Pastor Jerry Bader
After a 35-year radio career, I heard the call to ministry in 2018. In 2019, my life partner, my wife Ramona, became my ministry partner as God blessed us with a ministry in the Seymour Park neighborhood. In March 2021 that fledgling ministry became Samaritan’s Heart Mission Church. Six months later the ministry acquired the building that is now Samaritan’s Heart Mission Church. After proudly proclaiming that I would never be a church planter, God called Ramona and me to plant a church.I spend most of my free time these days studying the Word to get to know God better and to better share Him with others, praying for all those God has brought to Samaritan’s Heart, and praying for my two adult children. And I pray often that I will live up to what I say almost every Sunday: the moment you walk through the door of Samaritan’s Heart Mission Church, you are loved.
Ramona Bader
I am, first and foremost, a child of God and a sinner saved by grace through Jesus Christ. As a Christ-follower my goal is to love as Jesus loved. I am married (1991) to my husband, best friend and ministry partner, Jerry. We lived in Sheboygan when first married and moved with our two children to Green Bay in 2004 and love calling it home.Jerry and I were called to ministry in 2018 and started in the Seymour Park neighborhood. We never imagined that the ministry would become a church. But God has his marvelous plan and Jerry and I founded Samaritan’s Heart in 2021. I now work as Director and Administrator for Samaritan’s Heart, spending days and evenings at the church.
Samaritan’s Heart Mission Church is focused on loving people the way Jesus loves us, so you are loved the moment you walk in the door. You become part of the SH family. Our greatest desire is to help people heal and grow in their walk with Jesus.
Diane Heinly
I’ve been with SHMC since the beginning of the church’s inception as a member of the Lead Team. In 2023, I joined the board.I married Daniel Leahy (also a board member and on the Lead Team) on November 7, 2021. We have six children and nine grandchildren.
Dan and I enjoy visiting Wisconsin state parks, walking and weekend getaways at the family cabin in Florence, WI.
When you walk through the doors of SHMC, you are loved and respected!
Dan Leahy
I love the outdoors and spending time enjoying God’s creation. I met Pastor Jerry while on a mission trip in Haiti and have been supportive of Jerry and Ramona’s ministry ever since its inception.My wife Diane and I are both active in answering the call of SHMC’s growing ministry. Together, we contribute to the development and roll-out of spiritual pathways designed to offer loving support to the church body and its surrounding community. We also tend to the general upkeep and maintenance of the SHMC premises.
Cindy Pelnar
While I have always considered myself a Christian, I really committed my life to Jesus about 15 years ago. During this time, He has used me to serve food to the underprivileged, travel to Haiti on mission trips, lead Bible studies, serve breakfast on Sundays before church, organize fundraisers, assist with planning outreach events and church events, and simply praying with others and for others. My personal mission is to glorify God in all that I do.I have been blessed to have served on the Board and Lead team of Samaritan’s Heart Mission Church for several years. It has been a privilege to work on these teams alongside other Christ followers who share my passion for the people who live near the Samaritan’s Heart church building.
I am the mother of one wonderful adult son, Alex, and am blessed to have a kind and loving daughter-in-law, Reanna. I enjoy walking and hiking outdoors, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Pastor Jerry says that when you walk through the door of Samaritan’s Heart, you are loved, and that is so true. I love the passionate messages and the joyous time of singing and worshiping our Lord together. I would love to meet you at Samaritan’s Heart sometime soon!
Cathi Oreto - Recovery Coordinator
I’m Cathi! I’m a person in active long-term recovery, a Certified Peer Specialist, Recovery Coach and most importantly, a follower of Jesus. I have many children, currently one 12-year-old at home.My husband Michael and I have been happily married for 25 years. I truly married up!
I love God and people like crazy and feel privileged to be able to do it through being the Recovery Coordinator here at SHMC.
