PHILLIPS FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
A PRESBYTERIAN PCUSA CHURCH
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
Get to know us.