Leadership

Hello! I am the current Vicar here at the Purple Door Church. I am a Master of Divinity student at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio and a Capital University graduate. I am blessed and excited to be serving here in Celina! I have two children, Annika and Evan, who keep me grounded and laughing. I love talking about food, art, the Bible, and the poetry of Leonard Cohen.

Hi, I am Rachel Russell, your church secretary. I have been with St. Johns since June of 2018. I am married to my high-school sweetheart, Tyler. Together we have four beautiful and talented children, Chloe, Noah, Lily, and Reese. Tyler and I are both Celina graduates and love raising our children in our hometown.
Although we are members of another church, we feel so welcome and have become part of the St John family. My children participate in all the activities here that they can and my husband and I volunteer when we can. It is amazing that we are so blessed with two church families. This position and church have changed our lives.

Greetings!  My name is Jenelle Gross and I am the Children’s Director here at St. John’s. My family and I have been a part of the W.O.W Wednesday night program since 2010. Prior to becoming the Children’s Director in June of 2018, I volunteered for several years teaching the W.O.W program and VBS.

I live in Coldwater, Ohio with my husband Jeremy and our five children Rudi, TJ, Jenessa, and twin boys Marshel and Beckett. I have earned my associates degree in Early Childhood Education and Bachelors in Intervention Specialist. I taught preschool for 15 years. When I am not at work I love spending time with my family.

I have a passion for teaching and learning. I love to watch young children develop and grow in knowledge and faith. If you ever have a question just ask! My children have always loved the children’s programs here at the Purple Door Church, as I hope your children do as well.

Hello! I am the Director of Youth and Young Adults at St. John.  Before coming to the Purple Door Church, I attended Miami University, where I studied  English Language Arts Education for grades 7-12. As the youth director, I get to connect my background in  education to my call to youth ministry.  I am grateful for the opportunity to help young people grow in their faith.
I grew up in New Knoxville, OH, where I still live, which means I get to spend lots of time with my family here. In my free time, I love riding my bike on our country roads. I also like hiking, reading, and spending time with friends.
I am thankful  to serve the youth at the Purple Door Church, and I am excited to follow this path God has chosen for me.

I started as the property steward in 2015. I love my job and the members I come in contact with. My wife, oldest boy, Toby and his family  attend church here. Toby's son and daughter  love WOW taco night and my grandson Leo loves to fish with Pastor Jeff at his pond. My youngest son, Casey and his wife have 2 little girls.  I'm a very proud grandfather.

Hi, I'm Mary Meyer. I'm the custodian at St. John. I started here in 2018. I live in Celina with my husband Kevin. We have 2 kids and 4 grandsons.
I truly enjoy my job and all of the people I get to interact with.