St. Peter Staff  

 

Pastor Rev. Cheri Johnson 

My St. Peter Story:
Wayne and I moved to Jackson, MI, from Dover, NJ, after I retired. Through Pastor Erick, I was introduced to St. Peter and have come to cherish my time here.

I am a life-long Lutheran who grew up in Menominee, MI, in a very active church. From there, I went to St. Olaf College and graduated with a BS degree in Nursing. My nursing professors nominated me for a fellowship to seminary. I attended and graduated from Union Theological Seminary in NYC and was ordained in the LCA in 1978. I’ve served 2 parishes in NJ, and was very challenged and fulfilled in these ministries.  

I am so honored and delighted to now serve at St. Peter as a parttime Interim Pastor. I find this parish to be loving and welcoming, filled with good stewards and very involved in social ministry. These are the qualities I find to be the solid foundation of vibrant ministry. I am so happy to be a part of St. Peter.

What I Bring to St. Peter:
I come with many years of parish ministry experience. I love sharing the Gospel and connecting people to God’s life-giving word and sacraments. I pray that I can continue to serve with energy, enthusiasm, and kindness, while providing creative ideas and leadership.

Current/Past Career:
I have been an ordained Pastor since 1978, actively serving 2 parishes in NJ until retirement in 2014. Currently, I am delighted to be serving as a parttime Interim Pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church.

Hobby/Interests:
Baking, cooking, hosting weekly family dinners, and making simple quilts for LWR and lap robes for cancer patients take up most of my free time.

Fun Fact:
Wayne and I started and continue to run a “Books for Kids” project at Immanuel’s (Jackson) food pantry. I volunteer once a week at Allegiance Henry Ford Hospital hematology/oncology unit.

 

George Pendill, Music Director

My St. Peter Story: 

I am a charter member of St. Peter Lutheran Church. I grew up attending Trinity Lutheran Church in Battle Creek. In about 1962, my family joined St. Peter as charter members. I left in 1963 for a 3-year enlistment in the U.S. Army. I returned in 1966 and soon became Choir Director. I left in 1972 and didn’t return until 1944. At that time, Nate Matson was Choir Director. After Nate left in 1997, I became Music Director and I have held the position since that time. It has been a blessing and an honor for me to have spent these years serving St. Peter congregation.

What I bring to St. Peter: 

Many years of experience in instrumental and church music in the Battle creek area.

Career: 

My career has been in sales and music. I started out with 2 years as Assistance Sales Manager for Battle Creek Equipment Company. I did a 3 year enlistment in the U.S. Army, playing clarinet in the band. I worked for 21 years in the sales department at Clark Equipment Company in Battle Creek. And, I worked for 2 years as Assistant Sales Manager for Keiper Recaro. Along the way, I taught private lessons in piano, Clarinet, saxophone, and flute. And, of course, my many years as Choir and Music Director at St. Peter Lutheran Church.

Hobby and Interest: 

Most of my hobby and interest has to do with music. I also have an interest in my family history, since my Great Great Grandfather was the first mayor of Battle Creek and my Great Grandfather fought in the Civil War at the battles of Gettysburg and the Wilderness.

Fun Fact: 

I spend so much time at church that I am becoming known as “St. Peter”.

 

Barb Marquette, Acting Secretary & Custodian