Our Staff & Consistory
Rev. Laura Oesterle
“‘You are welcome here.’ These words are spoken aloud by our congregation at the start of each worship service. I am honored to serve Forks UCC, where we radically welcome all who enter God’s church. Come and see that God loves you and embraces you, precisely as you are. And, so do we.”
Pastor Laura was baptized, dedicated, confirmed, and ordained in the United Church of Christ and is living out a lifelong call to sharing the Good News of God’s love. Pastor Laura comes to us from the Midwest and has a wife, two daughters, and three dogs!
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You can reach Pastor Laura at pastor@forksucc.org.
Click Here to set up a meeting with Pastor Laura.
Gwen Vigorito
Music Director
Gwen is incredibly honored to take on the role as music director at Forks UCC. Growing up, church served as the first place in which she truly found her voice. Whether it’s through traditional hymns or contemporary praise songs, Gwen understands the impact music can have on people’s souls. It’s a language unto itself and an incredible tool to experience God’s love.
Tyler Flyte
Organist
Tyler grew up in the Lutheran Church singing in the children's choir. Traditional hymns were always special and sacred every Sunday. Beginning with piano lessons at age 10, Tyler has been playing the organ at various churches for services since 2015.
Brandon Cressman
A/V Tech & Communications Manager
Brandon was born, baptized, and confirmed at Forks UCC. Now, he is in charge of all the tech in the church, manages this website and our social pages, markets our events, prepares our newsletters, and much more. A fun fact about Brandon- he has a 30lb. cat.
Tracey Cressman
Office Manager & Housekeeper
Tracey handles all of our office work at the church, including preparing and printing our service bulletins, answering the phone, responding to emails, and making sure the bills are paid. She also ensures the church is clean and tidy inside for Sunday mornings.
Frank Mengel, Jr.
Groundskeeper
Frank has been a member of Forks UCC for over 65 years and has been tending to our outside property for over 40 years. Frank enjoys taking walks in the cemetery with his dog. Beep your horn and wave “Hi!“ if you drive by and see him out mowing!
Consistory Members
Spiritual Council..…..…..Jacob E. Allen, President
Margaret Zabe, Vice President
Julie Grogg, Secretary
Kim Starner
Alice Hornbake
Christian Ed.............…….…...…..…..…..Ashley Cressman
Lois Steward
Evangelism and Outreach….….Sharon Merluzzi
Sue Hammerstone
Parish Life………………..……….....….....……….….Sue McCollian
Jenifer Schaadt
Property.............…..........……….......………Gregg Cressman
Steve Dewalt
Stewardship & Finance….……….…….Will Hornbake
Joan Mumaw
