Bridge Pastor - Strother Gross
My name is Pastor Strother Gross. My story began when my parents were called to be missionaries to Africa. I grew up in west and east Africa assisting my father’s dental clinics and learning to share about God with people of diverse backgrounds and languages.
I felt the call of God on my life at a young age, so I obtained an education and became an ordained Presbyterian minister. I met Susan, who has walked the journey of raising four wonderful children together. I have served as a professional chaplain in trauma centers, prisons, police departments, mental health facilities and hospice. I have taught clinical pastoral education to theological students as well.
Susan and I enjoy live music, preferably jazz, gospel and blues. I love the outdoors, especially hiking and fishing.
Administrative Assistant - Karen Plenert
Oldest of six children born to Mabel and Joseph Krumm, hence the nickname Cookie. I am married to John and have three married daughters, five grandsons and one granddaughter, a dog and a cat. I like to knit, quilt, scrapbook, draw (I like crafting of any kind) and reading. I enjoy cooking and baking and I like to collect recipes and cookbooks. The most quirky thing about me is I have eight sets of dishes. Using the same dishes all the time bores me, so I change mine for the season, holiday or just for the heck of it! Since retiring John has discovered that “we” like to travel, therefore there is always a new destination on our horizon.