Sunday Worship
9:30 AM
Meet Our Staff
Kent Frens
Minister of Worship and Preaching
Kent and Betsy Frens have two daughters - Madelyn and Josie. Kent was installed at Thornapple Community Church in September 2015, and enjoys outdoors endurance activities like trail running and backpacking,as well as coaching his daughters in softball and basketball. "Sitting around a campfire is sheer delight to my soul."
Tim Dieffenbach
Minister of Outreach and Administration
Pastor Tim Dieffenbach has served TCC since February 2005. He’s married to Brenda and has 4 children. His hobbies include: fishing, house projects, and travel with family. He is a fan of the Chicago Cubs! He also serves as the chaplain for the Cascade Fire Department.
Kim Peckham
Office Administrator
Kim is in charge of the office and maintaining certain aspects of the church. She is married and has three daughters.
Michelle VanGeest
Director of Music
Michelle is the pianist and organist currently at TCC. Aside from that, she selects all aspects of music along with accompanying the choir. She has the most seniority over other staff members as she has been here for 27+ years! She enjoys fostering dogs and spending time with her family. She is married and has four children.
Catharina Matthews
Choir Director
Catharina finds it a privilege to work with the choir as they prepare for sharing in worship. She is a private voice and piano instructor with her own studio. She and husband Dale have 2 grown daughters and 3 grandchildren. Catharina enjoys working on creative projects, is an avid knitter, and loves to read.
Rachel Exoo
Director of Children's Ministry
Rachel graduated from Calvin University in 2019 with a degree in Strategic Communication and a minor in Ministry Leadership. She served as a Youth Intern during her college years, and now joins the staff as the Children's Director! In her spare time, she loves to spend time with friends and family, make all sorts of crafts, spend time outdoors. Her creativity and enthusiasm for ministry brings a fresh perspective to the program.
Jesse Zandee
Director of Youth Ministry
Jesse Zandee is the Director of Youth Ministry. He grew up in Grand Rapids and graduated from Grand Rapids Christian High School in 2016. He graduated most recently from Kuyper College with a double-major in Youth Ministry and Bible and Theology. He is currently enrolled at Calvin Theological Seminary in pursuit of his M.Div.
Merle Elliott & Marilyn Thompson
Part-time Custodians
Merle is a part-time custodian and really enjoys cleaning the church. In his spare time, he enjoys restoring Model A cars and collecting antique Farmall tractors. Marilyn is the custodian's helper. She enjoys spending time with her two grandchildren, singing, baking, gardening, reading, taking piano & organ lessons, and is a docent at the Ada
Clyde Richardson
Financial Administrator
Clyde Richardson is our part-time Financial Administrator. He joined the TCC staff Spring 2021.
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3260 Thornapple River Dr. SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49546
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3260 Thornapple River Dr. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546
3260 Thornapple River Dr. SE
©2022 by Thornapple Community Church.