Meet the Team Our church is small, but it is mighty! All thanks to the grace, power, and provision of God, our Father! We'd like you to get to know us. We are led by Rev Matthew Arneson. Our resources are managed by a team of Elders (called The Session). And spiritual care is covered by our faithful Deacons. Our Presbyterian church follows the "bottom up" model. Meaning, the congregation is involved in and aware of all decisions. Each member has voting rights for all church matters. We hold an annual meeting every January, along with a congregational retreat every winter. FPC Leadership Profiles Pastor Matthew Arneson Pastor Matthew grew up outside Superior, WI on a small family farm. Upon graduating from Seminary, Pastor began his vocation as a Presbyterian Minister in eastern Michigan. He served there for 11 years before moving to Phillips, WI to begin shepherding the congregation at First Presbyterian Church. He’s been with the First Pres congregation for the last 22 years. His desire to serve was kindled as a small child when Matthew helped his dad navigate to various campsites on family trips in the summer. Quote: “I feel cared for and listened to by the compassionate congregation at First Pres. I admire the generosity, hospitality, and nurturing culture of this church. We are truly blessed!” Denise Arneson, Elder (and pastor's wife) Denise has lived in Phillips for 22 years, and is married to Pastor Matthew. They raised their son in Phillips. Go Loggers! Together, Denise and Matthew have been ministering at First Presbyterian for 22 years. Denise has always felt called to ministry, even as a young Christian, serving in her family church through teaching and music. As an older Christian, her faith deepened as her service role increased. Denise enjoys gardening (and wishes with all her heart that Phillips was in a Zone 5 growing region lol!). Quote: “At First Pres Church, I am on the session and building committees. The best part of serving at the church is the friends I make. We grow together in our faith. It's pretty exciting!” Reggie Distin, Treasurer Reggie grew up in Elgin, IL and has lived in the Phillips area for 20 years. Along with husband Mark, they manage their 80-acre property nestled in evergreens, hardwoods, and a busy stream. Reggie excels at managing the finances – not just for the Presbyterian Church but also for the Town of Emery. When not serving as township clerk, Reggie enjoys anything outdoors: hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, hunting, fishing, grilling, and campfires near their pond. Quote: “Volunteering on the church Leadership Team is the best way I can can contribute.” Mark Distin, Deacon While some may argue that Mark has never grown up, he asserts he hails from Brookfield, WI. Mark’s an experienced business development, marketing & sales executive in the medical device industry. When not traveling for his job, Mark enjoys working on his property alongside his wife Reggie. He also stays active hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, hunting, and fishing. Quote: “I really admire my church—we’re family and are dedicated to serving our community. As a Deacon, I’ve increased my opportunities to reach out and serve others.” Kathy Billek, Deacon As owner of the Phillips Cinema and raising donkeys on her hobby farm, Kathy has a busy schedule! Kathy grew up in Oak Creek, WI and was a registered nurse supervising programs for children and adults with long-term disabilities, a job she feels was very fulfilling. Kathy is also fulfilled in her role as church deacon. This allows her to continue to assist people and connect them to sorely needed community resources. Quote: “First Pres Church is known for accepting people where they are and for who they are—that’s important to me!” Cathy Ferrell, Elder Cathy grew up in Memphis, TN and excelled in the nursing field for over 20 years. She moved to Phillips in 1997, and the town has been a better place ever since! Besides nursing, Cathy also excels at hospitality. She currently leads the Hospitality Ministry, caring for congregants and the community with all her heart. She is a treasure! Quote: God led me to Phillips during a particularly difficult time in my life. I found myself at a crossroad, when an individual who was supporting me told me to ‘visit the church across from the phone company.’ That was First Pres Church… and I’ve been here ever since.” Sue Janek, Elder Sue was born in Waukesha, WI but grew up in Kenosha, WI. She moved to Price County in 2010. Her career and training was in the medical field as a CNA. Sue is also very active with the non-profit organization, NAMI (North American Mental Illness) as a peer specialist. In her downtime, Sue enjoys digging her hands in dirt—mostly cultivating flowers and pulling weeds! Quote: “I really admire First Pres Church because it is Bible- based. The congregation is like family to me!” Tom Petruzalek, Elder and Property Committee Chair Tom is a “townie” — the affectionate name given to those born and raised right here in lovely Phillips, WI. During high school, Tom excelled at football and competed in wrestling and track. So no surprise that he majored in physical ed in college! Tom and his wife, Dede, have three adult children and eight grandchildren. He helps coach the grandkids in their various sporting activities. Quote: “I like to stay busy—it keeps me young! And I know that serving my church and community is the best way I can serve my God and His people.” Ann Patros, Elder and Clerk of Session Ann is from Appleton, WI. She and her husband owned land on Musser Lake for 20 years, but Ann finally became a permanent resident of Phillips in November 2021. A retired project manager, Ann enjoys coordinating events and projects! She loves the outdoors and is an active student of pickleball. She is a few credits shy of a BS in Bible Study from Moody Bible Institute. Quote: “I found good people in Phillips, and I know the Lord has held me close and will lead me forward. Always.” Music Team: Marie Arneson, Dianne Glerman, Dawn Heikkinen Tech Team: Graham Arneson and Ann Patros