevin, my husband, in the fall of 1992 on the mission field at Christianville in Haiti, we were wed in April 1994. We returned to Christianville after our wedding for a six month stay during the U.S. intervention of Haiti. Although, wanting to commit full time to the mission field, God called us to be the proud parents of three beautiful children. We have chosen to raise our family in a strong Christ centered foundation here at Forest Grove Reformed Church and the surrounding area. Our family enjoys cooking, music, sports, and the great outdoors God has blessed us with!
Ruth VandeBunte, Newsletter Editor
I publish a monthly newsletter for the members and friends of Forest Grove Reformed Church. The newsletter is printed the third week of each month.
Bob and I have lived in Forest Grove for 30 years. We have three grown children.
Bob and I have lived in Forest Grove for 30 years. We have three grown children.
Shawn Peuse, Kids Hope USA Director
As director of Kids Hope USA I recruit, train and support church member mentors and prayer partners to form one-to-one relationships with recommended students from Forest Grove Elementary in order for the child to feel valued and loved. Thus, he/she is better able to grow, learn and succeed.
My husband and I have been members at FGRC since 1998. We were drawn to this community of believers by its strong youth programs and its warm and welcoming members. Throughout the years I have been involved in various committees and ministries such as Sunday School, choir, women's bible study and most recently the establishing of KH USA. Our adult children live from Cadillac, with 2 grandchildren, to Kentucky to Honduras; so traveling and keeping connected to family over the miles is a large part of our hobbies. We also enjoy the great outdoors in all its wonderful seasons through cross-country skiing, hiking, water activities and spotting God's handiwork through His amazing sunsets where ever they are found.
My husband and I have been members at FGRC since 1998. We were drawn to this community of believers by its strong youth programs and its warm and welcoming members. Throughout the years I have been involved in various committees and ministries such as Sunday School, choir, women's bible study and most recently the establishing of KH USA. Our adult children live from Cadillac, with 2 grandchildren, to Kentucky to Honduras; so traveling and keeping connected to family over the miles is a large part of our hobbies. We also enjoy the great outdoors in all its wonderful seasons through cross-country skiing, hiking, water activities and spotting God's handiwork through His amazing sunsets where ever they are found.
Kathy and Ron Nienhuis, Custodians
Ron has been a member FGRC all of his life. We were married in 1969. Ron was drafted in 1979 and served in the army until 1973. We have served as youth leaders for 16 years. We presently organize small groups interested in work projects, and have taken part in the ministry at InterVarsity Cedar Campus, in the Upper Peninsula for the past 2 years. We own a greenhouse business and also raise produce to sell at the Holland market. We have 3 children, Eric, Shannon (Van Koevering) and Joe, as well as 6 grandchildren.
Linda Vande Bunte, Custodian
