Welcome! ¡Bienvenidos! Karibu!
Gene Karn
Leadership Team Chair
Gene Karn values the opportunity to meet new people and connect with the WCCOB community. His journey to the congregation began because of its close proximity to where he and his wife, Jean, lived at the time. Over the years, WCCOB has become an important part of their shared life. Gene currently works as a substitute teacher and enjoys soccer and spending time with family. He appreciates the connections and relationships that come from being part of a welcoming church community and looks forward to continuing to meet people at WCCOB.
Sue Hofer
Welcoming Unconditionally
Sue Hofer is passionate about creating a church where people can speak openly, feel accepted, and know they are affirmed. She holds a Master of Science in Plant and Soil Science. Sue’s journey to WCCOB began after her adult daughter came out and Sue began reexamining assumptions shaped by her conservative church background. A national conference, reading, and a West Charleston play about a gay son transformed her perspective. Sue hopes to make WCCOB known, especially among people who have felt unwelcome. Retired, she facilitates book groups and enjoys pickleball, reading, gardening, raising Monarch butterflies, caring for her rescue dog, and spending time with family.
Jay Cosby
Welcoming Unconditionally
James "Jay" Cosby brings to West Charleston Church of the Brethren a passion for education, mentorship, and helping others succeed. He holds a B.A. in Communication and a Master’s in College Counseling and Student Development. His professional career has spanned higher education, financial aid, student housing, and workforce development. He is currently the executive director of Bottom Line Ohio, supporting first-generation college students to succeed. Jay has used his connections to help West Charleston Church of the Brethren build lasting relationships with similar-minded community partners to expand the reach of West Charleston Church of the Brethren's ministry. He has two children, enjoys watching anime, and remains a dedicated Cleveland Browns fan.
Jean Karn
Transforming Lives/Deacons
Jean Karn brings a commitment to faith, service, peace, and community to WCCOB. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Manchester College and a Master’s Degree in Education from The Ohio State University. Jean first found a Church of the Brethren congregation 51 years ago while seeking a church near her home. Today, she serves as WCCOB’s Treasurer and Team Leader for the Transforming Lives/Deacon Body Team. She hopes to keep the congregation’s finances organized while encouraging the church family to share God’s love. Jean’s parents are her greatest role models. She enjoys crocheting, reading, flower gardening, and time with her husband, Gene
Julie Brewer
Serving Courageously
Julie Brewer sees WCCOB as a glimpse of the world when people love well and follow Christ closely. She holds a BFA from Ohio Northern University and an MA in Art Education from the Art Academy of Cincinnati. Julie and her husband were drawn to WCCOB after witnessing a beautiful moment of maternal love during worship. She values the congregation’s many cultures, backgrounds, languages, and understanding of God’s love. Julie hopes to see children’s and youth ministries flourish. She teaches high school art and enjoys painting, drawing, gardening, yoga, running, hiking, Wordle, and science fiction. She shares life with Isaac, Arthur, and Rosemary.
Elijah Gray
Music director/Glorifying God
Elijah Gray brings a love of music, community, and service to WCCOB. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree and was introduced to WCCOB by his family as a teenager in 2014. Elijah values the congregation’s ability to make change in people’s lives and its commitment to being LGBTQ+ affirming. He hopes to foster a love of diverse music through congregational singing and the Children’s Choir, creating a haven of peace for those carrying heavy burdens. Elijah teaches and performs music throughout the Dayton area. He enjoys tabletop games, reading, video games, chess, and family time with his wife and daughter
Mickenson Joseph
Glorifying God
Mickenson Joseph brings commitment to community, service, technology, and helping others at WCCOB. He holds CCNA and CCNP certifications and hopes to become a paralegal immigration advocate. Mickenson first came to WCCOB through an invitation from Esther and David, whose kindness and welcoming spirit helped the congregation feel like home. He hopes to share his computer and digital skills with immigrants, helping people navigate technology, applications, employment, and information independently. Mickenson works in Technical Support at Legrand AV. He enjoys soccer, Haitian movies, beaches, restaurants, and travel. He speaks Haitian Creole, French, Spanish, and English and connects across cultures.
John Hofer
Building Resources
John Hofer is drawn to WCCOB’s Anabaptist theology and its commitment to supporting immigrants and affirming LGBTQ+ family members, friends, and neighbors. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State University. John’s faith and values are influenced by John Perkins, whom he admires for responding to opposition with kindness and love. John appreciates being part of a congregation where Anabaptist values, welcome for immigrants, and affirmation of LGBTQ+ people are central to community life. He values faith lived through compassion, support, and action.
Debbie Biddlestone
Office Administrator
Debbie Biddlestone loves the sermons and welcoming people at West Charleston Church of the Brethren. After stepping away from church during a busy season of life, Debbie returned when she wanted her children to grow up in a church community. With the church conveniently next door, she began bringing her four- and two-year-old children, and the warm welcome from the pastor and congregation made West Charleton Church of the Brethren feel like home. Debbie hopes to serve wherever the Lord leads and help both the church and its people. She works as West Charleston Church of the Brethren's Office Assistant and as a Team Lead at Fram. Debbie enjoys crocheting, playing with her dogs and puppies, and spending time with her husband, Bruce, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Allie Kragt
Assistant Treasurer
Allie Kragt brings a deep appreciation for community, compassion, and living out God’s love. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Eastern University. Allie grew up Catholic and began attending a Church of the Brethren congregation in high school with her then-boyfriend, Caleb. She was drawn to the way members cared deeply for one another, and Caleb eventually brought them to West Charleston when he became pastor in 2018. Allie hopes to be open and transparent about finances and help West Charleston Church of the Brethren continue using its resources to serve the community. She works at Scratching Post Cat Hospital and enjoys cross-stitching, coloring, strolls, podcasts, and music. She lives with Caleb, their two children, and four cats.
Carol Strayer
Financial Secretary
Carol Strayer is passionate about the Gospel of Christ and a church that welcomes all people. She and her husband, Scott, found West Charleston Church of the Brethren sixteen years ago while looking for a new church and were immediately drawn to its welcoming community. As Finance Secretary, Carol enjoys keeping the numbers in order: “Numbers give a picture of what the future can look like.” A retired Computer Technician, she now enjoys volunteering at her grandson’s elementary school, participating in a craft group, and attending SciFi conventions. Carol’s role models include her grandmothers, who taught her to welcome others and to recognize the importance of civic responsibility. She has been married to Scott for 49 years and is the mother of three children and grandmother of three. Reading and crocheting are among her favorite pastimes.
Contact
4817 S State Route 202 ,
Tipp City, OH, United States, Ohio
