Staff

Anne Schaefer, Interim Pastor

Anne began as the Interim Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren in November 2013. Anne received her undergraduate degree in Religious Studies from Albion College. She then went on to McCormick Theological Seminary for her Master of Divinity. Ordained in 1983 at Kirk in the Hills in Bloomfield Hills, Anne began her ministry at the White Lake Presbyterian Church where she served as Pastor for five years. Since that time she has served in several congregations in the Metropolitan Detroit area as Interim Pastor.

Anne’s love of Preaching and teaching are what drew her initially to the ministry. She discovered a certain passion for Interim Ministry after serving the Milford Presbyterian Church in that capacity. The Interim time in a Church is a time of re-envisioning, dreaming new dreams, and exploring new ways to honor and cherish the history of the Church. Anne has also served the Presbytery of Detroit in a variety of ways. She was the Moderator of the Presbytery in 1990 and has chaired and served on numerous committees. She has a great love for the Presbyterian Church (USA) and it’s rich reformed history. With all the challenges in our ever changing world, the Church offers one a place to find peace, solace and fellowship. Anne’s hope is that while she serves the First Presbyterian Church of Warren congregation as their Interim Pastor that they will feel spiritually fed and nurtured, while at the same time continue in their great stewardship of Mission and Ministry to the Community and the world.

Anne lives in Orchard Lake with her husband Kevin. They have two daughters, Emma and Molly.

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.

Aaron Crowton, Co-Webmaster / IT Admin

Aaron graduated from Center Line High School in 2005 to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice from ITT Technical Institute in Troy, MI. He joined First Presbyterian Church in 2009 and has served as webmaster since 2010. Aaron was ordained as a Ruling Elder and chaired the Communication committee from 2011-2013. In his spare time, Aaron graciously assists many church members with computer issues, enjoys watching TV and shooting pool with friends.

Carol Swanson, Office Administrator

Carol graduated with honors from Macomb Community College with her Associate of Applied Science-Administrative Assistant degree at age 50. She worked at MCC for fifteen years, ten of those as Administrative Assistant to the Associate Dean in the Mathematics Department at South Campus until retiring in 2003. She has served at First Church since 2009. Carol's three children are Wayne Jr., Susan, and David who have given her six grandchildren, ages 8 to 22. She enjoys scrapbooking, crafts of all kinds, reading, girls' weekends, and geneology. A member of First Church, Carol is grateful for her church family who have supported her spiritually and with love in challenging and good times.

Kyle Engelmann, Music Director

Kyle has been involved in music from an early age. At age 12, he would marvel at his father's booming bass voice in the pew of the Baptist church where he grew up and was amazed at the organists's improvisation skills. Soon, Kyle began taking piano lessons and eventually joined his high school band, the marching band and the jazz band. He played sax there, and kept up with the piano. After high school, Kyle attended Oakland University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music. During his college days, he got his first choir directing job. He’s enjoyed serving God and the Church with the gift of music ever since, and is currently working on his Master’s Degree in education. Kyle is married to his wife Kim of 17 years. They have two children, Jon and Carl, who are age 15 and 10. They live with their Irish setter, Summer, in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Gloria Stanley, Co-Webmaster

Graduated from Detroit College of Business with an Associate’s Degree in Business Management promoted to Employee Relations Administrator in 1983. Retired after 33 years from Henkel Corporation in 2003 as the Employee Data Manager and the Corporate Fleet Manager; responsible for 800+ company vehicles. I truly loved my HR job and working with all levels of employees and as a partner with our Payroll Analyst. Being a fleet manager was interesting and I enjoyed taking care of all the sales and tech service folks, making sure they maintained their vehicles. I so enjoyed assisting employees at all levels and the technical end of my duties including managing employee data relating to everything including manpower reports, demographics, organizational charts & working with Executives and Managers insuring that the reporting structures were correct, trained new supervisors on salary planning & performance guidelines.
My Mother and moved to “Royal Oak in 1975, shortly after we joined First Church & she joined the Choir and the “Keen Agers” I became a Sunday School Teacher for the “little ones” and enjoyed it very much. When Mom passed in 1989 I left the Church for a while and came back shortly after Eddie Flint passed to sit next to Waunita in the front row. I have served as a Deacon of First Church for 6 years, on the Communications Committee for 3 years, the Sanctuary enhancement committee, and the policy book committee.