JEFFERSON AVENUE

As the child of a Presbyterian minister, Rev. Laura Kelsey has been in ministry since birth!   She graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a BS in Geology, received her MDiv from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and is looking forward to beginning her DMin soon.  She has published two books. Her website is www.revlaurakelsey.com .

Ordained as a Minister in 2002, she has pastored churches in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Florida.  She has served on numerous Presbytery committees, including anti-racism, congregational development, and social justice.  Rev Laura has a heart for urban ministry and enjoys building relationships with community leaders

Rev. Laura Kelsey is married to Jeremy, they have an adult son, Aaron.

Lenore joined the JAPC staff February of 2026. Lenore lives with her husband, Tom, and their two kids Nate and Lydia. They love hiking and traveling together.  Lenore has an MA in Mental Health Counseling from Asbury Seminary.  She has previously worked in mental health and in church administration. 

Stephen Warner has been Church Organist since 2002 and Music Director since 2010. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 2003 with dual Bachelor degrees in Organ Performance and Mechanical Engineering. He conducts the church’s semi-professional choir, plays their historic 1925 E.M. Skinner pipe organ on Sunday mornings, and coordinates the JAPC Music Series. Stephen can also be heard at the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor as well as the Redford and Senate Theaters in Detroit before film screenings, events and silent films. He owns a pipe organ service firm, caring for nearly fifty instruments including most of the Skinner pipe organs in the state of Michigan and the instruments at the University of Michigan. 

Kathy has served JAPC for nearly 20 years as Church School and Tutoring Tree Director. She has a Masters of Education with 40 years in church work, bringing a committed and creative spirit. She currently serves as Church School Director, overseeing the Nursery, Sunday School program, and other family events. She says, “I always try to see how the talents and gifts of the church community can best serve the larger community. And importantly, I also bring the gifts and talents of the neighborhood children and families here to be celebrated and shared."

Brittany is new to the JAPC community, but not to church leadership. She previously served at Allon Chapel SDA Church as the Sabbath School Director, church clerk, a member of the selection committee, and a praise team member. She brings eight years of experience as an educator, having taught in both elementary and middle school classrooms. She is excited to bring her gifts, leadership, and passion for helping students succeed to Tutoring Tree and the JAPC family.

Yolanda has over 30 years experience in accounting, involving finance and budget reporting, as well as grant administration. She has a Bachelors in Business Administration majoring in Corporate Finance and a Masters in Industrial Relations majoring in Human Resource Management. She currently runs her own private firm which provides accounting services across public, private, and church sectors. Her accounting experience includes the Detroit Public Schools, Wayne State University, and the Detroit Medical Center. 

John has been on staff for nearly 4 years and is a restoration expert with extensive contacts to assist him in obtaining or fabricating one-of-a-kind unique parts. He has experience repairing organs, plumbing, electrical work, and plaster and  often sought after to aid in the restoration of organs and old theaters. 

Milt has served the church faithfully for nearly 10 years. He is the backbone of the building, answering most, if not all questions on maintaining the century-old structure. On top of the daily maintenance, Milt is an integral part of the food distribution ministry, Tutoring Tree activities and all events that help create the rich life of our community.