Staff

Rev. Julie Delezenne, Pastor

Julie was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a BA from The College of Wooster, a Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary, and a Master of Nonprofit Administration with a Certificate in Fundraising Management from North Park University. In past calls, Julie has served an interfaith nonprofit in Chicago which serves homeless youth and adults and ELCA outdoor ministry sites in Texas and Northern Michigan. She currently serves as chair of the board of directors of the Howell Nature Center. Julie and her husband, Adam, have two sons, Isaac and Jude, and enjoy traveling and adventures as a family. Julie is passionate about creative worship and developing partnerships that bring good news in our broken and beautiful world.

Nancy Bass, CRE, Pastoral Associate

Nancy comes to us through the transition with Erin Presbyterian Church, where she served as pastor for over two years. Nancy has degrees in Criminal Justice, with minors in Music and Psychology. Ministry is a second career for Nancy. Prior to completing ministry studies at University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and ETS in Detroit, Nancy’s secular employment focused on service. Nancy worked for many years with Lutheran Social Services of Michigan. She was Facilities Manager at The Wayne County Family Center (MI largest homeless shelter); Supervisory Case-Manager; and Offender Employment Specialist. It was Nancy’s position as Director of LSSM’s Katrina Aid Today Program that pulled her into ministry. Working alongside Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Lutheran Disaster Response with Hurricane Katrina evacuees renewed Nancy’s sense of call to ministry.
Nancy has one son, Jeremy and two adopted cats. Nancy enjoys photography, needle arts, bike riding, singing, and watching sports (especially football). This is her 13 th season
volunteering at University of Detroit Jesuit High School Football Program – Go Cubs!

Sharon Kohler, Organist

Sharon began serving as organist at First Presbyterian in 1963 and first retired in 1996. In 2003, she just couldn't stay away and began substituting as organist until several years later, when she took on the permanent position once again. Sharon has taught piano lessons, done secretarial work, and helped run her family's silk screen business until 2010. Blessed with two daughters, Sharon also enjoys her five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Her life has revolved around family and the church for the better part of 49 years. In her free time, she enjoys caring for her vegetable garden and reading.

Lauren Nowacki, Sunday School Teacher
Lauren began her work in youth ministry as a camp counselor at Howell Nature Center. Since then, she worked as an active volunteer at Park Community Church in Chicago and as the Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministry at Cherry Hill Presbyterian. She lives in Saint Clair Shores with her husband, Mike, stepdaughter, Kat, and adorable pitbull, Jayda. She grew up at First of Warren and is excited to return!

Trish Pearce, Office Administrator

Trish Pearce is a long time active member of St. Thomas Community Presbyterian Church in Shelby Township. She has been married for 33 years and has one daughter. Trish has served as a Sunday school teacher, Junior/Senior High youth mentor, deacon, elder and currently a Stephen Ministry Leader.

Marijo Hockley, Inclusion Ministry Coordinator

Marijo was born and raised in Michigan. She graduated from Royal Oak Kimball High School, now Royal Oak High School in 1986. She attended Eastern Michigan University and received a Bachelors of Science in Biology and Psychology. She continued at Eastern to receive a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology. In 2003, Marijo received her Secondary Teaching Certificate from Saginaw Valley State University in Science and taught Middle School and High School, before answering God's call to go into ministry. Marijo graduated from the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in June of 2015. Marijo now lives in Madison Heights with her fiance, Steve and their fur-family, Raven and two cats, Bean and Rosita.

June Zydek, Music Director

June comes to us after serving 3 years as Music Director at Erin Church and 4 years as Associate Director of Music at Lake Shore Presbyterian Church. June retired from the East China Schools (St. Clair, MI) in 2010 after working as a music teacher (1 st through 12 th grade) for 21 years. June has a Bachelor of Music degree from Wayne State University in Church Music/Organ Performance and Music Education, and a Master’s of Music degree from Oakland University in Voice Performance.
June plays several musical instruments: piano, organ, flute and harp and her voice placement is soprano. She has a private studio of voice, harp and piano students out of her home. June has been married to her husband Stan – also a professional musician -- for almost 38 years, having been wed at Park Presbyterian Church in Highland Park. They have no two-legged children, but have two rescue dogs, Bentley (8 years old) and Charlie (8 months old). They also have many loving nieces and nephews scattered through the United States.
June and Stan reside in their home in Chesterfield. June loves to knit, crochet and spin her own yarn.