Aldersgate United Methodist Church
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MEET OUR STAFF

 
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Jim Hodge
Pastor

Jim has been a pastor since 1984 and started at Aldersgate on July 1, 2013. Jim and his wife Kathy were married in 1979 and have two grown daughters, Jennifer and Megan. They also have two grandsons, Noah and Gavin. They enjoy their families and friends, traveling, bicycling, gardening, and many other avocations.

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Jennifer Byrne
Office Manager
​Treasurer

Jen has been Aldersgate's Office Manager since 2005 and Treasurer since 2020. She and her husband Scott are active members of the Northview School community. Their son, Evan, is a Northview graduate. She enjoys reading, music, walking, attending West Michigan Whitecaps games, spending time at their lake house,  and theatre.


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Laurie Elliott
Music Coordinator
Praise Team Leader
Accompanist

Laurie joined the staff in 2013. She brings years of musical experience to this ministry, including teaching, directing, and giving private voice and piano lessons. In her spare time, she enjoys singing and playing keyboards in a classic rock band, working in her yard, sewing, and creating craft work.

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Russell Van Vlack
Jubilant Voices/Allegro Ringers Director

Russell has been in his role since 2011. He began his involvement with church music in 1987 when he started singing in choir and ringing handbells at his childhood church. He served as music director at Grand Blanc United Methodist Church from 2003-2006. He enjoys performing with several area ensembles and has written numerous original compositions for both vocal and handbell choirs. He and his wife Laura enjoy the many parks and trails of West Michigan with their daughter Joanna.


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Rick Wiltse
VBS Coordinator

Rick has worked with children and youth for over 25 years, teaching music in public schools and other settings, working with youth groups at past churches, serving as a camp counselor and dean, supervising foreign exchange students, and currently serving as Director of Allegro School of Music, housed here at Aldersgate. His family has been at Aldersgate for four generations. Rick is an avid musician and U of M and Detroit pro sports enthusiast.


Nursery Caregivers

Contact Us:

Aldersgate United Methodist Church
4301 Ambrose Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525-6122
P: (616) 363.3446 F: (616) 363.0719
aumcoffice@gmail.com
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Aldersgate is a​ Reconciling Ministries Congregation.

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