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Rev. Michael Vollbrecht - Senior Minister

Rev. Michael Vollbrecht has served Colonial Church since January 2022 and stepped into the role of Senior Minister in August 2025. He holds a Master of Divinity from Central Seminary in Shawnee, Kansas, a Certificate in Justice Ministry from Auburn Seminary in New York City, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry at Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Michael believes that church is more than just a Sunday morning gathering, it’s a place to grow, heal, and make meaning together. He’s a storyteller at heart and loves helping people discover sacred truth in the stories of their own lives. His ministry centers on connection, compassion, and the belief that faith can shape a more just and generous world.

Michael is available for one-on-one spiritual direction and pastoral conversation, and welcomes opportunities to walk alongside others in seasons of discernment, growth, or struggle.

In his free time, Michael enjoys movies, books, video games, and baseball (Go Royals!) He lives near the University of Kansas with his family.

Contact Michael

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Rev. Heather Coates - Associate Minister

Rev. Heather Coates is excited for the opportunity to spend time at Colonial Church!

Ordained in the UCC 10 years ago, she has pastored in Baldwin and Lawrence, taught theology, done health justice work and is a practicing Spiritual Director.

She lives in Lawrence with her husband and her sweet geriatric black lab, where they have transformed their urban yard into a food garden.

She likes to read, travel, throw dinner parties and collect cookbooks. A good part of her summer was spent picking, cooking and canning tomatoes, peppers and eggplant!

Heather regularly preaches at both services on the second Sunday of each month.

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Heather Winker - Director of Administration

Serving as the Colonial Church Administrator is Heather’s second career. A graduate of Drake University with a degree in journalism and mass communication, Heather spent 25 years in advertising and marketing. She and her husband Jeff are parents to Allison who recently started her first job as an Occupational Therapist at an area hospital.

Contact Heather

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Dr. Joseph Kern - Organist + Director of Music and Worship Arts

Joseph has been the dedicated organist at Colonial Church for a decade, and in 2023, he stepped into the role of Music Director. His musical journey began at the age of five, spanning piano, organ, and composing. Joseph holds a Bachelor’s degree from Shenandoah University, a Master’s from the University of Michigan, and a Doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He resides in Mission, KS, with his wife, Stacy, and their three sons.

Contact Joseph

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Alex Smith - Choir Director + Assistant Director of Music and Worship Arts

Alex is a full-time musician who encourages everyone to make a joyful noise. Outside of directing the choir at Colonial, he works at a music store in Overland Park and plays around the KC metro in a band with his friends. Alex earned his degree in Vocal Performance from Georgia Southern University and has enjoyed singing as long as he can remember. He and his fiancé Maddy enjoy talking walks, visiting local coffee shops, and going to the opera.

Contact Alex

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Sally Huggins - Communications Manager

Sally is a communications professional with experience as a newspaper reporter, magazine editor, writer and graphic designer. She is a lifelong member of Colonial Church. She and Howard were married at Colonial as were their daughters, Stacy Kern and Hayden Ferguson. All of their grandchildren participate in the Sunday School program at Colonial.

Contact Sally

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Hayden Ferguson - Bell Choir Director

Hayden has been director of the Colonial Bell Choir for 10 years. After a hiatus for COVID and then a baby, the choir resumes this fall. She has a master’s degree in library science and has been teaching in the Shawnee Mission School District for 20 years. Hayden grew up at Colonial and she and husband Matthew were married here. Their daughters, Lowell and Vala, are involved in the Sunday school program.

Contact Hayden

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Jessie Peterson - Youth Coordinator

Jessie Peterson, a member of Colonial Church since she was 7 years old, works with youth and parents to schedule youth activities. Jessie was the Kansas/Oklahoma Conference Youth Representative 2012-13. She is an avid reader, plays clarinet and saxophone, and works at The Rabbit hOle children's literature museum.

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Ella Lewis - Lead Sunday School Teacher

Ella Lewis is a junior at Shawnee Mission East High School. When she is not working at the Prairie Elementary after-school program, she enjoys volunteering, keeping up with schoolwork, and spending time with friends and family. She is grateful for the opportunities she’s had to travel and loves meeting new people and learning about their stories. Ella also enjoys making handmade cards and crafts as gifts for others. She is excited and thankful for the opportunity to serve as a Sunday School teacher.