Lead Pastor
Tom Ricks, Lead Pastor
314.909.9197 x 115
Do you have a nickname?
Several.
Any you would allow in print?
When I was in 6th grade and playing Hockey, they called me "Peewee", and when I was at Covenant College, I was called "Ranger", after Ranger Ricks on the TV show, "Flipper."
How old were you when you realized you were destined to be a Pastor?
I never really wanted to be a Pastor. I knew in High School that I wanted to be head of the FBI. However, I got a job as a Youth Director when I was 22 and engaged; so, I felt it was a good job to have. By the time I was 28, I realized that God meant for me to be a Pastor.
What are your favorite movies?
Lonesome Dove, Young Frankenstein, Road to Perdition and anything John Wayne.
What is an interesting fact about you?
I have 2 hole-in-ones in golf with a 12 handicap.
Congregational Care
Anton Hoffmann, Associate Pastor of Care
314.909.9197 x 117
What is the strangest job you have ever held?
During Seminary I worked as a Security Guard part time. I would pick up and deliver payroll. We would stand in line and be assigned a .38 revolver and bullets. I would put the gun in one pocket and the bullets in the other. Because I wasn't a permanent worker, I had to ride in the back with a huge cash box. I held my knees up so the cash box wouldn't bash into me as it slid around with each and every turn.
What is the one thing you know no one would guess about you?
I am very outdoorsy and love to backpack in the wilderness. At least once a year I go into the wild of South Africa and do a 5 day backpack where you have to survive on what you take in on your back. I like to go to a place and see the highest point and say, "I am going to climb it."
Favorites:
Book: I love well-written history like "Mississippi Rising" which I have just finished. One of my all time favorites is "City of Joy" by Dominique Lapierre.
Movies: Jean de Florette and Manan of the Spring
Sport: Rugby!
Vacation: Maui
Craig Walseth, Counselor (part time)
314.909.9197 x 151
Who did you want to be when you grew up?
Jim McMahon: quarterback of the Chicago Bears in the 1980s
What is one thing that has challenged you lately?
Since having a baby, I am learning how to love my wife all over again. Having a baby creates changes in your relationship. I try to do the small things for her consistently.
What are a few of your favorites?
Favorite TV show: The Office
Favorite restaurant: Chili's
Favorite food: chicken fingers
Hobbies: Xbox 360; doing things outside
Karen Lovell, Stephen Ministry Leader
314.909.9197
What is something about you that not everyone would know?
I am an avid genealogist, part Native American, and I was in a hot air balloon in France the day Princess Dianna died.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love to scrapbook and for 30 years I was part of a singing and dancing group called, "Pitch Piper."
Spiritual Formation
Diana Simonpietri, Coordinator of Discipleship and Pastoral Assistant
314.909.9197 x 119 
What would you do if you had more free time and more money?
Travel more, read more, scrapbook more, garden more, eat out more, re-learn to play the piano, learn to dance!
How many kids do you have?
Three wonderful kids. Marie is married to Ike Ensey and they have two precious children - Meika (4) and Logan (2). They now live in St. Louis near me! Marc-Andre' graduated from Wheaton College and is now a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army, based at Lewis-McChord near Seattle, WA. Claire is a junior at Valparaiso University, majoring in Nursing and International Service.
What are some favorite things?
Mothering, Grandmothering, my pond, bicycling, XM Radio Music from the 60's, The "Wiener Family", movies that make me laugh.
If you could pick a color that describes your personality, what would it be?
RED! Red has a lot of energy!
Nathan Moser, Assistant Pastor of Discipleship
314.909.9197 x110
We are excited to welcome our newest staff member, Nathan Moser, and his family to Saint Louis and the GTCC family. Nathan will be leading our ministries that are involved in walking with people on their spiritual journeys and making disciples for Jesus Christ. More details to follow on Nathan.
Youth Ministry
Brad Lucht, Co-Director of Student Ministry
314.909.9197 x 114
Hometown: Cissna Park, IL (Yes, he is a Cubs fan)
Undergraduate: Illinois State
What are your favorite movies?
Sister Act II
You Got Served
What is an interesting fact about you?
I taught Kindergarten for two years and was a reading specialist for 1/2 a year.
I have been bungee jumping, hang gliding, and I have sung at the Grand Ole Opry.
You sang at the Grand Ole Opry?
Yes. Jessica and I, not yet married, traveled to Tennessee to visit her parents. This was only the second time I had met them. During the visit, we went to an evening at the Grand Ole' Opry. Now, Jessica's dad is a minister and the evening was a part of their denominational convention with lots of "big wigs" present. In front of 3,000 people, I was chosen to come up on stage to lip sink an Elvis Presley song. Dressed like Elvis, I not only impressed my future in-laws but I also had the ladies swooning.
Who do you admire most?
My wife.
What is the weirdest job that you have had?
I come from a small farming community and I worked the corn fields as a corn detassler - pulling the tassles off of the corn.
Elisa Fernandez, Co-Director of Student Ministry
Family
I grew up in the Washington, DC area in Northern VA. I have an older sister, two half brothers and two step sisters. Both sets of parents are re-married and I enjoy spending time with all of them!
Influences
I was quite the musical girl growing up from choirs to musicals to a cappella groups up until my college years. With that being said, some of my biggest influences were Gloria Estefan, Celine Dion, and *NSYNC, of course! I think that as of now, I realize that my mother is a huge influence in my life – she is incredibly strong, a hard worker, personable, and hilarious. I look up to her a lot. I have been blessed with amazing people in my life including my dearest and closest friends from college and post-college who have influenced and encouraged me in one way or another.
Epic Moments
I love good stories and I have far too many of them. Please ask me – and I am more than happy to share with you! Some epic moments I have had mostly take place on traveling adventures with friends and family.
When I grow up, I want to be…
I would love to own a bed a breakfast. So, I guess, an Inn Keeper? I just want to meet people, talk, have fun, and cook them breakfast.
Best Invention
Tom’s Shoes. The shoes and the organization combined.
Favorite Books
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series, Cold Mountain, anything by Tim Keller, Gospel of John, and Amelia Bedelia.
Favorite Movies
V for Vendetta, Forest Gump, Never Say Never (Beiber documentary…), Cold Mountain, most all James Bond movies, all of the Rocky films (accept the newest one), Breakfast Club, and so many more. I like movies.
Favorite TV Shows
Gilmore Girls, Glee, Matlock, Degrassi
Fear Factors
I fear losing an eye every day of my life. I face eye threats at least once a day – I don’t know why!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy anything outdoors: hiking, biking, running, camping, or trying anything new! I love to sing and I am always checking out new music – popular or independent stuff. I also love seeing good plays and music performances. I enjoy reading but I am way too social… I can’t sit too long without getting antsy!
Favorite Quote
“God doesn’t want something from us. He simply wants us.” –C.S. Lewis
If I were a car, I would be a…
Yellow smart car.
Passion
To live a full life and discover all of the amazing things God has so creatively put together. I am passionate about so many things and I enjoy so many things – but above all, so much interests me because I see how God has crafted it all in His own special way.
Children’s Ministry
Beth Bohlmann, Co-Director of Children's Ministry
314.909.9197 x 126
What your favorite thing about each of your sons?
Mason - his tender heart
William - his zeal for life
What's your one guilty pleasure that people may not know about you?
If tennis is on TV, I'll sit for hours and watch a match. I love it!
What's one appliance you cannot live without?
My Kitchen-Aid Mix Master!
What family traditions do you maintain?
I like to write my husband and my two sons hand-written letters and cards often.
Ellen Stream, Co-Director of Children's Ministry
314.909.9197 x 105
What are your top five movies of all time? 
Ben Hur
It Could Happen to You
Rear Window (Hitchcock)
It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World
True Grit (John Wayne)
What is one thing that you would want your family to say about you?
I would want them to say, "She loves the Lord and she loves us, and she works hard to have a happy home."
What is one thing you would say to parents at GTCC if you could only tell them one thing?
Never stop praying for your children...never.
Have you ever won any type of contest or competition?
No, not really. I did come in second place for best dressed in high school, though. Nobody knew it, but I sewed all my own clothes!
Administrative & Communications
Access Your 2012 Online Giving Statements
It's that time of year when we start gathering all of our end of year tax documents. Those of you who have given to GTCC in 2012 will be receiving a statement in the mail in the next couple of weeks. However, if you would like to have access now or any other time during the year, you can always use the GTCC online community, Engage. Learn more.
It's that time of year when we start gathering all of our end of year tax documents. Those of
you who have given to GTCC in 2012 will be receiving a statement in the mail in the next couple of weeks. However, if you would like to have access now or any other time during the year, you can always use the GTCC online community, Engage.
Engage is the online community for the Greentree Community Church family. If you have never accessed Engage before, you will need to request a password-protected login which you will receive in an email from us. If your email matches the email we have in our records, you should receive the welcome email within a few minutes. If we don't have your email in our records, we will need to manually match you before we send out your login information. We want to keep our online community safe so it may take a day or two. Please familiarize yourself with the Privacy Guidelines / Path to Engage before requesting a password-protected login. Thanks for your patience.
If we can answer any questions, please feel free to contact Mindy Owens, 314.909.9197, . We hope you will find Engage to be a resource for information, communication and connection.
Cia Whittaker, Receptionist / Administrative Assistant to Community Connections
314.909.9197 x 100
What are your favorite movies?
Father of the Bride
Wizard of Oz
Sound of Music
The Italian Job
Field of Dreams
What is the dumbest thing you have ever done?
Perhaps the dumbest thing I've done was hitchhike in Israel. In 1979, while studying abroad in Athens, Greece, I visited Israel. I was with a part of the group that got separated from the main group and we had to hitchhike from the outskirts of Jericho into Jerusalem.
What TV character do you most identify with?
Lucy Ricardo because she has a real zest for life and laughter.
Diana Rohlfing, Administrative Assistant to Children's and Student Ministries
314.909.9197 x 108
Stay tuned to learn more about Diana ...
Michael Porter, Business Manager
Who is in your family?
Michael, Emerson and Beck. Waiting on an addition.
Where did you go to High School?
The typical St. Louis question... White Hall High School in White Hall, AR
Influential people
My Dad, Bruce Morgan, Joe Bowers and Bill Grant
Epic Moments
Finishing Grad School, meeting Emerson’s birth mother
Favorite Books
The Education of Little Tree, Into the Wild, Seven Summits, The Alchemist
Favorite Movies
Shawshank Redemption, Cool Hand Luke
Favorite TV Shows
The Office, Modern Family
What do you do in your spare time?
I love spending time with family outside
Personal Motto
Live life with no regrets
If I were a car, I would be a
1987 Toyota Land Cruiser
Passion
People
314.909.9197 x 103
Mindy Owens, Director of Communications
314.909.9197 x 102
Who is in your family? 
I have been married to my best friend, Bruce, for 25 years; we have 2 delightful daughters: Samantha (who is a student at Mizzou - Go Mizzou!), and Jessie (who rocks our house with her singing and dancing). Let's not forget our pets: Maggie, Oliver and Gabbie!
What lessons in parenting have you learned?
Two things: Don't get hung up so much on the behavior, it's a journey. Have a sense of humor when raising kids. Second, apologize. Ask for forgiveness. We make many mistakes in parenting; do not let pride get in the way of your relationship.
If a movie were made about you, who would play you and what would the title be?
Hmmm .... Sandra Oh (from Grey's Anatomy) and the title would be, "Tell It Like It Is"
Favorites:
TV- I don't watch much TV; but I do catch football, golf and March Madness, and my friends on the Weather Channel!
Food- Pizza and salad
Memory with my kids- My girls & I went to Chicago for the weekend. We had a tea party with our dolls at the American Girl store, ordered in room service, and had dinner and watched the crazy dancers at Ed Debevics. Just a fun girls' time!
Peggy Demetri, Coordinator for Arts and Communication
314.909.9197 x 112
Stay tuned to learn more about Peggy.
Music & Arts
Chip Demetri, Director of Worship
My Family
I’ve been married to my beautiful wife Peggy since 1994. We have three amazing boys: Joshua, Zachary and Nathan.
High School
I graduated from a 5A football school, Lake Highlands High School in Dallas, Texas in 1984. (Does anybody really care where I went to High School?)
Influences
Elvis, The Beatles, College bible study leader (Nathan), Nate Larkin
Epic Moments
Proposing to my wife in the middle of a bamboo forest, the birth of our three 10lb+ babies (the Doctor said, “I came to deliver a baby and got a toddler”), landing in Lima, Peru with our boys ages 4, 2 and 5 months at 1AM not knowing the language or where we were going to sleep, when we left the church we planted in Nashville, the Senior Pastor said, “well done good and faithful servants” and the whole congregation gave us a standing ovation, my first iPhone (changed my life!).
When I grow up, I want to be...
I used to want to be a rock star, now I want to be a Christ-like husband and father.
Favorite Books
Samson and the Pirate Monks, Crazy Love, Waking the Dead, Desiring God, Celebration of Discipline, Good to Great, Simple Church
Favorite Movies
Rudy, Remember the Titans, Invincible, The Natural, Hoosiers, Chariots of Fire
Favorite TV Shows
Seinfeld, 24, CSI, Everybody Loves Raymond, House Crashers, Modern Family
Fingernails on a Chalkboard
Love to do it and make people cringe!
In my spare time...
I go to movies every chance I get.
Favorite Quote
If you are gonna do it, do it right the first time (Mike Holmes - HGTV)
Passion
The worship of God, Coffee.
314.909.9197 x 118
Community Connections
Lauren Hunsinger, Director of Community Connections
Family
Me, my husband Brent and our little dog, Gator
High School
Westminster Christian Academy
Epic Moment
marrying my best friend
When I grow up, I want to be
Hosting the 4th hour of the Today Show with Hoda & Kathy Lee!
Best Invention
Ice cream cones
Favorite Books
cookbooks
Favorite Movies
Devil Wears Prada, Julie & Julia, You’ve Got Mail
Favorite TV Shows
Anything on the FoodNetwork, Grey’s Anatomy, Modern Family, Deadliest Catch
Fear Factor
Small planes
Fingernails on a Chalkboard
slow drivers
Spare Time
Playing games, garage sales, traveling…
Favorite Quote
“This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook -- try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun” – Julia Child.
I really think this quote applies to your life not just cooking!
If I were a car, I would be a
Red Mini Coupe
Passion
food & music
314.909.9197 x 108
Church Planting
Mike Werkheiser, Assistant Pastor - Church Planting
314.909.9197 x 114
29 years old
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA (suburb called Beaver)
Undergraduate: Penn State University
Graduate: Covenant Theological Seminary
How did you meet your wife?
I met my wife at a summer camp during the summer of 2002. We started dating at the end of August, got engaged mid-November, and were married the next May. We've been married for a little over 5 years and it's the best time I've ever had.
What are some of your favorites?
My favorite thing is my wife. Any chance I get to spend time with her is priceless. I also love movies. One of my new favorite movies is There Will Be Blood - though it's not for the faint of heart. A favorite book of mine is entitled Not The Way It's Supposed To Be: A Breviary of Sin by Corelius Plantinga, Jr.
Phil Woods, Assistant Pastor - Church Planting
Where are you from?
I spent the majority of my life between Ohio and Virginia.
Tell us about your family.
My wife, Rebecca, and I have a five-month old daughter Kennedy Jane.
What are some of your favorite things?
Wine, Cigars, food, Xbox360, music, reading, time with my family and friends.
Do you have any hobbies?
Working on my house
What is your favorite St. Louis restaurant? Bar? Sports team? Place to visit?
I'm anal about eating out (that's what happens when you work in the restaurant business too long) but there are 3 things at Cyrano's in Webster Groves that I could eat almost every day.
Favorite Bar?
Brennan's in Central West End.
Sports team?
I'm a Dallas Cowboys fan.
Favorite place to visit?
I love Costa Rica!
What are you listening to on your iPhone these days?
Kanye West, Indelible Grace, Radiohead (always), Coldplay
Mac or PC?
Mac
Favorite candy?
Maple Nut Goodies
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Starting to plant a new church in the city.
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