gary cole
I have served as a pastor since 1981 in New Rochelle, New York; Ironwood, Michigan; Beloit, Wisconsin; Elgin, Illinois; and beginning in July 2001 at Church of the Pines in Minocqua, Wisconsin.
I am a graduate of North Park College and Theological Seminary in Chicago. I was ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church in 1985. I am now an ordained elder in full connection in the Wisconsin Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
My wife Patty and I have three adult children, Jemaleddin, Colin, and Kjirsten, and two beautiful grandchildren, Sierra and Jared. I enjoy snowshoeing, hiking, talking to people, reading, and computer graphics.
Andrea Yates
Andrea is our Children, Youth, and Family Ministries Cordinator. She began at Church of the Pines in September 2009.
Andrea has a Bachelor of Science degree from Murray State University in Murray, Kentuckey. She majored in Organizational Communication and minored in Youth and Human Service Nonprofit Management and Leadership. Andrea's skills include the knowledge and practice of public speaking, program planning, budgeting, leadership, marketing, grant writing,intercultural communication, research, and written communication.
Andrea won a national award while in college where she developed and led a self-esteem program for girls, "Rising Up," for the Murray Family YMCA while she interned there.
Andrea was the Fitness and Aquatics Coordinator for the Urbana Park District. She was the Activity Director for an independent living retirement home in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Andrea has a strong commitment to Christ and a deep love for people of all ages.
Here is Andrea's self introduction from our September 2009 issue of The Pine Chips:
God definitely has a plan for our lives, and I have never believed that more than now. It is truly amazing to see how He has the perfect path mapped out for us. We just have to watch and listen. I moved to Wisconsin a little over 3 years ago in the middle of the winter (I am from Kentucky, so this was a big deal!). I remember driving by UMCOP and telling myself how beautiful of a church it was and how much I loved the name...Church of the Pines! I knew that I had to see what this church was all about. I attended occassionally, and I was introduced to and became very good friends with Erin Jorgensen. Erin then asked me to volunteer as a Sunday School Teacher and as a leader with VBS. Sundays at UMCOP, working with the kids, soon became one of the highlights of my week. When I heard that Erin was leaving to teach kindegarten, it was very bittersweet. I was sad to see her go, but I also felt like I was being called to apply for her position.. Prayers, an interview, and a few weeks later....I found myself being offered the job of "Children, Youth, and Families Ministries Coordinator"!
Just so you know a little bit about my background, I was born and raised in Hopkinsville, KY. I attended Murray State University where I majored in Organizational Communications and minored in Youth and Human Service Nonprofit Management and Leadership (yes, that is a long title!). I was very involved with the YMCA in college and continued working with program planning and leadership after school. I have moved around the country a bit, and I am now happy to be settled in Wisconsin. All of my family still lives in Kentucky. I believe they all think I am a bit crazy for living where it gets colder than 20 degrees below zero! Aside from jobs and school, though, I just want to live my life for God and to make Him proud. I want to feel like I have made a difference everyday. That is why I am thrilled to begin this position.
It is always difficult to step into the shoes of someone who did an excellent job. All I can do is my best. I want everyone to know that I plan on putting my heart and soul into this church and its programs. I want to get to know everyone, and I want you to feel comfortable coming to me with any ideas or suggestions. I look forward to this next step in God's plan! Can't wait to get to know you all!
Andrea Yates
the rest of our staff:
Kathy Almekinder, Director of Rocking Horse Childcare Center
Gloria Johnson, organist
Beverly Clark, organist
Sam SHugar, interim choir director
Judy Allen, administrative assistant
Rudy Vlosak, janitor