Gathering Community, Growing in Christ
WE ARE COTTONWOOD
Cottonwood is a local church in Jenison, Michigan. We are located down the hill next to Maplewood Park. Our desire, and God’s will, is for us to be a community actively involved in our community sharing good news with our neighbors through what we say and through what we do.
WE ARE A CHRISTIAN CHURCH
We believe the Bible is the Word of God: It leads us to God; shows the way of salvation and reveals how God calls us to live. We believe in a Triune God: Father, Son and Spirit. God is our perfect heavenly Father, creator of everything. Jesus is the eternal Son of God. The Son who died on the cross and rose from the grave. He is Savior and Lord. And the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Lord present with the church. The Spirit leads us into God’s truth. The Spirit enables us to believe and empowers us to serve our God. And we believe in grace. God’s grace. “By grace are we saved through faith.”
​
WE ARE A REFORMED CHURCH
Saying we are Reformed means we are part of that historic branch of Christianity. We believe the teachings of the historic Christian creeds (especially the Apostles’ Creed) and the Reformed confessions (especially the Heidelberg Catechism). Being Reformed also means we believe our world belongs to God and all of life is to be lived to His honor and glory. And, finally, to be Reformed means that the church is to be ever-reforming; listening and submitting to the Spirit of God.
WE ARE A CHURCH
God has called us to be a people that worships and serves Him. We are called to do this together. We are a community of believers desiring to grow in God’s grace together. We say that Cottonwood is a church where we gather community and grow in Christ. Our purpose is to grow in our faith and to continually invite others to join with us in seeking God.
Adam Caar
Developer
Use this space to introduce yourself and share your professional history.
MATT PALSROK
PASTOR
Pastor Matt and Connie came to Cottonwood in 2000. Pastor Matt is the primary preacher and is involved in leadership, pastoral care, outreach, and in many of the day-to-day activities of church life. Pastor Matt and Connie are at a newer stage of their lives, kids are grown, grandchildren arriving. Now they are able to visit more people together and are especially enjoying meeting new and younger people and families. When not working they are chasing grandchildren, heading off to see their children (right now two are local, one is in Boston and another in San Diego), and Pastor Matt is always hunting for the next book to buy.
WES MILLESON
YOUTH PASTOR
Wes joined the Cottonwood team in 2018. He has an incredible vision to team up with families and leaders to encourage students as they take ownership of their faith. He faithfully walks along side them as they follow Christ and grow in their relationship with Him. When he's not serving our youth, he enjoys hitting the gym, playing baseball/softball, playing a round of disc golf and cheering for Ohio State.
ERIC GLADDING
WORSHIP DIRECTOR
Eric faithfully works behind the scenes by coordinating the worship selections, musicians, vocalists, sound, and video technicians each week to make our worship service spectacular. Eric is married to Lauren, who also sings and helps lead worship at Cottonwood. They are the proud parents of Hudson. When Eric is not preparing for a service or playing his guitar you can find him on the golf course or on the hockey rink.
KATHY FEENSTRA
MINISTRIES COORDINATOR
Kathy is involved in making our ministries run efficiently. She helps with recruiting volunteers, assisting ministry leaders, overseeing the small group ministry, and assimilating new members. Kathy is a wife to Allen and mother of two. She spends most of her time caring for their children, Campbell and Decklan. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with family and friends.
ALECIA VANDENBERG
OFFICE ASSISTANT
Alecia joined the Cottonwood team in 2024, bringing her tech and organizational skills to keep the office running smoothly. She handles administrative tasks, special projects, and keeps both digital and physical files organized, along with anything else that needs to be done. Outside of Cottonwood, Alecia works as the Technology Integration Specialist at Allendale Christian School. She’s a proud wife to John and a loving mom to their three kids—Kamryn, Sadie, and Jax. When she’s not working, Alecia enjoys singing, coaching soccer, and thrifting for great deals.
HAILEY VANLAAR
YOUTH MINISTRIES ASSISTANT
Hailey has been attending Cottonwood since 2016 and has been involved in youth ministry since 2019. Hailey also works at Baldwin Street Middle School as a Para in the Special Education program. She is married to Dan Van Laar, and they have two kids, Emery and Archer. You will most likely find her spending time with her family, coaching and playing softball, or having game nights with friends.
KIM MULDER
COTTONWOOD LEARNING CENTER DIRECTOR
Kim is married with 3 children and the best part is, all of her kids were able to attend Cottonwood Christian Learning Center while she worked! Kim is certified in infants and toddlers and has her child development associates degree. She has worked with children in a daycare setting since the age of 16. Children have always been her passion and we are so blessed to have her serve our community through this ministry at CCLC!
At Cottonwood, you are always welcome to join us in worship. Our services are a time for you to connect and communicate with God. We use a variety of music, congregation participation and practical Biblical messages applicable to everyday living. Come as you are! We welcome guests and look forward to worshiping with you! Please feel free to dress casually for the service.
​