ABOUT US

Rev. Joe Bistayi is a retired Elder of the Michigan Conference. Before retirement, he served six appointments to congregations in the former West Michigan Conference and one six-year appointment on the West Michigan Conference staff as Director of Spiritual Formation. He led and participated in more than 15 mission trips, including a month in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo after the Rwandan civil war. He has been married to Cheryl for 51 years. They have two children, Matt and Meg, five grandchildren, and one great-grandson.


His wife, Cheryl, has served churches in Christian Education as well as been the Director of Community Ministries at Trinity UMC in Grand Rapids. Both Joe and Cheryl have a passion for mission work and have participated both as leaders and team members on many mission trips and projects. Rev. Bistayi will be at the church office each Wednesday afternoon and encourages the St. Paul family to contact him there. 

Mrs. Judy White is the Music Facilitator for Clarkston Community Schools, and the Director of Music at St. Paul United Methodist Church.  Judy attended Hammond High School in Hammond, Indiana. She lives in Clarkston, Michigan. St. Paul has had the pleasure of Judy's musical expertise since 1983. As minister of music, she attends staff meetings and helps prepare for special activities such as weddings and funeral services. In her role, she supports the vision of the church leadership and the senior pastor. 

Ms. Irene Sanchez will set up meetings and reorder supplies. She will provide real-time scheduling support by booking appointments and preventing conflicts. She will also provide support to staff and office visitors by handling a variety of tasks to ensure all interactions between the church and others are positive and productive. Irene's office hours are from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Currently, the office is closed to "stop by" visits, but she can be reached via the church's e-mail and phone.