revgramza@tlcmidland.org

Rev. Dr. Jeffery George Gramza grew up in South Bend, Indiana. He was baptized in the Swedish Covenant Church (a close relative of the Lutheran Church). He earned a Bachelor's of Science (BS) in Biology and Chemistry at Valparaiso University, a Master's of Divinity (M.Div.) at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, and a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min,) at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH.

Ordained in 1998, Pastor Jeff interned at St. John Lutheran Church in Wilson, Texas and has served Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New Castle, Indiana, and St. John Lutheran Church (The Purple Door Church) in Celina, OH.  He joined Trinity Lutheran in Midland, MI in 2023.

Pastor Jeff’s ministry is sustained through the loving support of his wife Elizabeth, his best friend and partner in ministry.  Together, they have four children—Molly, Lilly, Nathaniel George, and Grace.  They gain new perspectives on life through their two grandchildren--Bridgette and August.

When Pastor Jeff accepted his call to ministry, he knew he was setting out on an impossible venture.  What gives him the ability to do daily ministry is the knowledge that God goes with him. Where his faith or strength or courage or skills may fail or fall short, God is there guiding him, renewing his faith and strengthening him for ministry. Through every aspect of his ministry, Pastor Jeff remains open to the blessings and guidance of the Holy Spirit, firmly believing the Word of God is relevant for life.

God's Word has transformational power in his life and he believes God calls him to do "relevant ministry." He works very hard to keep others connected to God in meaningful and relevant ways. He wants others to experience the power of the living Word and the blessings of Almighty God as much as he has.

Pastor Jeff is honored and blessed to carry out his call to ministry at Trinity.  He is thankful to be part of this vibrant community of people - living, laughing, worshiping, serving, struggling and growing together!

vicarsophie@tlcmidland.org

jlonsway@tlcmidland.org

Jonathan is a native Michigander - raised in the church and involved in church music from a very young age. He studied piano and vocal performance at Moody Bible Institute in Chicaco, IL and earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 2008. He has served many churches in the Grand Rapids, MI area, including St. Luke’s Lutheran, St. Paul Lutheran and Faith Lutheran. Some of the highlights of his musical career include singing with the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus during the 2021 and 2022 seasons and performing opera with the Grand Rapids Opera Chorus in such operas as Carmen, Rigoletto and The Magic Flute.

mlonsway@tlcmidland.org

Melanie joined the staff at Trinity in 2025 after being a member for the previous two years. Melanie and her three girls (and one dog!), followed her husband, Jonathan, to Midland from Grand Rapids, MI.

Church has always been a big part of Melanie’s life - from singing in the choir in middle school, teaching Vacation Bible School, leading children’s choirs, and coordinating nursery volunteers. Her love of ministry led her to study at Moody Bible Institute, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible with a piano emphasis in 2005. Prior to joining Trinity's staff, Melanie held several Administrative roles, including working in the front office of the West Michigan Whitecaps and at First United Methodist Church in Midland.

In her spare time, Melanie is an avid fiction reader, tries to finish craft projects, and loves board games.

jjohnson@tlcmidland.org

rkernhamilton@tlcmidland.org

Robin joined the Trinity staff in May 2026 and is truly overjoyed to be a part of the Trinity community! Born and raised in Michigan, Robin, her husband Andrew and their two boys, Brayden and Bennett recently returned to Michigan after spending a few years in California.

As our Communication and Office Administrator, Robin brings a grateful heart, a love for people and a desire to serve with joy. With experience as the owner of a photography business, she is very comfortable with graphic arts, technology and the use of social media to communicate and promote the various ministry areas and events at Trinity.  Robin is excited to grow in faith alongside this beautiful community, to share her gifts and be part of the meaningful, Spirit-led work happening at Trinity!

sandyschlesinger@gmail.com

In summer of 2024, Sandy joined the staff as a volunteer Parish Administrator after 40 years of employment with Dow. In this part-time role, Sandy assists the Church Council, the Pastoral team and the staff in carrying out Trinity’s vision by providing administrative leadership, management, and support.  Key areas of focus include human resource management (job descriptions, hiring & onboarding, compensation & benefits, background checks, State/Federal compliance, contractor management, employee departures, etc.); maintaining the Trinity Lutheran Employee Handbook; management of insurance, contracts, and vendor issues, implementation and oversight of personnel and organizational policies & procedures, and maintaining employee and general office and other operational files.

A member of Trinity since 1984, Sandy is active in the Chancel Choir periodically serves as an Assistant Minister / Cantor.  Past activities included serving multiple terms on the Church Council (as President, VP and Secretary), teaching 6th grade Confirmation and participating as an Adult Leader on multiple high school mission trips.  Beyond Trinity, after 6 years as a member of the ELCA Church Council, Sandy is in her 15th year serving as Vice President of the N/W Lower MI Synod where she chairs the Synod Council.

finance@tlcmidland.org

After obtaining a Bachelors in Business Administration from Northwood University, Katie joined Trinity's staff as Bookkeeper / Accountant in July 2024.  In this part-time role, Katie enables day-to-day operations including daily posting of financial transactions (accounts payable and receivable), maintaining balance sheets, preparing monthly financial reports, reconciliation of bank and credit card statements and bookkeeping ledgers, maintaining an organized filing system, and ensuring salaries, wages, reimbursements, bills and taxes are paid on time with proper documentation in accordance with established procedures.

A life-long member of Trinity, Katie was involved in the wide variety of educational and youth activities throughout high school.  In her spare time, Katie enjoys pet-sitting,  baking, watching movies, playing video games and spending time with family.

cbloomfield@tlcmidland.org

Cathy has been a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for 67 years.  She worked at Eastlawn Elementary School for 20 years.  After retiring from the school, she became a volunteer in the church office.  She enjoyed the work and the people so, when offered a paid position in September 2019, she gladly went back to work.  She finds technology fascinating and is always willing to learn something new.

Cathy has three daughters and four grandchildren.  In her spare time she enjoys sewing, needle crafts, traveling and reading.

clevasseur@tlcmidland.org

As our newest staff member, joining in July 2026, Carrie brings a diverse professional background with experience in graphic design, medical assisting, and administrative management, along with a passion for serving others.

Carrie is blessed with a wonderful family and enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. In her free time, Carrie loves being in nature, creating art, and spending time with her dog, Gus. She finds joy in God's creation and appreciates any opportunity to use her gifts to encourage and serve others!

nstark@tlcmidland.org

Nick has been maintaining Trinity’s internal and external maintenance needs for the main church, parsonages and all other properties since 2021.  In December 2024, Nick accepted the contractor position as Trinity’s Facilities Coordinator.

Nick has 20+ years of experience in a broad range of construction and maintenance projects within homes and businesses.  At Trinity, Nick is responsible for maintaining and improving the appearance, functionality and housekeeping of all of Trinity’s facilities, properties, grounds and vehicles through effective communication with and coordination of custodial staff, contractors and volunteers. This includes management of the budget for Operations along with ensuring applicable safety guidelines/procedures, code compliance and contracts are in place with appropriate oversight. As the lead, Nick partners with Lee Smith, Gary Warren, the Asset Management Committee and other members of the maintenance & custodial staff to get things done!

In his spare time, Nick enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and family and he is blessed by the fellowship of community.

Left to Right:  Nick Stark (Facilities Coordinator); Jamison Evans (Grounds Crew and Custodian); Mya Quinones (Custodian); Arthur Stark (Lead Custodian).  Not Pictured:  Anthony Slayton (Grounds Crew)

At Trinity, we have a dedicated team focused on maintaining clean and safe facilities and grounds.  Primary responsibilities include custodial services, mowing and other lawn services, snow removal and salt applications to sidewalks during the winter months and assisting in various short- and long-term maintenance projects throughout the year.  The scope of their work includes the main church facility, including the preschool areas, the Legacy Center (Abbott Road) as well as our five parsonages and the Wixom Lake camp facility.

Our facilities are used by Trinity members and numerous non-profit organizations within the Midland community - this team does a fantastic job to assure the readiness of each area of our "footprint" throughout the year!

At Trinity, Sunday worship doesn’t start or end at the sanctuary doors — it often begins (or continues!) with a cup of coffee and a friendly smile. Before and after worship, you’ll find our joy-filled baristas serving free, fair-trade coffee and cocoa as a simple act of hospitality and care. What does fair-trade mean?  It means the coffee and cocoa we serve are sourced in ways that support fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable farming practices — honoring the dignity of the people who grow and harvest them.

Our coffee time is about more than caffeine. It’s about connection. It’s where "hello's" turn into friendships, visitors become neighbors, and stories are shared one cup at a time. So come early. Linger after. Your cup is waiting — and so are we. ☕💛

Barristas:  Julie Hyatt (in green); Tess Hamilton (top); Krista Plummer (in orange) and Nick Kroll (seated)

To help parents and caregivers worship, learn, and connect with ease, Trinity offers a safe, caring nursery for little ones on Sunday mornings during worship and other activities as well as on Wednesday evenings during the Ignite program.

Our goal is simple: you can take a breath, be present, and receive what God has for you, while your child is loved and looked after. If you have questions, need help finding the nursery, or want to talk through any allergies or comfort needs, just ask—we’re happy to help.



Nursery Staff:  Caoilann Ferguson (top left); Marla Crosby (bottom left); Tracy Messing (not pictured)