Staff
Rebecca Bell – Pastor
Rebecca (she/her) was born and raised in Kalamazoo, is the mother of five, and has been married to Joel for 25 years. Rebecca is currently completing her Master of Divinity (M.Div) at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI. Rebecca enjoys reading, running, playing the piano, and spending time with her family.
Email: rbell@threadschurch.org
Willis Bouwman – Creative Arts Leader
Willis (he/him) was born in Allegan, MI, but has lived in Portage for about 20 years. Willis has been married to Esther for 18 years, and they have two children, two dogs, and a cat.
Music has been a most important part of his life for many years, whether playing and singing in various bands, writing original music, or teaching music for a living.
Willis enjoys gaming of all sorts, reading, biking, and spending time with friends and family.
Email: wbouwman@threadschurch.org
Jessi Hanai – Ministry Resident
Jessi (she/her) was born and raised in Mt. Washington, KY. She then played soccer at Hawaii
pacific University, where she completed her bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Public
Relations and met her husband, Jay. They have been married for seven years and have two
dogs, Ruby and Bijoux.
Jessi just recently graduated from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, where she earned her
Master of Divinity with a focus in chaplaincy. She is now a chaplain candidate with the U.S.
Navy. Jessi enjoys stand-up paddle boarding, volunteering with 4the22, and chasing
lighthouses.
Email: jhanai@threadschurch.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Carman Goodrich (chair)
Esther Bouwman
Adrienne Brandenberg
Joel Bell
Katie Bunting
Nicole Tiongson
Jaime Raifsnider