STAFF
Joel Schutte, Interim Pastor
We are pleased to have Pastor Joel Schutte (pronounced “Scuddy”) on board as Interim Pastor. Joel is an ordained clergy from a different denomination and a licensed, local pastor with the United Methodist Church. Joel was most recently Senior Vice President of Ministry Development for the Cherry Street Missions organization, where he was head of the Men’s and Women’s Residential Ministry and the new 7 day per week Community Café. Joel has a Master’s Degree in Theology and is currently enrolled in a graduate equivalency program, which is a prerequisite for a Doctorate of Ministry in Spiritual Formation. He says he loves to preach and teach, and is also a musician. Joel and his wife, Aprille, have 2 biological children and 5 adopted children who were first their foster children. They once lived in a townhouse across from COTC. In good weather Joel may be seen riding his motorcycle to work
Lisa Gleason, Administrative Assistant
Lisa comes to COTC with 30 years experience of being a Secretary/Treasurer with 23 years of that in the church ministry. She is a life long United Methodist. She has an associate's degree from Stautzenberger College. She is the youngest of six children and loves her big family. She is married to Jim and has two grown children and two granddaughters. She enjoys camping, traveling and spending time with her family. Lisa is also an Independent Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. She feels blessed with wonderful family and friends and is excited to serve God and work in the ministry here at Church of the Cross.
Kristin Miklovic, Director of Children's Discipleship
Kristin Miklovic graduated from The University of Toledo in 2005 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She taught for a couple of years, and then was led into ministry through the role of Children’s Ministry Director. She was on staff at Maumee United Methodist Church for 8 years and Delta UMC for 1 year. She has a passion for Children and Family Ministry …introducing children to Christ, providing avenues to deepen the faiths’ of our children, helping our children to see God as approachable, being a support for our children and their families, teaching our children to serve others in the name of Jesus, and empowering servant leaders and our church family to come alongside of our children! Kristin has been married to her husband Jay since April of 2005. They have three children Joey, Hannah and Gabe. They enjoy various family activities together and time with extended family and friends.
Rich Dubler, Director of Traditional and Blended Worship
Rich's desire was to become a veterinarian, but God had other plans and gave him a love and talent for music. Rich can't remember why he started playing the trombone in the 5th grade. He says that it definitely wasn't hereditary, but he really enjoyed it. In high school, his marching band and drum corps experiences swayed his decision to study music at Bowling Green.
His life in music has brought Rich a variety of experiences. What has been his best experience? As a senior at BGSU, he was chosen to be a member of the College All Star Marching Band. This group played and marched in Giant Stadium before 80,000 people at the re-dedication ceremony of the Statue of Liberty.
Rich and his wife Sharon have two daughters, Andrea and Leah, and live in Waterville, OH. Rich, who has been blessed with great musical gifts, also brings a great blend of professionalism and humor to this position.
His life in music has brought Rich a variety of experiences. What has been his best experience? As a senior at BGSU, he was chosen to be a member of the College All Star Marching Band. This group played and marched in Giant Stadium before 80,000 people at the re-dedication ceremony of the Statue of Liberty.
Rich and his wife Sharon have two daughters, Andrea and Leah, and live in Waterville, OH. Rich, who has been blessed with great musical gifts, also brings a great blend of professionalism and humor to this position.
Aaron Keaster, Bell Choir Director
Aaron is originally from Missouri but moved to the Toledo area in 1996 to play double bass with the Toledo Symphony. He really enjoys playing with the symphony as well as working in the symphony office and teaching private music lessons. Aaron received a Music Education Degree from The Wichita State University and a Master's Degree in Double Bass Performance from the University of Indiana.
Aaron has had the opportunity to perform with several orchestras including the Wichita Symphony, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra, and the Lakeside Symphony. He has also been fortunate enough to have had such great jobs as performing at Disney World in Orlando, Florida and playing bass for five months on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean Sea. His wife, Michelle, is a flutist and currently teaches music at Monclova Christian Academy. They are also enjoying and very proud of their beautiful young daughter, Kaelee.
Church of the Cross is grateful to have Aaron join our staff team, and grateful for the gifts he brings to our music ministry.
Aaron has had the opportunity to perform with several orchestras including the Wichita Symphony, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra, and the Lakeside Symphony. He has also been fortunate enough to have had such great jobs as performing at Disney World in Orlando, Florida and playing bass for five months on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean Sea. His wife, Michelle, is a flutist and currently teaches music at Monclova Christian Academy. They are also enjoying and very proud of their beautiful young daughter, Kaelee.
Church of the Cross is grateful to have Aaron join our staff team, and grateful for the gifts he brings to our music ministry.
Barb Maniak, Creative & Technology Coordinator
Barb has always had a love of art - whether creating something herself or appreciating works by others. She has an associate degree from The Colorado Institue of Art and studied Art History at The University of Toledo. For the last few years (20 or so), she has been busy raising her four children with husband Steve. Now that they are (mostly) grown, she uses her talents in the service of God. Barb believes that God should be worshiped with visual glory, as well as song and word. Barb enjoys all things purple, photography/videography, digital art, reading, playing music, and especially spending time with her family and her dogs.
Debbie Corpe, Director of Adult Discipleship
Debbie is originally from upstate New York. She has BA in English Literature and a MBA from Binghamton University. From 1998-2003 she served as a part-time Licensed Local Pastor in northern PA and upstate NY while attending the Course of Study at Wesley Theological Seminary in the summers. After moving to Sylvania OH in 2003 with her youngest daughter, she joined Sylvania First United Methodist Church. She came to Church of the Cross in 2006 when she moved to South Toledo. Debbie married Chuck Corpe in 2012 (she met him serving on the missions committee). In her spare time, she enjoys reading, going for long walks, having coffee with friends, and visiting children and grandchildren whenever possible. Her favorite Bible verses are John 3:16-17 and favorite Psalm is 116.
Lisa Wagoner, Connections Coordinator
Lisa Wagoner’s entrepreneurial spirit and compassionate heart has encouraged her desire to help others find a place of connectivity within the church family. After 25 years in the corporate world, Lisa went into the healing arts field and has been a Licensed Massage Therapist for the last 14 years. She is the youngest of six children, has two grown children, a son and a daughter, and two grandchildren. Lisa enjoys reading, writing, and anything outdoors including camping, hiking, biking, kayaking and relaxing by a campfire. Lisa looks forward with an open heart to new ways that God will use her to glorify His kingdom and bring His people closer to Him.
Scott Zaborowski, Director of Student Ministries
Scott Zaborowski is the part time youth director at COTC. He has been an active member for 25 years. He has a passion for teaching and mentoring the youth for the past 20 years. He attended ST. Johns High School and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business from the University of Toledo. He is also the manager of Lifeway Christian Bookstore. He just celebrated his 20th year with the store. Scott resides in Toledo with his wife Julie who he has been married to for 27 years. They have four children Scott(24) Madisen(21) Ella(17) Grace(10). Scott and his family enjoy traveling, sports, and spending time together. He is an avid Ohio state and Miami Dolphins football fan. In his free time he is the assistant varsity girls basketball coach at Toledo Christian School. He founded Graceful Giving at COTC, which is a nonprofit that assist church members financially who wish to adopt. This organization is in honor of his daughter Grace. Scotts favorite scripture is "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles." Isaiah 40:31