Our Staff Michael Mirakian Senior Pastor mmirakian@ecovs.org Pastor Mike was called to ECC in October 2008. He is grateful to serve his Lord among the kind and faithful people of this church. Mike shares his passion for Jesus and God's life-changing word as he preaches, leads and cares for the people of the church. He loves to witness God changing people's hearts and believes that Jesus offers a new and joyful life to everyone. Before moving to Springfield, Mike served as Pastor of the Covenant church in Lansing, MI for nearly eight years. He holds a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (S. Hamilton, MA) and has done additional academic work at North Park Theological Seminary (Chicago, IL). He also holds a B.A. in International Relations from William Jewell College (Liberty, MO). Aside from his church ministry, Mike is a columnist for the Amy Internet Syndicate, an advocate for biblical voices in mainstream media. Mike is married to a wonderfully gifted woman named Laura, who he met at Gordon-Conwell where she was earning a Masters of Arts in Theological Studies. They have been blessed with two exceptional children, David and Noelle. Mike loves to spend time with his family, enjoys a friendly round of golf, can't get enough news and politics, thinks he's pretty handy in the kitchen, and is still celebrating the Kansas Jayhawks 2008 national championship. INTRODUCING PASTOR MIKE'S NEW BLOG. CLICK HERE. Tim Ramgren Youth Pastor tramgren@ecovs.org Pastor Tim is the son of a Covenant Pastor who has been involved in youth ministry to some degree since 1989, and as a youth pastor since 1994. Since graduating from North Park College in 1993 with a Youth Ministry/Psychology degree, he has served at churches in Attleboro, MA; East Hampton, CT; and Rockford, IL. He joined the ECC Springfield family in July 2007. Of possible interest to New England Covenanters, Tim was on staff at Squanto for three consecutive summers (92-94). Pastor Tim loves New England, not because of the ocean, seafood, or its winters, but due to the amazing rocky terrain best enjoyed astride his Kona steed (i.e. mountain bike). He also enjoys playing basketball, foot ball, ultimate Frisbee, cards, and a number of made up games spawned in his warped mind that he employs with the youth. Tim also loves movies, 'The Office' sitcom, and a variety of obscure Christian bands primarily found in the alternative/heavy/screamo/ metal/extreme categories of rock-and-roll. Pastor Tim has been happily married to his wonderfully supportive wife Kerri since 1996. They have three adorable children in Jacob, Ruby and Nathan, each of whom you would undoubtedly run into (literally) if you were to visit church on a Sunday morning or Wednesday evening. Claire Sundberg Administrative Coordinator csundberg@ecovs.org Claire and her husband Mark have been members of ECC Springfield since 1997. During the past 11 years she has held the positions of Childcare Coordinator, Wedding Coordinator and Children's Ministry Director, and is excited to be serving the church in a new capacity as Administrative Coordinator. Claire and Mark have three children. Their daughter Kirsten (23) lives in Chicago with her husband Joshua. Aaron (21) will be graduating in December from the Isenberg School of Management at UMASS-Amherst. Claire and Mark's youngest, Jared (17), is a junior at Pioneer Valley Christian School, and keeps them busy with his soccer, basketball, tennis, and spring play commitments! The Sundberg family has been very blessed to call ECC Springfield their church home. When Claire is not at the office, she loves spending time with her kids and their friends. She has co-directed PVCS Drama productions for the past four years, and helped with hair and makeup for nine years. Claire enjoys the beauty of God's splendor in all the seasons of New England especially the view from Skinner Mountain (Holyoke Mountain Range), sunrises and sunsets, reading, movies, cheeseburgers, dark chocolate, rasberries, lilacs and morning glories, having coffee with friends, and continuing her quest for the perfect classic 1936 pickup truck she has always wanted. Betty Arel Bookkeeper barel@ecovs.org Betty was newly employed at ECC in September 2008 and is absolutely thrilled to be here. She has 10 years of bookkeeping experience at another area church and lives in Chicopee with her husband of 23 years, Leo and their two daughters Robin, who is a sophomore nursing major at St. Anselm College, and Holly, a junior at Holyoke Catholic High. Betty has a B.A. in English from the University of Massachusetts and formerly worked at Merrill Lynch with a Series 7 stockbroker's license. In her spare time, Betty enjoys caring for her two Bichon Frise dogs, Monty and Daisy, attending Holly's swim meets, yoga, Cursillo, and reading. Graham Waugh Facilities Assistant gwaugh@ecovs.org Born in England, Graham grew up interested in music and by the 5th grade he had become involved in a church marching band. It was then that Graham discovered how much he enjoyed playing drums, and eventually became a drummer in rock 'n roll bands. At the age of 16, he toured Europe for a few years. During this time, Graham met and married Margaret. They emigrated to the U.S. in 1980 after beginning their family in England. Graham lives in Belchertown where he coaches soccer at the high school. He enjoys his position as the Facilities Assistant at ECC, and continues his love of drumming by playing in the Worship & Praise band. He also shares time with his wife as members of the ECC Choir. Graham's son, Eric, is still living at home, and his other children live in the area with their families. Graham has been at ECC for 10 years and enjoys serving the Lord. Pam Wilkins Administrative Assistant pwilkins@ecovs.org Pam has been an Administrative Assistant at ECC since August 2007. She is responsible for the weekly Worship Folder, Newsletter, and the monthly Covenant Connection, among other general office duties. She truly enjoys her position at ECC, the challenges it brings, and the daily contact she has with her church family. Pam is also very active in various ministries at ECC, including the Wednesday night family dinner, the Senior Drop-In, and Vacation Bible School. After graduation from Longmeadow High School in 1986, Pam worked in the insurance field fulltime for eight years. She also worked in Floral & Gift Baskets at Fresh Acres Market before taking the position at ECC. Pam was raised at ECC, having been a regular attender since 1976, and became a member (finally!) in March of 2006. Married since 1991 to Brian, they have a 25-year-old (step)son, Mark, currently serving as an M.P. with the Army stationed at Ft. Drum, NY, and a 14-year-old daughter, Quincy. Pam enjoys traveling, reading, playing tennis, snowboarding & skiing, biking, movies with friends, and the turquoise blue water of the Caribbean. She also appreciates God's beauty of the full moon each month, being a Red Sox fan, and being a mom! Dennis Bunten Choir Director choir@ecovs.org After beginning trumpet in the 4th grade while living in East Meadow, Long Island, Dennis attended Barrington College where he graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education in 1966. Dennis met his wife Marcia through his involvement in various different musical groups and choirs while in college. In addition to working, Dennis played trumpet for the Barrington Symphony Orchestra, Long Island Philharmonic, local weddings, and various special productions and musicals in the area. In 2007, he retired from his position of Music Department Chairman of the Ludlow Public School System where he taught Instrumental Music in grades 5-8 for over 40 years. Dennis has directed the ECC Sanctuary Choir for more than 20 years and spends time singing in the Springfield Symphony Chorus, performing various handyman projects at home and for his children, attending concerts, and enjoying family events. He is the proud father of 6 children and 2 grandsons. Marcia Bunten Organist choir@ecovs.org Marcia's musical career began as church pianist at 11 years of age at the Evangelical Free Church of Barrington, NH. After using her gift of music in piano accompanying and singing, Marcia left Barrington NH for Barrington College, located in Barrington RI. Before graduation with a Bachelor of Arts with emphasis on piano performance in 1965, Marcia was a member of several Barrington College choirs and musical groups, both as a singer and as a piano accompanist. Marcia met her husband Dennis through involvement in the choir. Marcia taught music in the public schools, in addition to directing children's choirs for several years. After spending several busy years at home raising 6 children, Marcia returned to work as a reading specialist at the Curtis Blake Center. She became the ECC organist in 1975. Marcia is now retired from Curtis Blake Center and enjoys attending concerts, travel, and spending time with her 2 young grandsons. Charlie Rossi Sound Technician carossi@verizon.net Charlie has been doing sound mixing for the church since 1990. In that time he has done sound reinforcement for many services, weddings, concerts, and special events. He has been heading the tape and CD ministry since 1995. Charlie enjoys playing trumpet and is a former member of the Old Post Road Orchestra. He has played in many concerts and services at ECC. He is an avid sports fan of the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics. Charlie has been employed by Detector Technology for more than twenty years where he holds the position of Vice President of Operations. Charlie and his wife Lynda have been members of ECC Springfield for over twenty-five years. They have two sons Daniel (25) and Kevin (23). Dani Mazur Childcare Coordinator ddmazur@verizon.net Dani and her husband Dave have attended ECC for 8 years. She holds degrees in education from the University of Delaware, and Johns Hopkins University. She is the mother of three young children. Since she spent a lot of time in the nursery anyway, she felt it only natural to coordinate childcare for church events. Feel free to contact her with questions or comments about the childcare at ECC.