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Evan GuseLead PastorEvan was born and raised in Columbus, Indiana, where he experienced a clear call to ministry at the age of seventeen. After graduating from Purdue University, he received a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2016. He has worked as a hospital chaplain at the University of Kentucky Hospital and served as the lead pastor of churches in Kentucky and Indiana prior to moving to Upland in July 2019.
Evan is married to his high school sweetheart, Emma, and they have two young children, Madeline and Clayton, who keep them on their toes. In his free time, you can find Evan working in his yard, cooking (and eating!) good food, following Purdue sports, functioning as a human jungle gym for his kids, laughing with friends and family, or responding to 911 calls as a volunteer on Upland's Medic 8 Ambulance. |
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Kevin DueckerDirector of Children's MinistriesKevin Duecker is our Director of Children’s Ministry. He’s a proud Ohio-native but has made Indiana his home since 2005 after deciding to attend Indiana Wesleyan University. After graduating with an education degree in and earning his teaching license in physical education and science education, Kevin ultimately responded to the call to ministry and has been on staff since 2012. Kevin creates a fun and energetic environment where kids can learn about the truths of the Bible and how to live out their faith in practical ways. He is husband to Kate and father to Kendall, Keira, Kassidy, and Kyle. He enjoys spending time with family; spoiling his dog, Chloe; playing guitar; and catching the latest podcasts.
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Paige GrubbAdministrative Assistant/TreasurerPaige is originally from Champaign, IL, but Upland has been home for the past 9 years. She attended Taylor University where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in educational studies in 2016 and a master's degree in higher education and student development in 2018. Prior to working at Pierce, she provided academic support to students at Indiana Wesleyan University and coordinated peer tutoring. When not working, Paige enjoys spending time with her husband Caleb and dog Penny, reading, cooking, gardening, and all things crafty.
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Audrey FelgerWorship DirectorIt’s been Audrey’s joy and privilege to serve the body of Christ in Upland for almost a decade. Together with her husband, Jacob (keyboard), and an awesome group of musicians, she works every week to lead the church to a place of worshiping, knowing, and seeking Jesus more. Violin is her first instrument, but she also loves singing and writing songs for the church. When she’s at home, you will either find her puttering around in the garden, kitchen, or art studio, while raising three wonderful, rascally little boys.
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Sara BaileyTech DirectorSara is the Tech Director here at Pierce. She grew up in The-middle-of-nowhere, Alaska, and although she misses the mountains from time to time, Indiana has definitely become home. Sara's an '09 Taylor grad and works in Software and Operations at Tree of Life Bookstores in Marion. In her free time, she's a freelance costume designer and loves all things theatre. On the weekend you might find her drinking coffee with pals, smelling candles at Anthropologie, or curled up on her couch watching Netflix with a bowl of ice cream.
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Don & Judi KnudsenSmall Group CoordinatorsDon and Judi Knudsen are our Small Group coordinators on staff. They have been married for 49 years and have 2 children and 6 grandchildren. Don and Judi have had interesting careers with Don serving in the Navy as a salvage and demolition diver. After the military, he was involved in the oil industry, the insurance industry and finance industry, eventually winding up enjoying corporate life in downtown Manhattan. His career ended as a Professor of Business, teaching at Taylor and Bryan College in Tennessee at which time he retired. Judi was a physical education teacher during the beginning of her professional career, enjoyed being a stay at home mom for 20 years and retired from teaching as a science teacher. In the middle of their professional lives, they purchased and operated a campground in Upstate New York for 20 years and enjoyed the opportunity to hold church services, teach Bible Studies, and host Vacation Bible Schools while maintaining a full recreational schedule. They have been retired since 2009 and love to travel in their motor home throughout the US and spend time with family.
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Adam MillerDirector of Youth MinistriesAdam is the Director of Youth Ministries here at our church and joined the team in August 2017 after serving as a volunteer for various children’s ministry roles. He grew up locally in the Upland area and has always found Indiana home. Adam is the father of one wonderful daughter, Jaeli. They enjoy bike rides, road trips, and exploring together. You may also find him at Jaeli’s sporting events, in the workshop fixing things, or lending a hand whenever needed. During the day, you will find Adam serving others and building relationships with people in his sales role with Kirby Risk Electrical Supply.
“My goal is to pursue God's calling of loving and encouraging our youth and their unique personalities; helping them develop Biblical concepts of self-image, a meaningful prayer life, and cultivate their personal relationships with Jesus Christ!” |
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Dana AlfordKiddie Kampus TeacherDana lives in Upland and is mother to Kenny and Kristopher. Growing up in Springfield, MO in a minister’s family and later attending Central Bible College, “Miss Dana” also spent time in Michigan before coming to Indiana. Before coming to Kiddie Kampus, Dana worked several years for Carey Services and used sign language to offer developmental support for a variety of clients. Dana is passionate about education and demonstrates a clear gift for the art of teacher and engaging students. Her favorite animal is penguins and she loves listening to K-LOVE radio.
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Rachel AupperleKiddie Kampus TeacherRachel grew up in Middlebury, IN. After graduating from Bethel College, she and her husband, Jeff, spent time in Georgia and Michigan before settling in Upland in 2012. Together they have 3 children: Reid, Jaelynn, and Jonas. Miss Rachel specializes in teaching the students through music and imaginative play. In her free time, Rachel enjoys serving on the Praise Team at Pierce Church, listening to podcasts, and keeping up with her family and dog, Otis.
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Nicole EmbryKiddie Kampus TeacherNicole hails from Huntington, IN but currently resides in Upland, IN with her husband of 25 years, Mike. She and Mike are the proud parents to two sons, Dillon and Ethan. “Miss Nikki” overflows with love and tender compassion for preschoolers! She has many years of experience, serving in preschool education through Little Panther (Van Buren), a previous years-long tenure at Kiddie Kampus, and Eastbrook—before rejoining Kiddie Kampus again in Fall 2020 (woohoo!). In her free time, Nikki loves all things Smoky Mountains…and is probably already planning her next hiking trip!
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David WoolumsCustodianDavid helps keep our building clean, empties the trash, moves tables and chairs, and provides lots of laughs whenever he's in the building. He loves the Lord, all things Michael Jackson, going to the movies, and making amateur videos for Instagram. In a dream world, he would love to write and direct movies or be a radio jockey. For now, you can often find him at the Subway in Upland where he's an expert sandwich artist. He highly recommends the Seafood Sensation!
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Grace Brown
Custodian
Grace is a student at Taylor University and has been a part of the Pierce Church family for several years. She works faithfully each week to make our building a clean and welcoming space for others to encounter God and grow alongside one another.