Meet Our Team | Sylvania First

Tom Rand

Pastor

If bald is beautiful and thick glasses are a sign of intelligence, Pastor Tom (PT) is the whole package. He thinks he’s funny and, well, sometimes he’s right. He’s a Texas Aggie who grew up in Arkansas, then married an Ohio girl. His wife, Elizabeth, is also a pastor serving at Monroe St. UMC in Toledo. Their children never had a chance, growing up with two preacher parents, yet have somehow learned to thrive in spite of them. PT loves hiking in the Appalachian Mountains, walking at Wildwood, watching the wind and listening to babbling brooks. And please don’t ask him whether he prefers Ohio State or Michigan; he roots for Northwestern. Enough said.

Julie Carter

Director of Outreach

Teacher. Servant. Mom. Friend. Mentor---Julie Carter wears all of these hats at Sylvania First...usually at the same time. One of the first faces you will see upon entering the building, Julie’s is always covered with an inviting smile and a word of welcome. For years she has organized and taught children’s Sunday experiences, bringing children and families closer to God. She also brings generations together with her creative ideas and genuine warmth and caring for all. It doesn’t matter if you are 2 or 102 (or anywhere in-between), Julie will love you, learn from you, and know your name. She may be “crazy” Miss Julie…but all around her would agree that her message of love, faith, and joy shines through even during her “squirrel” moments.

Lynn Arvay

Director of Inreach

The first thing you notice about Lynn is her devotion to Mountain Dew. Well, maybe it’s third, right behind her devotion to God and to running the Sylvania First Youth Group. Whether she’s spending her Saturday night at the church corralling a bunch of Dr. Pepper and pizza filled teenagers, or driving a fifteen passenger van on a week-long mission trip in the summer, she does it all with a smile on her face and a can of Mountain Dew in her hand. Lynn is known for her sarcasm, fun-filled ideas and, most importantly, her warm hugs.

Jamie Partin-Miller

Communications Specialist

Coming to Sylvania First with a background in photography and graphic design, Jamie’s work is featured in church bulletins, Powerpoints and the website. Jamie believes the key to good chocolate chip cookies is extra chocolate chips, and if you start the day with a good cup of coffee then everything will be alright. Being a devoted Ravens fan, you’ll catch her in purple on any given day, but never black and yellow. Jamie’s favorite quote is, “Life is like a camera. Just focus on what’s important and capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t work out, just take another shot.”— Unknown

Grace Mauk

Accompanist/ Interim Director of Music

As an accompanist, gourmet, and coffee enthusiast, Grace has traveled the world playing music, trying new foods, and enjoying delicious coffee. In addition to playing and singing at Sylvania First, she plays with the Blue Water Kings, a wedding band in Detroit and Cleveland, accompanies for several choirs at UT, and records at her home studio. She enjoys playing and listening to many different genres of music, especially singer-songwriter and classic rock. She has studied classical piano throughout her life, but The Beatles will always be her first love.

Jessica Bush

Music Resident

Jessica has loved music since she was very young, and she sang her first church solo at age 7. She sings many genres of music from Christian to jazz to classical. While earning a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance and a master’s degree in music education, she sang with vocal ensembles at both BGSU and UT. She has performed with the Toledo Opera, at Mud Hens and Walleye games, and at Murphy’s Place, the legendary Toledo jazz club. Jessica loves to travel and go to concerts, and she combines the two whenever possible. She’s a movie aficionado and highly anticipates the Hallmark Channel’s Christmas movies. She teaches music for Toledo Public Schools and is excited to be a part of Sylvania First’s music ministry.

Rick Rymers

Sound Technician

Rick was invited to the church in 2013 to run the soundboard mix for the praise band. He’s never left. Rick’s passion for tech and sound equipment started when his high school son hired him to provide tech support for band performances outside of school. From late nights to Sunday mornings, Rick switched shifts and now helps amp up the sound of worship.