Rev. Jake Ohlemiller, Lead Pastor, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
Jake Ohlemiller has been an enthusiastic servant of United Methodist congregations since 2010, and began his ministry as Lead Pastor at Grace UMC in July 2020. Originally from the St. Louis area, Jake is grateful graduate of Purdue University's College of Engineering (2011) and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary (2015). He is a passionate believer in the power of God's grace to heal and transform the world, one life at a time.
During spare hours, Jake enjoys spending quality time with Pastor Janelle, their beautiful toddler, two dogs, and a kitty. Jake ranks a strong cup of coffee, a large bowl of cereal, and a walk through the woods among life's greatest pleasures. If you want to see Jake's nerdy side in living color, just mention the Enneagram (he is a Type 9).
Rev. Janelle Ohlemiller, Deacon, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Janelle Washburn Ohlemiller is a Provisional Deacon, which means she is on the journey toward ordination as a Deacon. She is called to proclaim the Word of God, to serve God in ministries of compassion and justice, and to call and equip God’s people to serve in the world. Janelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and her primary vocation is to serve as a mental health therapist. At Grace UMC, Janelle seeks to strengthen Grace Recovery ministries and support everyone at Grace in living out our baptismal vows to serve as Christ’s representatives in the world.
Janelle has been blessed to study at Purdue University (BA - Psychology), the University of Chicago (MA - Clinical Social Work), and Methodist Theological School in Ohio (Certificate of Deacon Studies). She is from Lafayette, and she is thrilled to be serving in her hometown!
Janelle finds rest at home with her family, especially through play time with her toddler, taking long walks with her dogs, and, when time allows, weaving, reading, and baking.
Rev. Dr. Glen Robyne, Collaborative Youth Pastor, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sarah Kay, Office Manager, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sarah joined the Grace staff in August of 2019. As office administrator, she helps coordinate the day to day operations of the church and she helps coordinate volunteers. A native of Eatonton, Georgia, she grew up in the Methodist Church and she is currently working towards her Doctor of Jurisprudence at Indiana University.
Likes: Chick Fil A, travelling, and spending time with her family
Dislikes: Glitter
Family: Her husband, David, is the Executive Sous Chef at Lucas Oil Stadium and Indiana Convention Center and they have one son, Preston. They have three dogs, Bailey, Jack, and Zoey.
Education: Young Harris College (AA), Georgia College (BA), and currently enrolled at IU for Doctor of Jurisprudence
Charis Vander Plaats, Director of Music and Worship, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Charis joined Grace in summer 2017 to serve as our Director of Music. In this role she builds, equips, and encourages individuals and groups to provide excellent, inspirational music for worship and spiritual formation, as well as plans and coordinates worship services. She directs the Chancel Choir, Grace Kid’s Choir, Youth Band, and Sunday worship times. Charis also leads music for weekly chapel with the Readiness and Daycare at Grace.
She also teaches at Lafayette Jeff HS.
Likes: The color yellow, strong coffee, naps, and water (lakes, ocean).
Dislikes: Chapped lips.
Family: Three children, and a cockapoo named Dunkin.
Education: Ball State University (Music Education), Purdue University (Elementary Education) BA in Elementary Education, Licensed Indiana Educator, K-6th grade.
Pastoral Team
Partner with the lead pastor to provide pastoral care, sacraments, spiritual direction, and engage the congregation in caring for each other (report to Senior Pastor)
Lead Pastor: Jake Ohlemiller
Deacon: Janelle Ohlemiller
Collaborative Youth Pastor: Glen Robyne
Pastor of Development: Dan Berger
Retired Pastor: Larry Johnson
Governance Board
Serve as Staff Parish Relations, Trustees, provide accountability for lead pastor, oversee big picture finances and general budget, determine direction and focus. The Governance Board is comprised of the following church members:
Doug Curry
Ken Daugherty
Maurie Denney - Finance
Norma Fielding
Missy Galbreth
Matthew Oates - Chair
Tim Rosi
Marti Van Cleef
John Zoss
Also participating in the Governance Board meetings are:
Pastor Jake Ohlemiller,
Deacon Janelle Ohlemiller,
Marcia Denney (recording secretary)
Dave Beigh (Church Administrator)
Leadership Team
Responsible for ongoing operations to engage the congregation in the mission and vision – they serve under the supervision of the senior pastor
Lead Pastor: Jake Ohlemiller
Deacon: Janelle Ohlemiller
Youth Pastor: Glen Robyne
Church Administrator: Dave Beigh
Technology Coordinator: Craig Denney
Grace Recovery: Donna Zoss
Director of Music & Worship: Charis Vander Plaats
Service Coordinator: Seeking someone with a passion for Service.
Administrative Assistant: Sarah Kay
Director of Grace Education Ministries: Anne Hough
Realm/Office: Lynn Cheeseman
Governance Board Chair: Matthew Oates
Other Staff and Coordinators
Facilities Coordinator: Seeking someone with experience in this field.
Director of Community Development: Seeking someone with experience in this field.
Hospitality Team: Donna Zoss, Doris Lintner, Dave Beigh, Greg Shake
Communion Coordinator: Lynn Hartwick
Sound Coordinator: Dave Montgomery
Service musicians: Rod Ray, Donna Zoss
VIP Care Team: Marti Van Cleef
