Meet Our Staff
Rev. Johan "Jock" O'Connell--Interim Pastor
Rev. Johan O'Connell, who is known as Jock, comes to us from Byrd Presbyterian Church, in Goochland, where he has been pastor for 16 years. He came to the United States from South Africa and is of Dutch descent. He is known for his passion for volunteerism and has done many projects throughout the Goochland Community. He is a compassionate speaker and his biblical knowledge is vast. He is very excited to begin his time at Southminster and help us prepare for our new pastor.
Rev. Johan O'Connell, who is known as Jock, comes to us from Byrd Presbyterian Church, in Goochland, where he has been pastor for 16 years. He came to the United States from South Africa and is of Dutch descent. He is known for his passion for volunteerism and has done many projects throughout the Goochland Community. He is a compassionate speaker and his biblical knowledge is vast. He is very excited to begin his time at Southminster and help us prepare for our new pastor.
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Mary Bielen--Covenant Pastor for Faith Formation and Congregational Care
Rev. Mary Bielen comes to us from the Maumee Valley Presbytery where she served as Pulpit Supply and as a member of their Committee on Ministry. Her work experience includes church educational ministry and chaplaincy. Her leisure time pursuits include reading, gardening and cooking new dishes. Mary and her husband Ken have lived in Bowling Green, OH for the past 33 years where they raised their three adult children. He is the author of five books on popular music. They are both looking forward to their relocation. |
Joni Ervine- Office Manager
Joni Ervine took over as Office Manager in March 2014. Prior to joining the Southminster staff, she spent several years in corporate real estate. She also served a five-year stint on the administrative staff of a synagogue.
Joni attended Hollins University, graduating in 1999 with a B.A. in History and a minor in Sociology. During her time at Hollins, she was active in the Religious Life Association and was a student manager at the Hollins Riding Center for three years.
Outside of work, Joni’s interests include creative writing, reading, and genealogy.
Joni Ervine took over as Office Manager in March 2014. Prior to joining the Southminster staff, she spent several years in corporate real estate. She also served a five-year stint on the administrative staff of a synagogue.
Joni attended Hollins University, graduating in 1999 with a B.A. in History and a minor in Sociology. During her time at Hollins, she was active in the Religious Life Association and was a student manager at the Hollins Riding Center for three years.
Outside of work, Joni’s interests include creative writing, reading, and genealogy.
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Kimberly Ryan - Director of Music
Kimberly has been teaching and performing in Richmond for over 15 years. She is the director of Vocal Music and Orchestra at Trinity Episcopal School, where she is building a new program that currently consists of 2 choirs and a chamber string orchestra. She also runs a Suzuki Violin and Viola studio in her home, with students ranging in age from 3 to 18. She served for 5 years as alto section leader at First Presbyterian Church, where she was also the director of Praise Kids, the kindergarten through 2nd grade children’s choir. A seasoned performer, Kimberly can frequently be found playing viola with professional ensembles around Richmond, including the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and her string quartet, Rosette. Her musical training started at a young age and continued at VCU where she earned a Bachelor of Music Education focusing on violin and voice, and then Cleveland Institute of Music, where she was a graduate student studying viola performance. She has a deep passion for music, teaching, and worship, and feels honored and excited to join the community at Southminster Presbyterian! In her free time, Kimberly loves practicing yoga, reading, and spending time with her niece and nephew. You can contact Kimberly at keliseryan@gmail.com. |
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Gabriella Ryan - Accompanist
Gabriella Ryan has her piano performance degree from the Chicago Conservatory, and brings with her over 30 years of teaching and church music experience. She is the current President of the Richmond Music Teachers Association, and teaches private piano lesson as well as lessons at St. Catherine’s School. In addition to her extensive music experience and expertise, Gabriella is a gifted chef and gardener. You can contact Gabriella at gryanmusic1@gmail.com. |