STAFF

Rev. Mike C. Desotell- Pastor

Pastor Mike has spent his entire adult life in the service of making God’s love visible in the world. After spending 15 years in youth ministry, he attended Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in order to follow his call into pastoral ministry. Before coming to Grand Rapids, he had spent seven years serving the communities of Ypsilanti and Canton on the east side of Michigan. He loves playing guitar, traveling to ancient and interesting places, and spending time with his family: his wife Bri, their two daughters, and his mother “Grandma” Cathy. Pastor Mike is excited to discover all of the opportunities God will give us to make Christ’s love visible at Trinity.    m.desotell@grtumc.org

Betsy Weems- Church Administrator

Hi, I’m Betsy, your Church Administrator. I come to you with over 40 years of experience with the United Methodist Church, and am passionate about all our denomination stands for. I am the proud mom of four adult children and nine grandchildren, and enjoy lots of family time with them. I'm an active member of Cornerstone Church, where I serve as a GriefShare Leader and in the childcare area. I am honored to be working for you as well as supporting your Trinity staff!   office@grtumc.org

Laura Johns- Discipleship Director

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. l.johns@grtumc.org

 

Matthew Witkowski- Community Ministries Director

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. m.witkowski@grtumc.org

Jeremy Farkas- Youth Director

Jeremy Farkas is a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, having been born and raised in Traverse City and at Central United Methodist Church. After moving to Grand Rapids to pursue a degree in medical science, he discovered that his passions lied elsewhere—namely in writing, editing, and working with young people. In addition to his work with Trinity, Jeremy also runs his own publishing company, and works as a writer and editor, contributing to various publications in the tabletop gaming market. He is excited about getting involved with the youth program not only for the value it provides to the attendees both socially, emotionally, and spiritually, but also because he gets extremely energized by the prospect of reinvigorating the program and watching it grow.  j.farkas@grtumc.org

Randy Burghart- Director of Worship Arts

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!   r.burghart@grtumc.org

Jane VanHof- Organist

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."  janevanhof@att.net

Andrea Gay- Children’s Choir Director

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.   Andrea.Gay@kentwoodps.org

Kristen Gifford- Child Care Coordinator

Joy Murphy- Treasurer

Richard Scheil- Custodian