Our Staff
Rev. Joel Walther, Jeannine Page-Tear, Rick Martin
Rev. Joel Walther – Pastor
The Rev. Joel Walther is originally from Minnesota, the son of a United Methodist minister. Following high school, he moved to New York City where he studied acting at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), graduating in 2000. He moved back to Minnesota where he worked a variety of jobs, but eventually ended up as a youth director at a church. After four years as a youth director, Walther reconnected with the call he had received when he was 12 and went back to school at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, MN where he earned his BA. Walther attended Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC starting in 2008. He graduated with his MDiv in 2011. While at Wesley he met Megan, whom he married in 2011. Megan is also a pastor, currently serving in Clarkston. Pastor Joel seeks to be a fool for Christ (1 Corinthians 1:18-31), understanding that while the world will try to tell you how it has all of the wisdom, true wisdom comes from understanding the foolishness of the cross and how living in the way of the cross will often make us appear foolish to the world. He hopes to share in this foolishness with others.
Jeannine Page-Tear – Office Administrator & Youth and Sunday School Director
Jeannine is a long standing member of Goodrich United Methodist Church. As Membership Secretary, Jeannine organizes and compiles the Sunday bulletin weekly. She also tracks Sunday worship attendance and follows membership of the congregation. Jeannine is also the Sunday School Superintendent and has been involved in Christian Education most of her adult life. She, as Sunday School Superintendent, helps to create a fun and safe learning environment for children. Jeannine holds an Associates degree in Applied Science from Baker College. Jeannine enjoys shuttling her three children to their various activities, reading, and is an avid card player.
Rick Martin – Custodian
Rick started in his role in 2017 and has done a great job given his many years of experience in school systems. Rick grew up in the area. He loves his job and helping people he meets on the job. He really enjoys everyone he runs into and feels a part of the GUMC family.