Service from March 29, 2020
Westminster Staff
REV. ROGER GRANDIA
Pastor
The Rev. Roger Grandia began serving Westminster on Feb. 1, 2019, after being called by the Pastor Nominating Committee.
Pastor Roger has over thirty years of ordained pastoral ministry. He has served two congregations as an installed pastor, one congregation as a Redevelopment Pastor, and ten as a Specialized Transitional Minister. He is also a consultant for Blessing Point Ministries.
Pastor Roger's hobbies include: spending time with family, sports, gardening, and doing various kinds of art (pottery, chalk talks, pastels, pencil portraits, watercolor painting, calligraphy, woodworking, cartooning, caricatures). He has enjoyed using art in ministry, and has, over the last 35 years, been privileged to speak at graduation ceremonies, churches, camps, conferences, jails, as well as at various other events.
He has led two mission trips to Costa Rica, where he used art to speak at public and private schools, children's clubs and in worship services. In 2012, he was invited to lead the Annual Presbyterian Spiritual Retreat in Chiapas, Mexico to teach pastors how to present the gospel using visuals.
Pastor Roger and his wife, Jill, have four children and three grandchildren between them. Two are married and live in West Michigan, one lives in Rockford, IL, and the youngest lives in Battle Creek. Pastor Roger is originally from Oskaloosa, IA and went to Central College in Pella.
He looks forward to meeting all of you when you "come home" to Westminster.
LISA FREEMAN
Office Manager
Lisa was born and raised in Cedar Rapids. She is no stranger to office management. Lisa spent seven years as office administrator for her church in Florida. She is excited to apply her skills and experience to Westminster. When she isn't spending her time with God and the church she is spending time with her family. She has three children and two grandchildren that are her pride and joy. Lisa also likes to hike, kayak, camp, travel and read Christian fiction.
GALE SMETANA
Coordinator of Communications & Shared Ministry
Gale joined Westminster's staff after working in various forms of media including news, digital advertising and video. She served as an associate professor of communications media at Kirkwood Community College where she earned an endowed chair, visited Russia on a Fulbright scholarship and was honored as a National Educator of the Year. Prior to teaching, Gale served as both a domestic and international consultant in the television industry, capping a 25+ year career in television news. A lifelong learner, Gale recently completed a 4-year Education for Ministry course from the University of the South at Sewanee, TN. Gale is thrilled to be at Westminster. As she puts it, anytime you can meld your skills and gifts with your faith, it's a great match. When she isn't working, Gale is "mom" to Peanut, the mini-dachshund.
A.J. PLUMMER
Interim Music Director
A.J. is no stranger to Westminster, having served on staff here for years and at Camp Wyoming. A.J.'s "day job" is Director of Development at Cornell College in Mount Vernon. A.J. is also active on the local music scene. A.J. is serving as the Interim Director of Music at Westminster and directs the choir and selects worship music in that capacity. A.J. also leads the Praise Band during worship and serves as song leader.
TINA MUELLER
Bookkeeper
Tina is happy to be part of the staff of Westminster Presbyterian Church as part-time bookkeeper. Tina has been in the bookkeeping field for 20+ years. In addition to her work at Westminster, Tina is an active volunteer in the community. Tina has been married for 30 years and has lived in Cedar Rapids for 27. She has two wonderful kids and considers them her greatest accomplishments. Family is everything to Tina!
LINDSAY MEADE
Nursery Attendant
Lindsay Meade has been working in the Westminster Nursery since August 2011. She loves working with the children and watching them learn and grow throughout their time in the nursery.
Lindsay has a Master of Social Work from the University of Iowa. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Business Administration and a minor in Writing from Coe College in 2015.