Ruth first joined the staff of Mayflower in 2017 as Interim Outreach Coordinator. After spending decades traveling to some of the hardest places in the world and working to address chronic issues of injustice and disparity, this new role of serving in a local church was a surprising change. As Ruth’s responsibilities and titles changed, she was ordained as a minister at Mayflower in 2019. Following a season of serving as interim pastor, Ruth concluded five years at Mayflower. Little did she know that in the fall of 2024 she would be called back to serve Mayflower in an interim capacity. That interim pastoral position culminated with a unanimous congregational vote to call Ruth as the current Senior Minister of Mayflower in April 2025.

Today’s faith landscape is undergoing unprecedented changes, and Ruth is excited about the opportunity Mayflower has to meet people where they are on their faith journey.

Ruth is a lifelong learner who earned her BA in philosophy from Wheaton College and her MA in global leadership from Fuller Seminary.  Ruth lives in East Grand Rapids and is part of a transracial family, including her husband Jeff and their three children.

Kent is an ordained pastor who previously served as the teaching pastor at Mars Hill Bible Church and a religion teacher at Grand Rapids Christian High School. He is the author of Bitten by a Camel and hosts a podcast titled “Hints and Guesses”.  Kent has committed his life to pursuing and helping others to live more rooted in their deeper, true self and to serve the world with the gift that they are. He is a guide at Animas Valley Institute, in addition to offering retreats, intensives, programs, teachings and podcasts. He lives in Ada with his wife and three children. To learn more about Kent, visit his ebsite: kentdobson.com

Julia Brown joined the staff at Mayflower in August, 2018, moving from Eugene, Oregon. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Julia studied piano, harpsichord, and organ in her native Brazil before receiving her Masters of Music in Church Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance from Northwestern University.

Julia is passionate about music-making with volunteers and professionals of all ages. She believes that music is a powerful means of outreach, faith formation, and spiritual growth.

In addition to church work, Julia teaches, performs, and records. Her Naxos recordings of W. F. Bach, J. S. Bach, Buxtehude, and Scheidemann have gained high critical acclaim, and are readily available on Spotify, Pandora, and YouTube.

Julia has three children, Howell, Gabriela, and Alex Petty.

Scott Bosscher is a choir trainer, voice teacher and worship liturgy planner who began his musical career as a Bass Section Leader at Mayflower.

A Grand Rapids native, Scott received his Bachelor of Music from Calvin College, then a Masters of Music from Oklahoma City University. While living in Chicago he sang with the St. Luke’s Choir of Men and Boys in Evanston, where he met his wife Jane. They moved to Somerset, UK, where Scott was a Choral and Chorister Voice Trainer and on the Music Faculty at Wells Cathedral (ranked #1 choir in the world).

Scott was the Choir Director at Thornapple Covenant Church for 11 years, and has been the Director of Music for the Grand Rapids Choir of Men & Boys since 2001. He teaches voice and music at Grand Rapids Community College and Calvin College.

Rachael Cooley oversees programming and staffing for the Nursery on Sundays and Wednesdays. She leads Outreach efforts and organizes events to engage our congregation and community.

She directs Mayflower’s Midweek program which includes choir and youth groups for grade school-aged children as well as fellowship for families. She is also the Coordinator of Mayflower’s Family Promise/IHN ministry for homeless families in Grand Rapids.

Rachael has a background in non-profit, having worked with at-risk youth at Boys Town for 10 years and was the Executive Director of Youth Unlimited.

Rachael and her husband Andy have two children, Jackson and Harper.

Mark Webb received his Bachelor and Master degrees in Music Education and Choral Conducting from the University of Michigan, and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Michigan State University. Mark recently retired, after a 45-year career as a choral music educator and choir director. His teaching experiences include public schools (East Kentwood High School and East Grand Rapids High School), and colleges (primarily at Aquinas College). In addition, he served as the director of several community and church choirs, most notably the Chamber Choir of Grand Rapids and the Mayflower Congregational Church Chancel Choir. Mark served as the President of the Michigan School Vocal Music Association, receiving the honor of Teacher of the Year from that organization in 2003; and was the Choral and Opera Coordinator for the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp from 2000-2009, directing the camp's International Choral Ensemble on seven European tours. Dr. Webb is active as an adjudicator and clinician throughout the state. Mark and his wife, Susan, have a free babysitting service [at least as it’s defined by their daughters – Natalie (Mickey) Bullock and Ashley (Nick) Cintorino], spending wonderful time with their five grandchildren – Jeremiah and Hanna Bullock; and Ella, Vadah, and Brooks Cintorino. For the past 20 years, Mark has been the "Voice of the Pioneers" - calling EGR Varsity Football games from Memorial Field's Press Box.

Brennen Kartes has been a part of the music program here at Mayflower for the last 8 years. Brennen is one of the alto section leaders in the chancel choir and is also a member of the Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys.

Brennen is originally from Muskegon, where he was active in the choral and handbell choirs of First Congregational Church. He has a BS from WMU, where he spent much of his time singing in ensembles and vocal training as a music performance minor.

Andrew Ely (Andy) is retired after spending 30 years in corporate finance most recently as Director of Financial Planning and Analysis for a local defense firm in Grand Rapids.

Andy holds a BA in Accounting from Michigan State University and an MBA from Grand Valley State University Seidman School of Business. Throughout his career, he has worked for familiar companies like General Motors, Magna International, and Amway Corporation.

Andy and his wife love spending time with their 2 boys and extended family. For fun, Andy enjoys playing and coaching tennis.

Amy joined the staff in May 2023 as the Office Manager.

Amy has a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Recreation and Facility Management from Central Michigan University and comes to us with more than 25 years of experience in the field of hospitality and event planning.

She and her husband Brian have a yellow lab, Tucker.  They enjoy going to the dog park, spending time with family, playing card games, and going to the lake.

Murry Idema is a long-standing member of Mayflower, having also served as Director of Mayflower Preschool for 33 years.

Her current responsibilities include chairing the Congregational Care Committee, which is instrumental in scheduling volunteers as greeters on Sundays and in sending handcrafted cards to persons on the prayer list and also to members who are celebrating milestone birthdays. The committee is also responsible for facilitating coffee receptions before and after the Sunday services.

Murry also arranges the “69UP” social gatherings for Mayflower members and guests.

Murry attended Colby Junior College and received her B.A. degree and teaching certification from Michigan State University. She has two children and three grandchildren.

Kristen Van Stee serves as the Communications Coordinator.

Kristen has a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art from Calvin University and comes to us with more than 25 years of experience in the field of graphic design and promotions.

She and her husband have three children and enjoy spending time in northern Michigan.