New Interim Pastors to start January 1, 2010

Although we hate to see our Pastor Randy move on, we certainly understand his need to do so and wish him all our best.   God is watching over us and there will be no gap in our ministry at Holly Presbyterian Church.  We are pleased to welcome Reverends Ann and Bill Robertson to our church as our Interim Co-Pastors beginning January 1, 2010.

Rev. Ann Robertson
Education Background:
Carleton College - Liberal Arts Program
B.A. Ohio Wesleyan University
M. Div. Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

William (Bill) Robertson
Education Background:
B.A. Johns Hopkins University
Juris Doctorate Ohio State University
M. Div. Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Ann and Bill have always been co-pastors. They served at an historic church in St. Augustine, Florida as co-associate pastors. Their second call was to Jacksonville,

Florida, where they served an inner city church in a neighborhood that was very economically poor.  It was during this experience that they were able to develop a neighborhood ministry which included partnering with the Episcopal Diocese to open a day care for infants through pre-school.

After eight years in this challenging ministry, Ann and Bill were called to Massillon, Ohio, to a church of approximately, 500. They were involved there in ecumenical ministries that included developing an after school program, Vacation Bible School and shared worship experiences.

They retired from Massillon and their journey took them to Vermont in what is known as the Northeast Kingdom. Very shortly after they arrived, they were invited to serve a United Church of Christ congregation as interims. Following a very rewarding ministry, they were called to serve two very small congregations in rural Vermont that were yoked.  They were Stated Pastors and served there for four years.

Since moving to Michigan 4 years ago, they served as interims at Auburn Hills Presbyterian Church for nine months until that church called a permanent pastor. Since that time they have been Parish Associates, (very part time) at University Presbyterian Church in Rochester Hills.

Bill has served as chaplain at Troy Beaumont. Ann has served as chaplain for Hospices in Florida, Ohio and Vermont. In their retirement, they have volunteered in nursing homes leading worship and Bible study; singing and praying with patients who have severe dementia.

Ann has a great deal of energy, loves differences, and enjoy preaching and leading worship; teaching, pastoral care, and mission to the wider community. One of her greatest joys during several of their calls has been relating to teenagers and going on mission trips. While in Jacksonville, they had an all summer program for the neighborhood youth.

Bill has a love for teaching and leading worship; for creating new programs that interest a variety of people. Like Ann, he has much energy and a yearning for the community of Jesus Christ to be a welcoming place to all. One of the joys for him in ministry has been working together with Ann as they believe their gifts for ministry complement each other.

Ann and Bill have three children each with seven grandchildren. Some of their children and grandchildren live in the Detroit area and that is a great joy. Ann has recently started playing Pickle Ball, a sport for those who like other racket sports like tennis. Bill and Ann ride bicycles, hike, walk, snowshoe, and cross country ski. They both like to read; to cook; to entertain; to travel; to continue to learn and grow.  They also enjoy drama, singing and dancing and have participated in variety shows twice a year since moving to this area.

Welcome Ann and Bill!