Reverend Michael G. Duchene: Transitional Interim Pastor, Michigan District LCMS

Pastor Mike has served churches in Michigan, Arizona, Florida. He is married with 5 children and living in Sterling Heights MI. Pastor started his service at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warren MI. in November of 2025

Our Music Director, Mr. Michael Katopodes joined the staff at Holy Cross in 2019. As Music Director, he is the Organist, Choir Director, and leads the Children’s Sunday School music activities. At Holy Cross, Michael has led the choir in larger choral services, such as Martin Luther’s Deutsche Messe, and various Choral Requiems for All Saints’ Days. Michael is a recent graduate of the Master of Music in Sacred Music program at the University of Michigan, where he studied organ with Dr. James Kibbie and Mr. Peter Sykes, and Carillon with Dr. Tiffany Ng and Dr. Pamela Ruiter-Feenstra. 

Our Administrative Assistant, Becky Northcott joined the staff at Holy Cross in February of 2016. She is a lifelong Missouri Synod Lutheran.  Married with 4 adult children. When her youngest child started Kindergarten, she went back to work at the LCMS church and school that the family and children attended. When she saw the job add for Administrative Assistant at Holy Cross, she felt that God was trying to tell her something. She applied right before Christmas and accepted the job right after Christmas and has enjoyed her job every day since then.  Her favorite bible verses are John 3:17 and Hebrews 11:1. 

Our Child/Youth/Women's Ministry Leader, Laurel Clemons has been a member of the congregation for 28 years and was married to her husband Aaron here in 2009. They are blessed with two daughters, Lily and Kathryn who were both baptized at Holy Cross. Laurel has a deep passion for sharing the love of Jesus with children and youth and helping them grow in their faith. She homeschools her daughters and enjoys being involved in their activities as a proud jiu-jitsu mom. In her free time, Laurel loves cooking and baking, spending time boating with her family, taking road trips, and watching NASCAR.

Office Assistant, Allison Hall

Council President, Graddie Hall

I have been a member of Holy Cross for 21 years, and over that time it has truly become home. What I value most is the people and our shared commitment to serving Christ and carrying out His ministry together. My wife and I were married at Holy Cross, and we have been blessed to raise our three children here, surrounded by a church family that has been an important part of our lives. Outside of church, I enjoy spending time outdoors, especially hunting and relaxing around a campfire with close family and friends.

Council Vice President, Aaron Clemons

I have been a member of Holy Cross since 2009, when Laurel and I were married here. It has been a blessing to raise our two daughters in the same church family that has played such an important role in our lives. I enjoy serving alongside my church family and being part of a congregation that is committed to sharing the love of Christ. In my spare time, I enjoy training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, spending time with my family, and getting outdoors whenever I have the chance.

Council Treasurer, Mark Coon

My family and I have been members of Holy Cross for 43 years, and it has been a tremendous blessing to call this church our home. What I love most about Holy Cross is the people and the relationships we have built over the years. For a long time, my parents, my wife and I, my brothers and their families, and my sister and her family all worshiped together here, creating many cherished memories. Outside of church, I work in our family business, which keeps me busy, but whenever I have the opportunity, my wife and I enjoy escaping to our trailer in Port Austin to relax and recharge.

Financial Secretary, Denise Vandenberghe 

I have been a member of Holy Cross for 20 years and feel blessed to be part of such a caring and supportive church family. What I love most about Holy Cross is the people. The friendships, kindness, and sense of community make it feel like home. My husband and I have been married for 29 years, and together we have a wonderful 24-year-old daughter. Family is very important to me, and I cherish the time we spend together. Outside of church, I enjoy traveling up north with my family, relaxing by the water, and watching the birds in my backyard. These simple moments bring me joy and help me appreciate God's beautiful creation.

Council Secretary, Lorrie Atkinson

As a lifelong member of Holy Cross, I have been blessed to grow in my faith alongside this church family. Holy Cross has been a constant source of encouragement and community throughout my life. Professionally, I have spent the past 30 years as an educator, teaching English, English as a Second Language (ESL), and reading intervention. Helping students learn and grow has been a rewarding calling. I have been married to my husband, Kevin, for 32 years, and together we have built a life centered on faith and family. In my free time, I enjoy gardening and dancing, both of which provide opportunities to relax and express my creativity.