Derek Elkins, Pastor
Derek Elkins was called to Pastor First UCC in Green Bay and began in ministry with the church on August 18, 2024. Derek served in a variety roles before coming to First UCC including Protestant Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life and Community Service at St. Norbert College. Derek grew up in North Carolina and is a lifelong Tar Heels fan. He cheers for the Packers every weekend (except when they play the Carolina Panthers). Derek enjoys snowboarding in the winter and plays pickleball and gardens with his family in the summer.
Derek loves spiritual questions and will be the first to tell you that he’s learned a lot by exploring his doubts. Derek strives to offer sermons that connect with the joys and challenges of being human and he loves discovering the wisdom of scripture. You can reach Derek to schedule coffee (or pickleball!) at pastor@firstgb.org.
Derek holds an M.A. in Theology from Drew University Theological School and an M.A. in Christian Education from Union Presbyterian Seminary.
Katie Crevier, Office Manager
Katie started her role as Office Manager in June of 2025. She has a background in youth and young adult ministry as well experience in non-profit work and chaplaincy. Regardless of the role she is in, Katie strives to build community and put people first.
Katie enjoys working in the garden, camping, drinking coffee, and playing board games. She loves every excuse to be outside whether it’s swimming or cross country skiing. Many of her free weekends are spent traveling to Minnesota or Chicago to visit family.
Katie did her graduate studies at Loyola University Chicago where she completed an M.Div and M.A. in Social Justice.
The Executive Council meets once a month, on the Third Thursday at 5:30 p.m.* If you would like to communicate directly with them, please send an email to: council@firstgb.org.
See below for church committees & their members. (If your are interested in serving or if your name is not listed and should be, please contact the council at: council@firstgb.org.)
Pastor Parish Committee Members: Connie Meyer (Chair), Maureen Manning, Merry Lee Lison, and Council President Lori Wirtz
Stewardship Committee Members:
Sally Hansen (Chair), Michael Wickman, and Ken Wirtz
Administration Committee Members: Whitney Nelson (Chair), Tom Brenkus,
and Betty Thaldorf
Membership Committee Members:
Beth Longley (Chair), Connie Huff, Karen Kranzush, Kristen Moreland, Doris Theeke, and Jeanne Van Den Elzen
Planned Giving Committee Members: Pat Rindfleisch, Rachel Ripley, Jacob Thaldorf, Honneli Godres, Deb Rentmeester, Sally Hansen (ex-officio), Derek Elkins (ex-officio)
Outreach Committee Members:
Chris Maki (Chair), Judy Bushy, Karen Kranzush, Maureen Manning, Tia Thomas, Jeanne Van Den Elzen, Marsha & Don Wilkinson
Christian Education Committee Members: Renea Mertens, Whitney Nelson, Nevaeh Craw-Bohman, Chris Maki, and Shiloe Rivas
Building and Grounds
Committee Members:
Doris Theeke (Chair), Tom & Barb Brenkus, Deb Rentmeester,
and Tammie Zelhafer