Our Leadership and Staff
Meet the Team
Wendy Valentine
Lead Pastor
Wendy went back to college at Spring Arbor University and graduated in 2019 with her Pastoral Ministry degree, after running a local business with her husband since 1994. She accepted Jesus at the age of 12 and has had an incredible ride following Him as her Lord and Savior. Wendy has been lead pastor at The Beacon Church since its inception in 2017 and has loved serving the communities of Jackson County for over 25 years.
"I am super excited to serve the Lord and be HIS light wherever He sends me!"
Dave Mead
Associate Pastor
Dave serves The Beacon in a variety of ways, including the pastoral staff, leading the Adult Bible School every Sunday, and participating in the Worship Team. He has been participating in Sunday schools and Christian summer camps his whole life.
"I feel very blessed to be a part of the Beacon Church family and serve with such compassionate people."
Brenda Lindberg
Elder
Brenda has been serving at The Beacon for the last few years and feels blessed that the Lord has called her to serve here. Although she spent many years searching for how God would use her, she found the answer when she started at The Beacon. Brenda loves serving at Reed Manor and praying for her brothers and sisters.
"I do whatever I can to make the lives of the people around me happier and easier."
James Plachta
Elder
James was born and raised in Gaylord Michigan. He moved to Florida for a bit and made his way to Jackson Michigan a couple years ago. James and his wife Lisa are involved in any outreach the church participates in. As an Elder, James is eager to help The Beacon church draw closer to Jesus any way he can.
Brigett Ley
Treasurer
Brigett, proud mother of two, spends her days providing for her family and tracking finances for the church and in her job. In the last ten years, the Lord has allowed her to grow in her faith through her spiritual gifts of administration, generosity, and mercy.
"I help ensure that all of the funds that God has provided the church are used to reach out in the community while also supporting His plan."
Kathy Schemahorn
Trustee
Kathy serves as the assistant treasurer and one of the trustees for The Beacon. She came to know Jesus when she was about 10 while attending church with a neighbor and Vacation Bible School.
"She is a retired RN, and has been married for 50 years, and has two married sons and two granddaughters."
Charlie Balog
Trustee
Charlie has been passionately serving as one of The Beacon's trustees for the last few years. While he has always felt the Lord's presence throughout his life, he truly committed to serving the church not long after meeting Wendy.
"I love our church family. Let me know how I can help!"
Erica Donihue
Secretary
Erica has been a part of the Beacon Church for many years and continues to be a part by helping as the secretary.
She has a love and a passion for the Lord and His people When she isn't working she is typically enjoying a good book
and a good snuggle with her dog Baily.