First Presbyterian Church of Holland Michigan (PCUSA)

The following is a listing of the First Presbyterian Church of Holland staff members; all members of our staff can be contacted by calling the church office at (616) 392-9022. Office Hours are 9am-12n Monday – Friday and 1pm-3pm Monday – Thursday. The office is closed on Friday afternoons.

We have also listed each staff member’s e-mail address, at the end of their bio.

Pastor/Head of Staff – Linda Knieriemen

The Rev. Linda Knieriemen, a lifelong Presbyterian, began her ministry as the Pastor, Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church of Holland in January of 2005. Following a career in Clinical Dietetics, Linda responded to a growing call to ministry, completed her Master of Divinity at Princeton Theological Seminary and was ordained at Minister of Word and Sacrament in 1990. She has served churches in New York City and Grand Rapids, Michigan as well as working for three years as staff for the Synod of the Covenant covering Ohio and Michigan.

Linda is married to David Walter, a former PC(USA) mission co-worker in the country of Vanuatu, who presently serves as the U.S. based liaison to PC(USA) church partners in the South Pacific as well as substitute teaching in local school districts. In their free time, Linda and David enjoy their Siberian Husky and Black Lab, reading, cooking, and spending time with David’s three sons and 7 grandchildren. Email Linda.

Associate Pastor – Matt Webber

The Rev. Matt Webber was called to First Presbyterian on July 2, 2006 and began as Associate Pastor in August 2006. Matt comes to us from Berthoud, Colorado by way of Princeton Theological Seminary. His family still lives in Berthoud. He has one sister who graduated in spring 2006 from college, his mother is an elementary teacher, and his father is an EMT trainer. Matt arrived in Holland with his new Golden Retriever puppy named Rudy. Matt earned his Master’s of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, May 2006 and his Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication degree from Colorado State University, 2003. Matt was ordained at his home church in Colorado on October 1, 2006. A Service of Installation of Matt was held at First Presbyterian on October 8, 2006. Email Matt.

Parish Associate – Ned Pierson

A Connecticut Yankee by birth, Rev. Ned Pierson was ordained to ministry in the Presbyterian Church in 1954. After serving as a solo pastor, and then an Associate in Baltimore, Cleveland, and near Detroit, Ned and his wife Jean retired to Holland for the joys of Lake Michigan, the programs of Hope College, and to be near their children. Ned received his education at Hartford Theological Seminary and McCormick Seminary. He has served in several interim pastorates in the Lake Michigan Presbytery. Ned now teaches an adult class at First Presbyterian and does any other ministry requested by the Pastor. Email Ned.

Office Manager – Vicki Best

Vicki is responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to answering the phone, taking care of the mail and putting together the church newsletter. Most often she is the first point of contact when the phone rings and helps to coordinate any needed efforts. Email Vicki.

Music Director – Chuck Norris

Chuck, Associate Professor of Music at GVSU, coordinates the weekly and seasonal music and works with members interested in participating in music ministries, including the choir, soloists and anyone/group interested in sharing special music. Besides singing during the Sunday service, the choir gathers each Tuesday night for rehearsal in the Sanctuary. We have a 15-piece all-member orchestra that joins the choir for special performances. Email Chuck.

Interim Organist –

Maintenance & Grounds – Thom Samuelson

Thom ensures that the sidewalks are shoveled, grass is cut and the church building is always clean and ready for use. He also oversees the general maintenance activities that need to be done to keep the facility operational. Email Thom.

Child Care – Nancy Burkitt

Nancy has a degree in Child Psychology and plans to obtain a Master’s Degree sometime in the future. She has worked with children of all ages but she especially enjoys toddlers. Nancy has lived in Holland since 1990 and has one daughter who will be graduating from the University of Syracuse this year. She works at Resthaven where she is Admissions Coordinator.

Bookkeeper – Jodi Stevens

First Presbyterian Church’s bookkeeper says she likes sharing her story about the Lord with others, adding she loves the Lord and has a passion for those who have not yet found him. Jodi Stevens, a mother of three daughters, operates an accounting business from her home in Zeeland and is the church’s new bookkeeper, spending several hours a week working in the church office. Jodi’s husband Paul is controller for Fris Office Outfitters in Holland. Her daughters are Sarah, 22; Hannah, 11, and Jenna, 9. Sarah has a daughter Madison, 4. For years the family has enjoyed camping and spending spring vacations in Florida. A graduate of Holland High School, Jodi says her background is in human resources but she has been operating her accounting business from home the past 12 or 13 years. She attends Grand Rapids First Assembly Church in Grandville.

Housekeeping – Hope Alexander

Hope and her husband Art live in Burnips with their two daughters. Hope and Art enjoy golf and camping, their border collie Oreo and cat TediBear. Hope also coaches soccer. She attended Ferris and Davenport Colleges and comes well recommended by Hudsonville Creamery, which she also keeps sparkling clean.