2023 Harderwyk Council Election Information

 

2023 Council Slate: The following members have agreed to serve on the Council of Harderwyk Ministries. An electronic affirmation vote will take place from June 1 through June 4.

Peter de Vries  - Celebration Elder Peter lives on the south side with his wife of 50+ years, Barbara. Their clan includes four grown children, and grandchildren who are having children. Pete grew up in Grand Haven (2nd CRC) and GHCS); wandered off to attend the US Naval Academy and retired after 25 years as a carrier aviator and oceanographer. He pursued several additional mini-careers prior to coming home to West Michigan in 2019.  He has previously served God’s family in numerous leadership positions, including 15 years as ruling elder. He now feels called into service again and eagerly anticipates the opportunity to establish relationships that collectively glorify God and advance the Kingdom, while being found in, formed by, and following the Lord Jesus Christ.

Leanne Halma - Clerk Leanne lives on the south side of Holland with her husband, Wade, and their children, Ashton, Ella and Adelyn.  She is a graduate of Dordt University where she earned her BA in Communications with a minor in Psychology.  The Halma family lived in Sioux Center, Iowa; Pella, Iowa; and Cincinnati, Ohio before moving to Holland, Leanne’s hometown, in 2017.  They have been attending Harderwyk Fusion since then, and more recently became members. Leanne works as the Director of Advancement for Holland Christian Schools, and serves on the HC Foundation Board, Investment Committee, Stewardship Committee and Ditto Resale Store Board.  She notes that Harderwyk was the first church they visited when they moved to Michigan, and were continually drawn back due its gospel-rooted teaching, welcoming community and opportunity to connect with a small group. She feels called to serve on Harderwyk’s Council and is eager to more deeply engage in the church and greater community, as we extend the invitation to join in the journey of being found in, formed by and following Jesus.

Jessica Lynch - Deacon of Social Justice & Reconciliation Jessica lives in Holland. She is originally from the greater Chicago suburbs but has lived in the area since 2002 and considers Holland home. Jessica works at the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce as the Director of Membership. She graduated from Holland Christian High School and went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in public and Nonprofit Administration from Grand Valley State University. Jessica’s first interaction with Harderwyk Ministries was as a middle schooler attending youth group. She has been volunteering/on staff with Harderwyk Student Ministries since 2008. Jessica has a passion for working with youth as they are the future leaders of the church. Through her job at the Chamber, she has the opportunity to engage with the community in a variety of capacities. Jessica currently serves on the Holland/Zeeland Young Professional Board, the Principal Shopping District Board, the Scholarship Committee for the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, the Ability Award Selection Committee for Disability Network Lakeshore, and the Honorary Campaign Cabinet for the Holland Community Ice Skating Park. Jessica cares deeply about Harderwyk Ministries and our community! She feels called and is eager to serve the Harderwyk community as the Deacon of Social Justice and Reconciliation.

Jill Vander Bent - Elder of Congregational Care, Prayer and Missions Jill Vander Bent lives in Holland with her husband, Phil and her children, Hadley and Hudson. Jill has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master of Social Work degree, both from Grand Valley State University.  Jill has been a counselor and family therapist since 2003. She served and helped families and children at Bethany Christian Services since the beginning of her career until 2017 when she decided to open her own private practice where she continues to counsel children and families. Jill specializes in providing services to children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families with a  wide range of needs. Those experiencing anxiety, depression, loss, trauma, abuse, sexual abuse, relationship issues, behavioral issues, family and parenting challenges.​ Because of her work at Bethany, Jill also has expertise working with individuals, families, and children who have experienced trauma, been adopted, are in the process of being adopted, and families with children who are or have been in foster care. Jill and her husband Phil have been attending Harderwyk Ministries since 2000. Jill has gone on Harderwyk mission trips to Ireland and Honduras. She has also been a part of the adoption team at Harderwyk, providing support and care to families and children have been adopted. Jill has enjoyed being a part of several small groups and Bible studies. The Vander Bents also support Neighbors Plus as Jill’s husband Phil currently serves as the treasurer and has been on the Neighbors Plus Board for several years.