Lead Minister
Rev. Janet Mers was born and raised in Southern California where she received a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Southern California at Long Beach. She was a business consultant to large and mid size companies for a number of years before she accepted the call from God to attend United Theological Seminary in Dayton Ohio, where she received her Masters of Divinity, and was ordained June 7, 1998 in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination.
Pastor Janet and her husband Glenn moved to Ohio in 1992. She has held the positions of associate Chaplain at the Dayton Correctional Institute for men, interim Senior Pastor to Norwood Christian Church in Cincinnati, Senior Pastor at First Christian Church Sidney, Ohio, and as of August 1, 2005 Sr. Pastor of Perry Christian Church in Perry Ohio. She has been a part of the Beeson Institute for Advanced Leadership Training, a founding member of the Bethany Fellows and is pursuing her coaching certification.
Pastor Janet is solidly steeped in the Disciples of Christ tradition of preaching from the bible. She is also part of the Ohio Regions Congregational Transformation Team which is working to answer the question: “How are we “church” in the 21st Century”. In each church she has ministered, she has focused on connecting people to God. Pastor says, “Connecting to God is the most important way to grow in every aspect of your life whether it be spiritually, relationally, or mentally.”
Pastor Janet is married to Glenn Mers who is a master luthier for 30+ years and he plays guitar in the Perry Christian Church Praise Band every 4th Sunday.
Under Pastor Janet’s leadership Perry Christian Church has been experiencing extraordinary growth in the few years she has been with us. We expect to see more in the years to come with God’s grace, as pastor is used by God to lead us into the 21st century.
Adult Sunday School Teachers
Sherry is our Alpha series teacher which is offered in the spring and fall. She is also active in the Emmaus Walk, and Steven Ministries. Sherry is the head Elder in our church.
Glenn is our prayer teacher. He is a lay minister and an Elder in the church.
(Shay) Shurleen Helmick, Taunya Brewer, Tim Johnson
Children’s Ministry Team
Shay is a licensed day care provider and has taught our young children for many years. She is creative, energetic and full of smiles. She is the mom we wish we all had.
Taunya works tirelessly to maintain the classrooms and prepare for each lesson. She is energetic, creative and joyful.
Tim has been a member of our church for many years and has a passion for working with children. He is the team leader for the VBS, and he is a leader at Kids to Kids. He enjoys fun and is always ready to explore new ideas.
Gene Burkhammer
Christian Counselor
Gene is our Christian counselor when anyone needs to talk during life’s storms. Gene is licensed and has flexible hours to meet your needs. You can contact Gene at: 440.667.6441 to make an appointment.
Lori Silvis and Glenn Mers
Directors of Perry Praise Band
Lori is our keyboardist, and the originator of the band. She is highly talented and plays the organ and sings.
Glenn is our guitarist and sound tech. He has been in bands since high school and he owns his own musical instrument repair and construction shop. Glenn is an experienced sound tech as well.
Lori Silvis
Organist/Pianist
Support Staff
Ellen Maier
Secretary
Ellen joined our support team in 1994. She works 35 hours a week answering phones and keeping the office running. She has 4 grown children and 4 grandchildren.
