meet our staff, and let us know
how we can help!
Rev. Matthew Hogue-Smith
Rev. Matthew Hogue-Smith
Senior Minister
(He/Him/His) Our Pastor is an ordained minister and faith-based organizer within the United Church of Christ. He was ordained by The Living Water Association, Northeast Ohio of the Heartland Conference. He has previously served at First Congressional Church of North Ridgeville, OH and First Church of Christ, Congregational Glastonbury, CT.
Matthew is known as an incredibly powerful and prophetic preacher, leaving people with thought-provoking sermons by relating scripture to the vulnerable human story. Matthew's passion is connecting with people wherever they are and sitting with them in that space, lending them his support and love. As an openly queer minister, he is cognizant of the need for ministry to be justice and equity oriented and understands that the work of the church extends beyond the walls of the sanctuary.
Email: matthew@peopleschurchofflint.org
Recent Publications, Public Testimony, and Witness:
https://www.ctpost.com/opinion/article/Opinion-Vulnerable-migrants-coming-to-this-17454263.php
Email: matthew@peopleschurchofflint.org
Pastor
Stephanie Niemela
Pastor Stephanie Niemela
The Associate Pastor for
Disability and Mental Health Justice
Stephanie will serve as a dedicated advocate, educator, and connector, building bridges between our church, the wider community, and our denominational bodies. She will passionately advocate for a culture of inclusion, accessibility, and justice, ensuring that people with disabilities and mental health challenges are not only welcomed but empowered in our church and the broader faith community.
As the voice of Disability and Mental Health Justice at Peoples Church of Flint, Stephanie will lead us in making a lasting impact. We’re excited to see how her leadership will transform the way we engage with our neighbors and each other.
A little bit about Stephanie in her own words:
“As I have had my morning coffee and enjoyed the song of the birds, it is with contentment and joy that I am writing my first piece to you. It is because of God’s extravagant welcome and unconditional love that I am grateful for the opportunity to share in ministry with you as the Associate Pastor of Disability and Mental Health Justice as my first Call.”
Stephanie brings 19 years of experience as a licensed mental health counselor and holds a Masters in Divinity from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Her background in trauma counseling and her work with resilient survivors speaks volumes about the heart and dedication she brings to this ministry.
She also serves on the United Church of Christ Disability Ministry Board and continues to practice as an online therapist. Her passion for creativity and the worship of God will undoubtedly be a blessing to us all.
In Steph’s own words: “The smile in my spirit is so much larger than the smile in the picture.”
Tom Travis
Tom Travis
Music Leader
Music Leader
(he/him) is a native of Flint, with a degree in music from UM Flint. After completing a graduate degree in theology, Tom worked in various churches in Michigan and Ohio, plus Kansas City, Quebec and Nova Scotia.
Tom’s musical interests range from Bruno Mars to Rachmaninoff, choral music to Appalachian folk. (He has non-music interests, too). Tom has three hilarious kids (Joel, Madeline and Christian) who live too far away but he loves them to pieces. You may find Tom to be quiet but he is secretly an extrovert and the best way to discover this is to try new food with him!
Email: thomast@peopleschurchofflint.org
(he/him) is an essential part Peoples Church of Flint’s office staff. When he isn't helping out around the office, we understand he plays a mean late-night guitar.
Email: jerryg@peopleschurchofflint.org
Jerry Gildner
Jerry Gildner
Staff Member
Staff Member
Custodian
Custodian
Lazarre Johnson
Lazarre Johnson
(he/him) is a valuable cog in our church wheel. He takes care of our of building needs, but also is host for many of our community groups. Lazarre has a degree in production management from Mott College. He enjoys jazz and classical music, and cooking all kinds of food.
Catherine Stiles
Catherine Stiles
(she/her) is our Administrative Assistant. Catherine is very hardworking and an important part of our team. She does so much for peoples church of Flint and we’re lucky she’s with us. Befriending Chloé’s kids when they’re stuck in the office, while creating graphics and doing paperwork, we would be lost without her. When you call, you’re likely to reach her. ♥
Email: info@peopleschurchofflint.org
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Chloe Fontana
Chloe Fontana
(she/her) is our Digital Ministries Coordinator; you may catch her posting on Facebook, running our slides through service and controlling our livestream. She has a passion for capturing a moment, so you may see her with her camera in-hand. Chloé is a mother to two wonderful kiddos and excited to be here.