OUR STAFF

Brian White

Pastor of Worship and Administration

Brian loves reading the Scriptures together and sharing excitement in learning more about Jesus. He received his M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary and his Ph.D. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Before coming to Seymour in 2017, he served in churches in Oklahoma, New Jersey, Japan, and California.

Brian is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma. In his spare time, he likes to read, spend time outside, and play video games with his kids. He is happily married to Sara and they have two children.

Shawn May

Pastor of Youth Ministry and Congregational Life

As Pastor of Youth Ministry and Congregational Life, Shawn considers it a joy and privilege to walk alongside Seymour students and to work with a caring team of volunteers. Before coming to Seymour in 2017, Shawn worked as a youth pastor in Central Michigan, led a CRC church plant in Midland, and worked with at-risk adolescents at a residential treatment program in Saginaw.

Shawn enjoys mountain biking, camping, hiking, running, playing music with friends, graphic design, and naps. He has been married to Rachel for over 20 years. They have three children, Caleb, Lillian, and Emma, and two cats, Calvin and Hagrid.

Lori Schreur

Director of Visitation and Hospitality

Lori started volunteering at Seymour in the Youth and Children’s Ministries in 1980 and served in many different ways before being hired as part-time staff in 2005. Currently, her primary role is to oversee our visitation ministries.

Lori graduated from Calvin College in 1980 as a German/English major. She is an avid Chicago Cubs fan and loves watching Cubs’ victories. She also loves to read, camp (she has a goal to camp in every Michigan State Park!), and hang out with her hubby and three adult kids, who are all hilarious!

Abby Enos

Director of Children’s Ministry

Wendy Zwiers

Director of Music

Larry Van zee

Chaplain of Prison and Returning Citizens Ministries

Larry joined Seymour’s staff as the Prison Ministry Coordinator in 2009. With God’s help and for his glory, Larry ministers to Celebration Fellowship CRC members upon their release, helping them reintegrate into family, the church, and society.

Before coming to Seymour, Larry served in the Peace Corps and also served with Resonate Global Missions (formerly known as CRC World Missions) as a church and community developer for 32 years. He enjoys motorcycling, amater radio (call sign: WA00AG), and camping and hiking in national parks. God blessed Larry with a wonderful wife of 52 years, who he called “Angel” because she was a blessing to both him and his ministry. He is extremely thankful to God for Angel and misses her greatly.

Mel Solle

Administrative Assistant and Building Manager

Mel joined Seymour’s staff in 2019 as the Office Administrator. Before that, she worked as a church office administrator and bookkeeper for about 8 years, and before that, she worked part-time at Eddie Bauer (for the discount). Mel loves to laugh, and her favorite part of working at Seymour is that every day there’s a reason to smile and laugh. She enjoys getting to know people at deeper levels, being trusted to see both their best and worst sides.

Mel and her husband Rick have three grown kids and not nearly as many pets as she’d like: currently 13 chickens and 3 cats. She hopes to get a dog again soon and goat, pig, or miniature donkey next. Mel also enjoys reading, spending time in her garden, and hiking, and traveling.

Michelle Sytsma

Wedding Coordinator

Michelle has been a member at Seymour Church since 2005 and joined the staff as Wedding Coordinator in 2019. She is a children’s worship leader and is the certified food manager license holder for Seymour’s kitchen! Michelle loves her role as wedding coordinator and working with bridal parties and their families to provide a sacred space for Christian marriages to begin.

Michelle and her husband Kyle live in Grand Rapids with their four kids. Together they own an ice cream shop and Michelle also works at an area deli, and occasionally substitute teaches. In her “spare” time she delights in watching their kids participate in many activities like bowling, ballet, piano, & football. Their family enjoys traveling and tourist activities in new locations, but also the beauty and predictability of day to day life at home.

Duane Johnson

Head Custodian and Building Manager

Dwayne started as custodian and maintenance staff at Seymour around 2014. He enjoys working with church members and having flexible hours. Before coming to Seymour, he also worked as an automobile detailer, carpenter, and residential/commercial painter.

Dwayne’s hobbies include riding and doing repair work on his motorcycle, as well as light automobile mechanical work. Dwayne is a husband, father, and grandfather.