God works through each of us in this world to create the Kingdom of God,
“on earth, as it is in heaven.” At St. John’s we are each thankful beyond measure
for God’s call to serve this faith community.
 
To be “a beacon of hope in the heart of the city” requires God’s power and grace,
and a lot of team work, prayer, faith, persistence, love, trust – and hope. 
 
As our team prays for you, please likewise pray for us as we endeavor to transform
individual lives, our community, and the world through Christ’s light and love.  

Pastor Gini (J.D., M.Div.) 
​Senior Pastor

​

Pastor Gini is a transformational leader, prophetic preacher, social justice witness, and Christian minister to those on the margins of society.  She entered ordained ministry following a distinguished career as a trial lawyer and mediator, and she served in local church, state, and national ministry settings before being called to transform St. John’s.  Pastor Gini is passionate about sharing the faith, helping people transform their lives, leading St. John’s into the future, advocating for justice – and sharing life’s adventures with her husband Gery and their daughter Katie.  
 

Assistant Pastor Rachael
(M.Div, LSW, MACM)
​Pictured with wife: Judy

Assistant Pastor Rachael Gardner Purdy specializes in congregational care, mental health and trauma, and she is a licensed social worker. Pastor Rachael came to St. John’s ​as a student minister from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and she is currently preparing for ordination in the United Church of Christ. Rachael and her wife, Judy, were married at St. John's in 2016, and they share their home in the Columbus area with their yorkie, Chip

Dan
​(M.A. in theology; B.A. in music)
Contemporary Worship Pastor
​Pictured with children: Jude, Lucy and Sadie

Dan Clark was born and raised in Columbus, and though he’s also lived and worked at churches and nonprofit organizations in Chicago, Virginia Beach, and Colorado Springs, he loves this city and loves living here. Dan started leading contemporary worship 20 years ago and wandered through various churches and denominations for a decade, but was finally drawn to make his spiritual home in the United Church of Christ, because of the focus on justice and compassion, and the posture that everyone is welcomed fully. ​

May
(B.M, M.M, M.TS.) 
​Traditional Music Minister

May leads a diverse music program at St. John’s including: multiple choirs, the Triune Concert Series, Java & Jazz Series, Mostly Mozart, Messiah Sunday, and Taizé-style Evening Prayer. In her spare time May enjoys playing Mozart and Scott Joplin piano
​four-hand duets, ​and travel. 

Mary
(M.A. in Christian Education) ​   
Director of Faith Formation
Pictured with husband: Mike

Mary came to St. John's via The United Methodist Church, where she has served as the Director of Children’s Ministries and Director of Christian Education in a variety of church and educational settings. Mary lives in Hilliard, Ohio with her husband Mike. They have two grown children, Molly and Spencer. Mary brings a passionate faith and a heart for those seeking God to St. John’s, and she is excited to see what the future will bring at her new church in her favorite city.​ ​

Jim
Building Manager
​Pictured with wife: Sherri

Jim Davies was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Church. He has served on staff as the Maintenance Crew, Janitorial Service, and “Door Man,” for many years. Jim is the infamous “somebody” who gets things done in the church, and the performer of miracles in keeping our church running. To his wife Sherri, Jim isa Knight in Shining Armor, and he is a Hero to his three children,
​Amy, Jeff, and Scott.

Janey
Office Receptionist

Following a career in the insurance industry as an office manager and insurance agent, Janey began her ministry career volunteering and serving in local UCC churches and social service agencies. In addition to serving at St. John’s, Janey is a member of Westerville Community UCC, and she volunteers with the Westerville Area Resource Ministry. She enjoys time with her grandchildren and local ​book club.

Marla
Director of Finance and Administration

Marla received her Bachelor’s degree in Economics from OSU, as well as a Master’s degree in Software Development Project Management and a PMI certification from The George Washington University. In addition to her successful professional career in Columbus with companies like AT&T, Lucent, and Juniper, Marla is a person of deep faith who was seeking to use her substantial skills in furtherance of the Gospel mission. 

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