Benjamin Petroelje - Pastor

After two years in a pastoral position with young adults in a large, non-denominational church in Brookfield, Wisc., Benj Petroelje moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, where he received his M.Div. from Regent College. After Regent, Benj was an associate pastor at Fleetwood CRC in Surrey, BC, for fifteen months (2013-14). While there he began to see doing a doctorate as vital to his sense of pastoral call. As a result, in 2014, Benj and his family moved to Edinburgh (UK) to pursue a Ph.D. in New Testament at the University of Edinburgh. He completed his degree in spring 2019. Benj began his ministry at Fourteenth Street CRC in December of 2018. Benj and his wife, Amy, have four children. You can contact Benj here: benj.petroelje@14thstreetcrc.org .

Beth Cooke – Director of Children’s Ministries

Bio Coming Soon

You can email beth at beth.cooke@14thstreetcrc.org.

Raeanne Walters – Director of Youth Ministries, Congregational Care & Co-Custodian

 After graduating from Calvin College in 1992, Raeanne Walters attended Calvin Seminary where she received her Masters Degree in Religious Education. During this time she served as our Director of Youth Ministries until 2001 and has returned to this post in the fall of 2016. Raeanne says, “It is a privilege to teach God’s people that they are loved and created uniquely by God. The Gospel is an amazing gift that transforms lives!” Raeanne is married to Rick Walters, who works for the Holland Police Department. Together they have three children, Nathan, Ryan and Karis. Raeanne enjoys spending time in God’s creation through camping, hiking, cross country skiing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. You can contact Raeanne by email at raeanne.walters@14thstreetcrc.org.

Jennifer Wolthuis – Worship Coordinator

Jennifer graduated from Hope College in 2003 with a degree in International Studies and shortly after married Kevin Wolthuis. They felt a pull to live near downtown and bought a fixer upper on 19th St., which they renovated over the next several years. Jennifer chose to stay home full time to raise and homeschool their four children. Many hours have been spent with nature sketchbooks, reading books aloud, persevering through math lessons, and practicing patience with family members. Her husband Kevin works for IT Nation: Evolve as a senior program director. They love having people over for good food and conversation. Previously they belonged to an Anglican church, where they developed an admiration for liturgy, rhythm, and some of our ancient church practices. It has been life giving to try to incorporate some of those spiritual disciplines into their everyday family life. Jennifer believes the Nordic expression, “There’s no such thing as bad weather,” and tries to get outdoors no matter the what. She also enjoys a good book and making things (particularly bread, sewing, or knitting). You can email Jennifer at jennifer.wolthuis@14thstreetcrc.org.

Sandy Polet – Secretary

Sandy grew up in Holland, and attended Holland Christian schools and Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa. Sandy joined the staff  at 14th Street Church in 2002 as Administrative Assistant. She also works part-time during the school year making/serving lunch at Corpus Christi Catholic School. She is married and has four children and three grandchildren. Sandy enjoys reading, camping, and scrapbooking in her free time.  You can email Sandy at sandy.polet@14thstreetcrc.org . 

Meredith VanderHill - Web Communications

Meredith grew up in Holland at 14th Street CRC before heading to Calvin College for her bachelors degree in Communications. She has served on staff at a few different churches in Michigan directing Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, and Worship Ministry before shifting her focus to business management and web design. Meredith has been married to Micah for 12 years and they have four children (Ages 9,6, 2 & 2). Meredith loves to organize (and reorganize) her home, read thriller novels, do yoga and photography. You can email Meredith at meredith.vanderhill@14thstreetcrc.org .