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Church Council Bios
Janice J. Jacobson
- Council President
It is my pleasure to have been elected as Congregational Council president, having been involved in church activities since becoming a member of First Lutheran Church since 1973 when the Air Force transferred my husband to Norton AFB. I taught school in Redlands for 24 years.
I was born into the Lutheran church. All of my Russian German ancestors were Lutheran as far back as I can trace, to the 1700's. My husband also has a Lutheran background. When we came to First Lutheran, we sang in the church choir, and I assisted in vacation Bible school. Two years ago, I replaced a church council member who had resigned. I now help to provide meals for families of First Lutheran who need that service.
I am a traditional Lutheran... and as Council President, I realize that some change is inevitable as the entire church world is also changing. However, at First Lutheran, I think we should do that slowly and carefully. I do not wish our congregation to no longer resemble a Lutheran Church.
I was born into the Lutheran church. All of my Russian German ancestors were Lutheran as far back as I can trace, to the 1700's. My husband also has a Lutheran background. When we came to First Lutheran, we sang in the church choir, and I assisted in vacation Bible school. Two years ago, I replaced a church council member who had resigned. I now help to provide meals for families of First Lutheran who need that service.
I am a traditional Lutheran... and as Council President, I realize that some change is inevitable as the entire church world is also changing. However, at First Lutheran, I think we should do that slowly and carefully. I do not wish our congregation to no longer resemble a Lutheran Church.
Jeanne Fortier
- Vice President
It gives me great pleasure to have been chosen to be the Congregational Council Vice President but it is a humbling experience as well. I have been a member of First Lutheran for almost 10 years. Having been on council during the time of two pastors and one interim pastor, I look forward to being a part of the team to lead our congregation as we enter a new and exciting journey together.
I am an active member of WELCA and currently serve as treasurer. I also serve as an usher and greeter, wedding coordinator, and kitchen angel. I enjoy being part of the bell and chancel choirs as well as being on the apple butter committee.
With God’s help and guidance, I will do my best to fairly represent all members of our congregation while, at the same time, keeping the needs of the church as a whole, foremost in mind.
I am an active member of WELCA and currently serve as treasurer. I also serve as an usher and greeter, wedding coordinator, and kitchen angel. I enjoy being part of the bell and chancel choirs as well as being on the apple butter committee.
With God’s help and guidance, I will do my best to fairly represent all members of our congregation while, at the same time, keeping the needs of the church as a whole, foremost in mind.
Keith Kasin
- Secretary
Family: Our family have been members at First since 1993. Lori, my wonderful bride, attended First as a child. Courtney, our 14 year old daughter was baptized at First and confirmed at First earlier this year. Bailey, our 12 year old son, was born in NY when we lived there briefly in the late 90's. Our youngest daughter, Riley, was baptized at First in 2002. Lori and Courtney enjoyed ringing in our bell choir and both Bailey and I have been steady participants in the brass ensembles. Both Lori and I have taught Sunday School at First though Lori has done so much more than I as I have frequented the sound consoles for many years at the 9:15 services.
Occupation: I have worked at Plymouth Village since 1999. I started there as Director of Facilities and have been privileged to serve as its Executive Director since 2004.
Leadership Experience: I have served as ED at Plymouth Village since 2004, have served as assistant scoutmaster for BSA, am a member of Redlands Rotary, have mentored and coached for Team in Training, and served on the council for First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Redlands.
Education: I was raised in the Episcopal Church in New York, attended the University of Redlands where I received a BS in business and BA in Psychology. I also earned a Masters in Health Administration.
Strengths: I bring a passion for healing our church and helping us move forward. I bring a historical perspective of where our congregation has been, the importance of the vibrancy of the larger community that is our congregational family and the family of God. I possess a calm patience and persistence and desire to understand and consider the needs of all involved.
Goals: Gain a clear understanding of our congregational needs for healing and begin the process of calling a new pastor. Identify the talents those willing to serve to re-establish ministries and recover our youth and music programs.
Occupation: I have worked at Plymouth Village since 1999. I started there as Director of Facilities and have been privileged to serve as its Executive Director since 2004.
Leadership Experience: I have served as ED at Plymouth Village since 2004, have served as assistant scoutmaster for BSA, am a member of Redlands Rotary, have mentored and coached for Team in Training, and served on the council for First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Redlands.
Education: I was raised in the Episcopal Church in New York, attended the University of Redlands where I received a BS in business and BA in Psychology. I also earned a Masters in Health Administration.
Strengths: I bring a passion for healing our church and helping us move forward. I bring a historical perspective of where our congregation has been, the importance of the vibrancy of the larger community that is our congregational family and the family of God. I possess a calm patience and persistence and desire to understand and consider the needs of all involved.
Goals: Gain a clear understanding of our congregational needs for healing and begin the process of calling a new pastor. Identify the talents those willing to serve to re-establish ministries and recover our youth and music programs.
Brian Hoyt
- Treasurer
Family: My wife Nancy and I have been married for almost 40 years. We originally became members of First Lutheran in 1987 and then again in 2001. We have three children and five grand children.
Occupation: Retired teacher and Air Force Officer.
Leadership experience: I was a classroom teacher the last fourteen years and a project officer in the Air Force for over twenty years.
Education: I have a BA in Biology from Cal State Fullerton, a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Mexico, an MS in Electrical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in Ohio, and a Secondary Teaching Credential form the University of Redlands.
Strengths: A willingness to listen, learn, compromise, and find solutions.
Goals: To establish more open communication between the church council and church members. To review all services provided by the church and formulate a survey for our members as to their needs and desires regarding First Lutheran, and what they are willing to do. Begin the call process for a new pastor. We have great potential.
Occupation: Retired teacher and Air Force Officer.
Leadership experience: I was a classroom teacher the last fourteen years and a project officer in the Air Force for over twenty years.
Education: I have a BA in Biology from Cal State Fullerton, a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Mexico, an MS in Electrical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in Ohio, and a Secondary Teaching Credential form the University of Redlands.
Strengths: A willingness to listen, learn, compromise, and find solutions.
Goals: To establish more open communication between the church council and church members. To review all services provided by the church and formulate a survey for our members as to their needs and desires regarding First Lutheran, and what they are willing to do. Begin the call process for a new pastor. We have great potential.
Kathy Aldrighetti
- "At Large" Council Member
I have been a member here since 2004. Prior to coming to First Lutheran Redlands, I was a member for 30+ years of First Lutheran Fontana. I was active in the choir and served on the Evangelism Board and with different committees while in Fontana.
When I came to live in Highland, I searched for a new church home and found First Redlands. Since coming to my new church home, I have been a member of the chancel choir. I have also been a member of the Evangelism Task Force. I have served on the Nominations Committee. If elected, I would be honored to serve on council during this critical time of healing and moving forward.
When I came to live in Highland, I searched for a new church home and found First Redlands. Since coming to my new church home, I have been a member of the chancel choir. I have also been a member of the Evangelism Task Force. I have served on the Nominations Committee. If elected, I would be honored to serve on council during this critical time of healing and moving forward.
Erick Hendrickson
- "At Large" Council Member
I am married to Melanie Hendrickson and father to Marit and Freya. I received my English teaching credential from University of Redlands and currently teach at Cajon High School in the International Baccalaureate Program. I am serving as a member of church council for the first time and look forward to celebrating Christ's gifts we have been blessed with to benefit the surrounding community.
Ross Mitchell
- "At Large" Council Member
My wife Connie, my children Kevin, Tim, and Sylvie, and I have been members of First Lutheran since 2007, when we moved back to California. We have been ELCA church members since 1994.
I hold a BS and MS in Chemistry, and PhD in Education. I currently teach graduate level research methodology for the School of Education at the University of Redlands. Previously, I taught science at the middle and high school levels in Houston, TX and San Bernardino, CA, and directed research on education of the deaf at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC.
My service to First Lutheran includes teaching Sunday School to the 2-3 year old class, Reader, Communion Assistant, and the Review Committee (audit of church records). My strengths are a careful attention to detail, desire to follow Scripture and other guiding documents of the Church and our congregation, and experience with organizational hiring, planning, and budgets.
I hope to assist in guiding our church through the healing process we have already begun and into a joyous time of worship, growth, and service.
I hold a BS and MS in Chemistry, and PhD in Education. I currently teach graduate level research methodology for the School of Education at the University of Redlands. Previously, I taught science at the middle and high school levels in Houston, TX and San Bernardino, CA, and directed research on education of the deaf at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC.
My service to First Lutheran includes teaching Sunday School to the 2-3 year old class, Reader, Communion Assistant, and the Review Committee (audit of church records). My strengths are a careful attention to detail, desire to follow Scripture and other guiding documents of the Church and our congregation, and experience with organizational hiring, planning, and budgets.
I hope to assist in guiding our church through the healing process we have already begun and into a joyous time of worship, growth, and service.
Theron Pace
- "At Large" Council Member
My vocabulary is not extensive. However, there are two “big” words that have stayed with me over the years. I will remember the two definitions as I participate in the 2012-13 church council.
"Ethnocentrism – belief that your ideas and solutions are superior and better"
"Zeitgeist – ideas and beliefs by the majority within a group are always changing"
It is my desire to not be guilty of ethnocentrism and to believe that the zeitgeist within the First Lutheran family (including the council) makes possible dynamic and positive happenings!
I accepted Jesus as my personal savior at age nine. It is my dream to help make First Lutheran as much of a Christian influence on those who worship here as my home church family did for me while growing up. God works through the church and you and I have an important part in fulfilling this responsibility. Please pray for me as I serve on council and I will pray for you.
I have been a member of First Lutheran for a very long time. Yet it is important to remember that during these decades the zeitgeist within the congregation was always changing. Let us take advantage of this fact and continue working towards being a brighter witness for Jesus on the corner of Cypress and San Mateo! Ethnocentrism or to phrase it another way – “my way or the highway” may work for some settings but not at First Lutheran.
God bless the 2012-13 church council and all the members of First Lutheran.
"Ethnocentrism – belief that your ideas and solutions are superior and better"
"Zeitgeist – ideas and beliefs by the majority within a group are always changing"
It is my desire to not be guilty of ethnocentrism and to believe that the zeitgeist within the First Lutheran family (including the council) makes possible dynamic and positive happenings!
I accepted Jesus as my personal savior at age nine. It is my dream to help make First Lutheran as much of a Christian influence on those who worship here as my home church family did for me while growing up. God works through the church and you and I have an important part in fulfilling this responsibility. Please pray for me as I serve on council and I will pray for you.
I have been a member of First Lutheran for a very long time. Yet it is important to remember that during these decades the zeitgeist within the congregation was always changing. Let us take advantage of this fact and continue working towards being a brighter witness for Jesus on the corner of Cypress and San Mateo! Ethnocentrism or to phrase it another way – “my way or the highway” may work for some settings but not at First Lutheran.
God bless the 2012-13 church council and all the members of First Lutheran.
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