About Us
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CHURCH VISION STATEMENT
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Presenting opportunities for every person to encounter Jesus Christ through
prayer, spirituality, Bible study, Christian education, mission and participation.
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First Presbyterian is truly powered by the people. We have a dedicated team of deacons and a strong church council called the Session. Each member is committed to making worship and ministry as meaningful as possible.
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Pastor Michael Ozaki arrived in Crookston in September of 2021 along with his wife Brianna and three children Elle (8), Emery (6) and Miles (1). A shared pastor with Trinity Lutheran Church, when he is not looking for new ways to love God's people and be church beyond our walls, you might find him spending time with family, riding a longboard or playing the drums poorly but with high enthusiasm.
After high school Pastor Mike worked for 3+ years in mercy missions in India, Thailand, and South Africa focusing on HIV/AIDS affected children and families. He then returned to earn a Bachelors in Sociology from Eastern University while running a youth service experiences as part of Broad Street Ministry in Philadelphia. In 2012 he simultaneously attended Princeton Theological Seminary and Rutgers University to earn a Masters of Divinity and Masters of Social Work. Expecting to become a social worker with a passion for helping churches do better justice and care work, he felt an irresistible pull to ordained ministry instead.
Having ministered in RCA (Reformed Church of America), ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church USA) congregations across traditions, he is excited to see where the ever expanding and endlessly creative work of the Spirit will take us next, together.
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Sandy Perkins is our Music Director. She loves music and is a welcoming presence to all.
If you have any interest in singing or playing instruments of any sort, she would love to hear from you.
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​A Crookston native, Anne spent over 15 years working as an LPN, "I spent the majority of that time working for Mayo Clinic specializing in hospice and respite care; however, I was lucky to have the opportunity to travel as a nurse where I performed a wide variety of different nursing services all the way from Richmond, VA to Phoenix, AZ. I was forced to leave nursing due to health reasons and embraced my new path." Most recently working as an Administrative Assistant at the University of Minnesota Crookston. Drop in, say hi and get to know Anne between 9:00am-3:00pm at Trinity and First Presbyterian.
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Barb was born and raised in a suburb of Philadelphia. In 2011, she moved to her husband's family farm in Fisher, MN. In May 2022, they decided to move to Grand Forks. Farm life was just not for them and are really enjoying the city life again. Most of Barb's career has been in Human Resources and administrative work. In June 2022, she became the Administrative and Media Assistant at Sharon Lutheran Church. In June 2023, she decided to start her virtual assistant business "Digital Diva" where she helps businesses with their administrative work. She continues to work full-time at Sharon Lutheran while helping businesses on her nights and weekends. This position is fully remote so Barb will not be in the office but we are delighted to have her and the gifts she brings.
Michael Ozaki
Pastor
Our Staff
Sandy Perkins
Music Director
Anne Kopecky
Office Admin
Barb Jorgenson
Communications Director