Trinity Methodist Church

Staff

Rev. Mike C. Desotell
Pastor
m.desotell@grtumc.org

Pastor Mike has spent his life chasing one calling: to make the love of God
visible in the world.

For fifteen years he walked alongside teenagers in youth ministry, teaching
them that faith isn’t about rules but about radical love and belonging. That
call eventually led him to Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, where
he deepened his conviction that the Church is at its best when it rolls up its
sleeves and lives out Christ’s love in the grit and joy of everyday life.

Before coming to Grand Rapids, Pastor Mike served the communities of
Ypsilanti and Canton for seven years, learning firsthand how diverse
people, messy stories, and unexpected grace always reveal the heart of
God.

When he’s not preaching, teaching, or scheming new ways to bring faith
and culture into conversation, you’ll probably find him strumming his guitar,
recording a podcast, or in the thick of family life with his wife Bri, their two
daughters, and his mom, affectionately known to all as “Grandma Cathy.”

Now at Trinity, Pastor Mike is eager to keep asking bold questions, taking
holy risks, and stepping into every opportunity God gives us to make
Christ’s love impossible to miss.

Dani Patrick
Church Administrator
office@grtumc.org

Dani Patrick joined Trinity in April of 2024 as our church administrator. When not immersed in books, they enjoy spending quality time with their wonderful wife, Erica, and their two children, Brayvn and Ezra. They are passionate about reading, crafting stories, and exploring the great outdoors through camping adventures. As a proud advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, Dani dedicates time to educating, advocating, and fostering community with LGBTQ+ folks and the church. They are deeply passionate about community outreach and are eager to connect with and share experiences with the Trinity community. Dani is currently pursuing their Master’s degree at Chicago Theological Seminary with an emphasis on LGBTQ+ Studies.

Laura Johns
Discipleship Director
l.johns@grtumc.org

Laura is a lifelong United Methodist and has been attending Trinity since 2017. She serves on the Trinity Community Ministry leadership team and as the Church Historian. Laura joined the staff as Director of Discipleship in May 2022. Her background is in outdoor & history education, public programming, and event planning for organizations like Blandford Nature Center, the St. Charles Park District, and the National Park Service. She is passionate about creating exceptional and innovative programs, fostering community engagement, teaching people of all ages, and building relationships. Laura loves playing outdoors, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family: her partner Benjamin and their young children, Emmett & Riley.

Matthew Witkowski
Community Ministries Director
m.witkowski@grtumc.org

My name is Matthew Witkowski and I started at Trinity in January of 2015. I am married to Laura Witkowski and we have a son named Kasen. I am an avid outdoorsman who loves hunting, fishing (especially fly fishing). I also love to read. I am excited about my role as the Director of Community Ministries because it allows me to meet new people, build exciting programming and bring people in the community together. I love the pursuit of education in all forms and believe in the power of building a caring community around children to help them succeed.

Randy Burghart
Director of Worship Arts
r.burghart@grtumc.org

Randy Burghart, Director of Worship Arts, is a seasoned choral director who has prepared works in a wide range of musical styles, from combo-based worship music to musical theater, vocal jazz, and large-scale choral masterworks. As Music Director and Conductor of the Choral Society of Grand Rapids he prepared the chorus, conducted the annual concert season, and directed long-range planning. He is excited to be a part of the Trinity team.

Annie Slabaugh
Youth Director
a.slabaugh@grtumc.org

Annie is very excited to be joining the team at Trinity! She comes with previous youth ministry experience having served as the Director of Youth and Outreach at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Traverse City.  She is originally from Cadillac, but her family moved to the Grand Rapids area in September 2022 after her husband accepted a job at Corewell Health. Annie currently lives in Caledonia with her husband Trent and sons Caleb and Charlie.  In her spare time, Annie loves movies, books and going on adventures, whether they are on the other side of the world or just around the block.

Jane VanHof
Organist
janevanhof@att.net

Church music has always been a part of my life. As a fifth-generation pipe organist, I learned the craft of playing the organ from an early age. For over twenty years I have worked as an organist, accompanist, choral director, handbell director and director of music at area churches. In addition to church work, I teach full-time in the public schools, parent three sons, sing in the “Bach Chorale,” and play the viola. I’m excited to make music with the Trinity faith community because they truly live out the mission to be a “church without walls.”

Andrea Gay
Children’s Choir Director
Andrea.Gay@kentwoodps.
org

Andrea Gay, Children’s Choir Director, is in her 17th year of teaching Vocal Music at Crestwood Middle School in Kentwood, MI. Andrea holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Central Michigan University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Curriculum. Andrea enjoys spending time with her 2 children (Kenzie & Jimmy), her husband (Jim), her dog (Rocky), and her extended family. She is also an avid Tennis player and enjoys running 5K’s and practicing Yoga. Andrea is thrilled to be a member of the Trinity United Methodist Music Team and is very eager and excited to begin making music with the children and youth of this community.

Kristen Gifford
Child Care Coordinator
kgifford@ioniaschools.org

I’m Kristen Gifford and I am the childcare coordinator here at Trinity UMC. I came to Trinity in 1979 when I was just five years old and have been attending ever since. I started working with children at Trinity when I was in high school. My experiences include childcare, a member of the Children’s Council, teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and working with Community Ministries. Outside of Trinity, I teach full time for Ionia Public Schools at Emerson Elementary. I started teaching 1st grade in 2000 and moved to Kinder start in the fall of 2021. My husband, Jeremy and I have two boys that have also grown up at Trinity: Patrick and Connor.

Joy Murphy
Treasurer
joymurphy@grtumc.org

After a life filled with many working experiences, now I get to be the Treasurer for Trinity.  My working life was in various industries such as insurance, manufacturing, telecom and I even owned my own business for a while!  I think this varied experience helps me be a good steward for Trinity. After all, the Trinity Community has been ‘my people’ for the past 40 years and it’s my honor to do this work to support our ministry.