Barb Cain has spent a lifetime in youth ministries. She grew up in a strong Presbyterian youth program in Kalamazoo which continued to nurture her into adulthood and was the spark that started her passion for serving youth. Barb obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Michigan, and she currently counsels troubled youth in her private practice. In addition to her current work as a youth group leader and Sunday school teacher, Barb has worked for and volunteered in many youth organizations, including Outward Bound, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, a juvenile diversion program, Girl Scouts, and Girls on the Run. About her experience in youth ministries at Northern Lakes, she states, "It's very easy to spend time with this group of kids and to grow with them as we explore through Bible study and activities, what it means to be and live as a Christian today. I am consistently amazed by this group of young people who are so fun, smart, motivated and committed to sharing themselves as Christians."

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Kathy Gauthier has been teaching Sunday school at Northern Lakes since we began teaching Sunday school over ten years ago. Everyone who knows Kathy knows that she loves young children, and they love her. She is always the first to volunteer for young children's ministries, including VBS and Sunday school for our young ones, aged K-3 grade. Kathy has a teaching degree from Central Michigan University and she has used her knowledge in her work with local schools and programs as a teacher as well as volunteering with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and spending her summers as a teacher at the Pathfinder Summer Camp. Kathy teaches bible stories and memory verses to her students while working on meaningful crafts. When the opportunity arises, Kathy leads her students in creating cards, crafts, and loving words to those in need such as those away from home in college or military; and children facing severe medical or social situations. Kathy's class works in concert with our Children in Worship program, reinforcing bible verses and new concepts.

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Sue Messner has made a career of teaching, having taught both public and parochial middle school classes in Detroit and Mio for twenty-nine years prior to retiring. She has not retired from her love for teaching and spending time with youth, however. Sue has over fifteen years experience teaching Sunday school classes, and she continues her work at Northern Lakes by teaching 4-6 graders. Her classes are comprehensive; in addition to Bible stories and content, she helps students become familiar with the Bible and its structure, relevant geography, and sacraments. She also encourages students to learn memory verses and to grow their knowledge and love for God as well as applying that knowledge and love in prayer and service to others. Sue is compassionate and excellent in what she does, and it is obvious that she loves her work.

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Linda Riggins earned a bachelor's degree from Indiana University in Early Childhood Education. She taught in schools in New Jersey and Indiana, and in the Young 5's in the Traverse City Area Public Schools. Twice she has attended multi-day training sessions for the Children in Worship program. But these are only her "paper" credentials. She brings her experiences in church (including teaching Sunday school) and as the mother of two to Children in Worship, along with her dedication to achieving excellence in the program. Linda has started the program in two churches now, and she has seen how beautifully it develops faith in Jesus in young children. Linda's experiences in church (including teaching Sunday School) and as the mother of two bring the benefit of her dedication to achieving excellence to our Children in Worship program.

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I Corinthians 12 tells us God has gifted each of us in particular ways so we might use those gifts in ministry. Mike has continually honed his teaching skills through training and experience. He graduated with a bachelors degree in Comparative Religion from Indiana University and a masters degree in divinity from Princeton. Mike has taught both youth and adults in churches from coast to coast. Additionally, he has coached sports and Odyssey of the Mind. No part of ministry brings him greater joy than teaching the Bible. From its beginnings 1997, he has led Bible studies at NLCC. Currently he teaches the Tuesday morning Bible study (7-8 a.m. at the Cracker Barrel Restaurant near US 31 and S. Airport Road in Traverse City). He also offers Bible 101, an adult class that assumes its students have no prior knowledge of scripture or those in need of gentle direction in developing skills for seeking answers in the Bible.

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