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Pastor Tim Breen
Lead Pastor
Pastor Tim Breen was born in 1980, the first of four children to two wonderful parents. After living the first fifteen years of his life in Allendale, Michigan, Tim relocated to Middleburg, Iowa where his father – likewise a Reverend Breen – had accepted a call to the Free Grace Reformed Church.
In 1998, Tim graduated from Unity Christian High School and enrolled at Northwestern College, where he studied religion, history, and philosophy. Following the completion of his undergraduate work in 2002, Tim married Sioux Center sweetheart Tamara Wynia and began work as Director of Youth and Family Ministries at First Reformed Church in Sibley, Iowa.
In 2003, Pastor Tim returned to West Michigan to work toward his Masters of Divinity degree at Western Theological Seminary and served as a pastoral intern at Rockford Reformed Church.
Pastor Tim received his first call to full-time ordained ministry in January 2006. In this first charge, Tim served as the teaching pastor at Sunrise Ministries of Hudsonville, Michigan. In August 2010, Tim accepted a call to become the lead pastor at First Reformed.
Pastor Tim and Tamara live in Orange City with their children Jericho (4) and Selah (1). Tim spends his free time running, biking, and doing impersonations of other members of the staff.
Tim and Tamara love good movies (O Brother Where Art Thou, Contact, and Thirteen Days are a few of their favorites), steak, and Sunday afternoon naps. Their family loves to travel; Tim has made several trips to the Middle East enjoys facilitating Biblically-centered pilgrimages to Israel. Both husband and wife are fully devoted fans of Michigan football and generally devoted fans of the Detroit Tigers.
Mark Haverdink
Pastor of Congregational Life
Pastor Mark was born and raised on a farm near Orange City . He was baptized in the First Reformed Church and made Profession of Faith as a junior in high school. Who knew the covenant taken by his parents, Howard and Jane 37 years ago, and the Holy Spirit’s leading and shaping would lead Mark back to his home church to accept the Call to be the Pastor of Congregational Life in May of 2011?
Mark and Suzan
ne Haverdink and their children, Allie (11) and Eli (9) come to First Church following a 12 year ministry stint at the First Reformed Church in Maurice, IA were he served as the Belonging Pastor.
During Mark and Suzanne’s seminary years at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI, God impressed on their hearts the value of authentic Christian community and the mission potential of the local Church. While at seminary Mark was an intern at the Beechwood Reformed Church from 1996-1999.
Mark and Suzanne met at Northwestern College and were married on May 18, 1996. Suzanne is employed by Sioux County and works in the zoning office. As a family they enjoy outdoor activities, grilling, gardening and following the Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins and Vikings. A yearly highlight includes a week’s vacation stay at Rush Lake in Northern Minnesota.
Mark, Suzanne Allie and Eli enjoy people and getting to know individuals and families on a personal level. They look forward to meeting and caring for the people who call First Church home.
Ross Enger
Director of Youth Ministries
Ross has been serving as the Director of Youth ministries here since July of 2009. His responsibilities include coordinating high school and middle school ministries, including student mission trips and retreats. He works alongside the Youth Ministry Team and assists in the 6-12 grade Sunday School coordination as well. Ross spends his time at the youth building and around town planning and putting on youth events and student development opportunities. Ross earned a Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry with an emphasis in Bible from Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN. Originally from Anoka, MN Ross came to First Reformed by way of Minneapolis. His desire is to enlist, empower, and equip students as they have been called to impact the world beyond his personal reach. Ross is in the First Impact office Monday through Thursday and can always be reached by email.
Mr. Tom Hydeen
Director of Worship and Prayer
Tom has been working with the people of First Church since 1982. He has filled several staff positions in the past and is presently the Director of Worship and Prayer. He oversees the development of worship and prayer gatherings and the music ministry of FRC.
Tom earned a Bachelor of Music in Church Music from St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, and a Bachelor of Religious Education from Reformed Bible College (now Kuyper College), Grand Rapids, MI. He also completed the study for a Master of Arts in Christian Education from North American Baptist Seminary (now Sioux Falls Seminary), Sioux Falls, SD. Tom has been certified by East Sioux Classis of the Reformed Church in America (RCA) as an Associate in Ministry. He is a member of CERCA, Christian Educators in the RCA.
When God's people gather together, it is a significant event. Even though there are many preferences when it comes to music and worship styles, Tom is committed to blending several genres in the worship and prayer experiences. He encourages the use of talents and gifts within the congregation.
The music ministry is an important component of FRC. There are several opportunities for interested persons to use their music skills. There are worship teams, choirs and ensembles which are used consistently throughout the year.
Tom and Carla have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. With gratitude, Tom continues to serve the Lord and His people at FRC.
Leanne Bonnecroy
Director of Children's Ministries
Leanne's responsibilities include recruiting and supporting teachers and leaders for Sunday morning Sunday School classes, as well as teachers and volunteers for Catechism a
nd Kids For Christ, our Wednesday night ministries. She also coordinates and facilitates Kids’ Connection, an after school club that meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the school year. Our Vacation Bible School program called Backyard Bible Explore(BBX), is planned and coordinated with American Reformed Church. Leanne will work in association with members of First Reformed and American Reformed in recruiting staff and identifying backyard locations for BBX.
Leanne has been a member of First Reformed Church since 1990 and has served as the Cherub Choir Director, Music Director for the Primary Sunday School Department and as a member of the Teaching/Preaching Team. Leanne graduated from Dordt College in Sioux Center, IA with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She has taught in Nigeria, California and most recently at Orange City Elementary for a total of 22 years. Leanne has been involved in Tulip Festival community theater, Orange City Arts Council and the Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors. Leanne shares her life with 3 very special men, her husband Jim, and two sons, Jack and Sam.
Leanne has a heart for children and thoroughly enjoys watching them grow in God’s love and His Word.
Missy Dokter
Administrative Assistant
Missy, staff member since October 2007, is responsible for performing secretarial duties related to the
ministry of First Reformed Church. Some of her responsibilities include supporting the pastoral staff and the congregation, acting as receptionist, and preparing the bulletin, newsletter, and other correspondence.
Missy graduated with Bachelor of Arts degrees in History and Psychology from the University of Iowa in Iowa City in 2004. Missy married junior-high sweetheart, Ryan, in 2001. The couple was blessed with identical twin daughters, Aryana and Biyanca, in 2005, and a son, Crystian, in 2009.
Missy is honored to be the Administrative Assistant at First Reformed Church, and she enjoys working with the staff and using her spiritual gifts to serve God's people.
Merilee Pennings
Bookkeeper
Merilee joined the First Reformed Church staff in May, 2010. She grew up on a farm near Sioux Center, Iowa. After graduating from Iowa State University with degrees in Business Management and Education, she worked in various sales and marketing positions for several years. Most recently, she has been a stay-at-home mom with a home-based bridal and formal wear alterations business. Her husband, Clark, is a bank loan officer and they have two children, Meredith and Tyler. Merilee is excited to be a part of the FRC staff in serving the Lord together.
Grace Oldenkamp
Service Coordinator / Office Assistant
Grace began at First Reformed Church in April of 1986, starting out as bookkeeper and Focus Editor. During that time she also took on the responsibility of Kitchen Service Coordinator. She retired from full time service in December of 2004, but continued on as Service Coordinator. In October of 2007, she returned to the church office, taking on the role of part-time administrative assistant to Missy Dokter. Grace is married to Herm Oldenkamp and has been a member of First Reformed Church since June of 1963. They are the parents of 3 grown children and the proud grandparents of 4 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. In her spare time Grace enjoys spending time with family and camping.
Galen Kleinwolterink
Custodian
Galen has been working at First Reformed since January of 1977. His responsibi
lities include the cleaning and maintenance of both the building and outside grounds. He is also in charge of the sound and video; along with a group of volunteers, they broadcast our morning and evening worship services over the radio as well as the delayed video on cable television.
Galen ‘s wife Becky passed away in October of 2012. He has two sons and a daughter and five grandchildren, and loves spending time with them.