Pastor - Carolyn Wirtz Poelstra
Carolyn Wirtz Poelstra was appointed to Lydick on July 1, 2025. She has a background in the library sciences and worked as a programming and community engagement librarian for the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library before entering pastoral ministry. Carolyn believes deeply in the role of community in holistic health and healing; she has a heart for engaging in healing work with people who have experienced harm from past church experiences. Carolyn is a student in the MDiv program at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and her special interests are liberation theology and Hebrew Bible studies. Carolyn married Brandon in 2016 and they are dog parents to Lindy and Callie. In their free time, Carolyn and Brandon enjoy camping and working out together.
Office Manager - Stephanie Daugherty
Stephanie joined our staff as office manager in July 2013. She has a Business Degree from Indiana University at South Bend. She furthered her education, and pursued a career in Real Estate as a Broker. Stephanie and her husband Shaun have three children, Alex , Ian and Bridget . Stephanie enjoys home improvement projects, nutrition and the outdoors.
Early Childhood Ministry Director - Michelle Kelly
Michelle was promoted to direct our Early Childhood Ministry in August 2026 after 19 years working in the classroom at ECM. She has a heart for helping young children learn, grow, and discover the world around them. When not at school, Michelle enjoys finding joy in the little things, spending time with her husband and son, and continuing to learn and grow both personally and professionally. She says, "I feel incredibly grateful to be part of a community where I can make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families."
Custodian - Chris Miller
When everyone else is resting at home, Chris is sprucing up the church for Sunday services, making sure everything is clean and safe for all who come into our building. We appreciate his attention to detail and willingness to help out in any way he can.
Additional Staff includes:
Leadership Chair - Joanne Walters
Organist - LeeAnne Buwalda
Pianist - LeeAnne Buwalda
Treasurer - Lory Kenney
Financial Secretary - Karen Trzaskowski
Sound System - Joanne Walters, Dave Rieder
Online Communications Team - Joanne & AJ Walters