Our Staff
Rev. Thomasma was appointed director of Pastor-Church Relations in January of 2009 after having served as the education specialist with P-CR for seven years. Previous to that Norm served two congregations for a total of twenty years as well as a CPE residency at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI. Norm and his wife Ellen live in Stevensville, Michigan and have three children Christa in Washington, Eliot in Texas and Cordelle and Laura in Minnesota and one granddaughter. As director, Norm oversees the work of P-C R and, like Cecil, is often involved in consulting with congregations challenged by difficult transitions or relationships. Developing workshops, retreats and strategic partnerships is an important part of his work. Norm relishes camping, backpacking, paddle sports, home remodeling, spring, summer and fall.
Rev. VanNiejenhuis began working for P-CR in March, 2009. Previous to that Cecil pastored four congregations over 28 years, in Ontario and Alberta, the last 15 at First Edmonton, Alberta. Cecil and his wife Karen have three children who live in Iowa, Manitoba and Alberta, and three grandchildren – all in Iowa. As pastor/congregation consultant, Cecil focuses on situations involving significant transition and conflict, advocating for healthy processes. He also provides training through workshops and retreats for church councils, congregations, pastors and other leadership groups. Cecil enjoys cryptic crosswords, Old Testament narratives and golfing, and loves watching sports, especially hockey.
Jeanne began working for P-CR in June of 2006. Previous to that she was the Administrative Director at her church, Georgetown CRC in Hudsonville MI, for 6 years and the secretary at Hudsonville Christian Middle School for 12 years. Jeanne and her husband Preston have three children and 10 grandchildren. In her work as staff ministry specialist Jeanne focuses on the non-ordained ministry staff in the Christian Reformed Churches throughout North America, supporting the staff and congregations in areas such as compensation, staff relationships, communication, and evaluation. She also oversees the credentialing process for non-ordained church ministry staff which is in a piloting stage. Jeanne is an avid vegetable gardener and enjoys sharing the harvest!
Laura is the veteran in the P-CR office, having begun working in August of 1995. Previous to that, she graduated from Calvin College with a Bachelors degree, having majored in both English and German. In her work as administrative assistant, Laura manages the Ministerial Information Service. She maintains the database where all the pastor and church profiles are kept as well as responding to requests for profiles. |
Norm Thomasma
Cecil VanNiejenhuis
Jeanne Kallemeyn
Laura PalsrokYou're part of something big!
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