Rev. Dale Ostema came to Central Church in July of 2007. Over the past thirty years Dale has served churches in Northern Michigan. His prior appointments include Baldwin, Charlevoix, Greensky Hill and Cadillac United Methodist Churches. Dale loves living in the northern part of the state and enjoys spending free time, out-of-doors, in God’s awesome… Read More »

Rev. Chris Lane arrived on staff to Central Church in July of 2009. Since becoming ordained twenty years ago he has served several communities across West Michigan – rural, suburban, edge-city. Chris and his wife, Rev. Jane Lippert, served as co-pastors for 12 of those years to birth a new congregation in Grand Rapids, Genesis… Read More »

Darcy Dewling graduated in 1985 from Ferris State College with a degree in Television Production. After graduation she lived in the Detroit area working at Comcast Cablevision, first in the local production department and later in the Regional Accounting Office. While at Comcast, Darcy continued her education at Macomb Community College and Walsh College receiving… Read More »

A teacher, editor, and information technologist with a lifelong interest in education, Donna has joined the Central Church staff from Grace Episcopal Church where she was the Director of Children & Youth Formation.  Before that she worked at TCAPS for six years managing the West Senior High School student tech department and before that she… Read More »

Amy, originally from Livonia, MI, moved to Traverse City in August 2017 with her husband George Ryan Holton and their two cats Buffy and Leonidas. Prior to living in Traverse City, Amy lived in Washington D.C. where she served as the Youth and Children’s Director at Chevy Chase UMC for two years. Youth Ministry has… Read More »

Erica has a passion for working with children! She is married to Kevin and a mother to two beautiful daughters, Isabelle and Aria. She enjoys spending time with my family, disc golfing, kayaking, or just hanging out. Her faith journey started with a book, ”A Purpose Driven Life.” It didn’t take her long to realize she was important and also important to God. It changed her life around, and she is so very grateful! She is excited to have the chance to work together as a team to make things work together for God’s good!

Rev. Jane Lippert grew up in Manistee, Michigan. She studied at Alma College and Boston University School of Theology. She and her husband, Rev. Chris Lane, have 2 daughters, Hannah and Rachel, both crazy-wonderful young adults living in the Traverse City area. . Her 30 years of ministry has taken a number of paths including… Read More »

Jeffrey Cobb joined the Central Church staff in 2006, and is blessed to wear many hats on the CUMC team. In addition to his work at Central, Jeffrey is also the Director of Music Programs at Northwestern Michigan College where he oversees the Music, Audio Tech, and Dance programs, directs the choirs, and serves as… Read More »

Claire and her family have been members at CUMC since 2014. Before relocating to Traverse City in 2011, Claire was a middle and high school chorus and drama teacher in her home state of North Carolina. Claire began singing with the Chancel Choir in 2013, became the assistant Chancel Choir director in 2016, and the… Read More »

In addition to his role at Central Church, Tom Bara is Instructor of Organ and Assistant Director of Music at the Interlochen Arts Academy and Arts Camp, Interlochen, Michigan. Tom came to Central from Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, New York City, where he worked as Assistant Organist under Gerre Hancock. A graduate of the… Read More »

Kim joined the church staff in 2006 and has held several positions, both full and part time. As the church Communications Coordinator, she handles all aspects of print and digital communication including publishing church bulletins, weekly email communications, creating materials for special events, and managing the church website. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public… Read More »

Amber graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2003 with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. After moving to the TC area in 2004 she worked at Hagerty as an underwriter.  Married the love of her life, Brad, in 2005 at sea on a cruise. Took a break from managing hotels and insurance in… Read More »