Dorice Koetje
Church AdminstratorDorice helps keep First Presbyterian Church running. We are blessed by having Dorice. She keeps the office organized, has a wonderful Christian spirit, and always has a smile and an encouraging word for those who stop in or call the office. Outside of work, Dorice has 3 daughters at home. She and husband, Terry have been blessed with 8 grandsons and 5 granddaughters who bring great joy to their lives. She cherishes her "quiet time" and enjoys crocheting - most likely something for a new baby!
Kari Hanus
Financial SecretaryKari is a busy lady. Working a couple other jobs along with being our Financial Secretary. She loves working with numbers so her position here is a great fit for her.
Carla VanProoyen
OrganistCarla is back with us. She stepped back for several years to take care of her family. But she is so excited to be back at our beautiful organ. Making music to the Glory of God has been her life’s ambition. Carla came to know Christ as her personal savior at age 8 1/2. She has enjoyed playing piano, keyboard and organ in church since age 11 and has taught since age 13. Her education includes studying piano for two years with Dr Helen Wright, a Julliard graduate, while at Southeastern Bible College. She has a Sacred Music minor from Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music (now Cornerstone University). Her hobbies include spending time with her husband, Rev. Jerry VanProoyen and their six grandchildren. Paddle boarding and family history are also favorite hobbies. Welcome back to FPC Carla!
Caleb Downey
PianistCaleb is a junior at Cadillac High School. He has studied piano with Nailya Cederstrom since 5th grade. He has a 4.0 GPA and participates as a Cadillac Marching Viking, playing the baritone saxophone. In addition to his piano studies, Caleb loves to sing. He sings bass in the CHS Honors Choir and sings in the popular youth quartet, Shoreline. Caleb also composes music and does audio mixing and engineering. In his spare time he enjoys studying Russian and fishing.
Sandy Bode
OrganistSandy Bode grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She loved piano and organ music at a young age. Thanks to her parents, she had the best teachers the city had to offer, first for piano and later the organ. She loves classical and traditional music for worship and has accompanied many choirs, instrumentalists and soloists over the years. The camaraderie of working with fellow musicians in praising God has been a source of both inspiration and friendship. Sandy is also a registered nurse and she and her husband Don, have raised 5 children on a local dairy farm. The pipe organ at First Presbyterian Church is a wonderful instrument and she values the opportunity to serve the congregation in worship with the variety of beautiful sounds it has to offer.
Jamie Carey
Director of Vocal EnsemblesMeet our new, but familiar, Director of Vocal Ensembles. Jamie Carey has his bachelor of music education from Central Michigan University and his masters from Michigan State University. He has actively directed church and community choirs for over 30 years. Jamie and his family (wife; Johanna, and children; Cole and Catie) moved back “home” in 2011 from Plano Texas. Jamie is currently the director of the Great Lakes Men’s Chorus in Grand Rapids, MI. He also sings solo’s for church related events in and around the Cadillac area. “What I like most about directing the choir and singing at First Presbyterian Church is the opportunity to sing with my family and friends!” If you’ve never sung in a choir, but love to sing—consider talking to Jamie and coming to a practice.