Ministry Staff
Pastor Mary Kay Beall Carter is an ordained American Baptist Minister and an offical Church Planter for ABC/USA. She holds a BM degree from Ohio Wesleyan University, an MA degree from The Ohio State University and a seminary degree from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. She is a recognized composer, lyricist and the author of SINGING IN THE SPIRIT, a devotional collection.
Pastoral Musician, John Carter has had a long and prestigious career as a composer and arranger with published works i.e. vocal solos, choral music, keyboard music, musicals, and an opera appearing in over a dozen catalogs. John taught music for a number of years in public schools and colleges and has been a church musician most of his life serving in a wide variety of denominational settings.
Support Team Members
The Rev. Dr. Donald G. Luck is a T.A. Kantonen Professor of Systematic Theology at Trinity Lutheran Seminary where he has taught for the last twenty-one years. He has served on the faculty of Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and was a parish pastor in metropolitan New York. His interest in inter-religious dialogue is reflected in the fact that he is currently a member of the executive Committee of the Society for Buddhist/Christian Studies.
Rev. Gary Davidson holds degrees in Science, Pubic Health and Divinity. He retired from a long career as the Director of Public Health Laboratories in Ohio and began a new career in 1993 as the Pastor of Johnstown Baptist Church in Johnstown Ohio. During his ministry, he held many positions of responsibility in the American Baptist Church and in the Columbus Baptist Association. He currently serves as Dean of the Lay Pastor Training Program for ABC/Ohio, as Adjunct Staffperson for the State Advisory Committee on ordination and as a member of the Conflict Management Network.
Rev. Ray Allen is a retired Disciples of Christ minister who has served extended ministries in Kentucky and Illinois. He holds degrees from Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, Kentucky and from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois where he resides. In 1996 he was the founding pastor of a new Disciples congregation in Illinois. He enjoys travel, music, gardening, genealogy research and fishing.
Joyce Allen is a retired Psychology professor who taught at Lake Land College and Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois. She holds a graduate degree from Eastern Illinois University. Joyce served as Director of Music and of the Choir for the new Disciples congregation in Charleston. She is a Master Gardener and also enjoys travel, music, reading and work with stained glass.
Marty Kober served as the Coordinator of Volunteers and Secretary for the Life Center Adult Day Care, a ministry of Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church. She holds a BS degree in Home Economics and Business from The Ohio State University. Marty has served as a volunteer in various community organizations and in the United Methodist Church. She is presently a member of Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church and serves on the Mission Ministry Team, the Executive Board of Reynoldsburg United Methodist Women and the Older Adult Ministry Committee.
Fred Holdridge is a long-time resident of Columbus, residing in German Village where he operated a store, Hausfrau Haven, for many years. He is a strong political voice in our community and is active on the boards of The German Village Society, The Columbus Landmarks foundation and CATCO, the Contemporary American Theatre Company.
Erik Mowery (Young Adult Representative) is a graduate of Whetstone High School. He earned a certificate of vocational training in Radio/TV from Fort Hayes Career Center and is a Lieutenant in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Erik currently works in the Columbus area and has taken classes at Columbus State Community College. He is a long-time member of Holy Name Catholic Church and attends University Baptist Church in the Ohio State campus area.
Alvin Hadley is the Executive Director of the Columbus Metropolitan Area Church Council. After a long and distinguished career as an Administrator in Public Families and Children’s Services, he has devoted much of his time to volunteer activities. He has held numerous offices in his church and in the Columbus Baptist Association. He currently serves on the Ohio Council of Churches General Board, is a member of the American Baptist churches USA Public Mission Team and a member of the Nation Council of Churches Eco-Justice Working Team. He is a member of University Baptist Church.
Anna Bandstra is the Operations Manager at Frecker’s Ice Cream in Columbus. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from The Ohio State University. Anna is an long-time American Baptist and has held many leadership positions in the church including that of Treasurer and Moderator. She is currently attending Trinity Lutheran Seminary working toward a degree in Theological Studies.
Gary Lyons holds a BM degree from the Ohio State Univeristy as well as a Doctor of Law Degree. During his long career in law he has served on the Board of "On My Own" and "Teen Challenge". Gary has been a member of University Baptist Church for 25 years as well as their Legal Counsel.In addition to his other talents, Gary is an accomplished musician.
Jessica Jackson (Student Representative) is a senior at Whetstone High School and plans to attend Otterbien College in the fall. Jessica is an active member of Enjoy Coummunity Theater and Black Box Theater Company. She also attends FT. Hayes Career Center for Commerical Art. Jessica is also a member of University Baptist Church and the Tree of Life's webiste webmistress.
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