Traverse City Record-Eagle

Faith

November 21, 2009

New pastor starts at First Christian

Former marketing manager is Michigan native

From staff reports

TRAVERSE CITY -- Brett Spalding starts as pastor of First Christian Church Sunday.

Spalding is former account executive and marketing manager in the software and textbook industry. Six years ago, he decided on going into the ministry as his second career.

Spalding was born in Carson City, Mich., and grew up in Quincy. He lived near Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul before moving to northern Michigan 17 years ago.

He graduated from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Mich., in May 2009 and was ordained the next month.

Spalding previously served at Community Church in Ludington and was an associate at Blaine Christian Church.

He and his family live in Thompsonville. His wife Kathy is a band director and teacher for the Bear Lake Schools. She plays woodwinds in the Salt City Dixieland Band and the M&M; Big Band. The couple has been married for 26 years. Their daughter Kristen in a senior at Lake Superior State University, studying sports management. Son Patrick is a senior at Bear Lake High School.

Spalding said, in a note in the church newsletter, that he enjoys hunting, fishing and golfing, as well as refereeing football and basketball.

Spalding introduced himself to the church in July. There will be a reception for Spalding following Sunday's services, which begin at 10:15 a.m. The church is at 3686 S. Airport Road W. For more information, call 946-4074 or e-mail fcchurchoffice@charterinternet.com.

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