Staff | Elders | Diaconate
Staff
PASTORAL
Rev. Peter Wang
Senior Pastor, Teaching ElderA native of New Jersey, Peter came to GRC in 2004 after ministering in Delaware and—prior to seminary—working in the financial sector. He holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and a M.Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. Peter and his wife, Cedar, have three children. Peter serves as Moderator of Session.
DIRECTORS AND STAFF
Lisa Chung
Assistant Director of WorshipLisa became enamored with the sound of the piano at a young age and has been playing ever since. Though she received her BA in music, she meandered a bit in young adulthood, which included getting a masters degree in mental health counseling. After being a full-time mom for over a decade, she joined our staff in the spring of 2024. Music and worship are two of her greatest passions, and she finds considerable joy in being able to do both regularly.
Whitney Cordes
Director of CommunicationsWhitney has been a member of GRC since 2014. Born and raised in Tennessee, she spent the past decade working as a corporate graphic designer before becoming the Communications Director. She and her husband, Cliff, have two sons.
Ken Giles
Facility and Sunday Operations ManagerKen is a native of Dallas, Texas, and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Finance, International Business and Supply Chain Management from the University of Texas at Dallas. He worked in operations and supply chain management from 2002 to 2019 before transitioning into facilities management for his church in Norman, Oklahoma, where he was also a ministry leader. Ken is currently self-employed as an individual retail stock trader. He and his wife, Teresa, live in Wayne with their son’s, Simon and Jonah.
Drew Heftye
Director of Family DiscipleshipBorn and raised in southern California, Drew joined the GRC team in 2022. He has been serving in youth ministry leadership since 2013. He received an M.A. in Christian Leadership from Multnomah Biblical Seminary and is currently working towards a DMin in Youth, Family, and Culture from Fuller Theological Seminary. You will often find his family on a creative, fun adventure. Â
Karen Jacobsen
Director of Children’s MinistriesKaren came to GRC after working with children in Rwanda on behalf of Food for the Hungry. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Cedarville University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from New York University.
Jessica Kern
Pastoral AssistantJessica began working at GRC in 2015 as a child care teacher for the women’s Bible study group. She and her husband have two children.
Camilo Martinez
Director of Hispanic MinistriesCamilo was born in Cuba and has spent the last 20 years serving as a pastor, missionary, and church planter across Cuba, Peru, and Mexico. He is passionate about helping others find their place in God’s family, particularly within the Hispanic community in Northern New Jersey. He loves meeting new people, so stop by for a chat anytime — he’s always ready for a friendly conversation and to share the Gospel! He lives locally with his wife, Lisy, and their three children.
Lanvi O’Malley
Administrative AssistantLanvi O’Malley has been a member of GRC since 2010. She is an avid runner, a music buff, and a fan of all things BBC.
Addie Peretti
Worship Ministry ResidentAddie Peretti received a Bachelor’s degree in classical voice from Wheaton College and a Master’s in vocal performance from NYU. She loves hearing God’s people sing.
Nancy Rotella
Business ManagerNancy joined GRC after working in accounting, human resources and financial management positions for both large corporate and small firms. She holds her bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Nancy and her husband, Gennaro, live in River Edge and are parents to daughter Emily and son Christopher.
Alina Samu
Assistant Director of Children’s MinistriesAlina started her journey with God as a teenager in Romania, her home country. Since then, she has been blessed to work with children in most of the countries she lived in. Her family of 5, which she refers to as the ‘United Nations’, have 3 different continents as their birth places. Illustrating, old people, and nutty chocolate hold other special places in her heart.
Werner Tretner
Celebrate Recovery DirectorWerner has been a member of GRC since 2006. Holding a Masters in Counseling from Westminster Theological Seminary, he has also been active as a deacon since 2008. He has led GRC’s Celebrate Recovery ministry for over ten years; and is currently serving as Celebrate Recovery State Representative for New Jersey. He and his wife, Laura, have two adult children.
Teresa Vargas
Office ManagerTeresa has been the Office Manager of GRC since 2006. Previously, she worked in positions related to sales, management, and administration. She and her husband, Victor, are parents to four children.
Elders
Grace Redeemer Church is a Presbyterian church whose spiritual leadership rests with the Session—a body comprised of Teaching Elders (i.e. pastors and associate pastors) and Ruling Elders. The Elders are called to shepherd the flock; to teach the Scriptures to the congregation; to guard the church from false teaching; and to demonstrate Christ-like character.
John Chung
John Gregory
Mohab Hanna
Steve Hoogerhyde
Ken Kohlbrenner
Robert Peck
Donald Thampy
Kumar Venugopal
Diaconate
The Diaconate complements the work of the Session with its focus directed towards the felt needs of the congregation, the administration of the facilities and worship, and the ministry of benevolence to those in our community. To address these needs the Diaconate oversees the following ministries:
- Father’s Cupboard – To help meet the needs of the food insecure in our community
- Celebrate Recovery – A ministry of healing and hope for the community
- Benevolence Ministry – Comprised of crisis relief as well as the more holistic ministry of Restore that seeks to walk alongside the material poor to break the cycle of poverty*
- Embrace Grace – A ministry to unwed pregnant mothers to provide loving support and equipping
- Meals Ministry – Meal support for individuals or families going through special circumstances
- Partnering with local ministries who are serving the community for the glory of God
The Diaconate is always available to offer prayer, spiritual guidance and accountability with the goal of helping people to experience God’s love, power and presence in their lives. They partner with the counseling ministry to make counseling accessible for members who may benefit from counseling. They aim to encourage the congregation to follow Jesus’ example as a servant so that others may see the Kingdom of God.
*The Diaconate serves those in crisis and is funded entirely by GRC congregant donations. Therefore, they are accountable to the congregation to be wise stewards of the resources God has given through His people.
To reach the Diaconate, please contact us.>>