STAFF
PASTOR
Marin Cerchez
I’m Pastor Marin Cerchez (pronounced muh-REEN ser-CHEZ), a former atheist, medical doctor, and university professor now serving the Lord in pastoral ministry. I was born and raised under Soviet atheism in Moldova, where I first encountered the Bible after the fall of communism—and through it, the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. That transformation ignited a lifelong passion to make the Gospel accessible to others. I hold advanced degrees in medicine, anthropology, history, and theology—including an M.Div. from Concordia Theological Seminary—which I pursued to equip myself for Christian apologetics. Over the years, I’ve served in a variety of ministry roles across Europe and the U.S., including evangelism, discipleship, student and immigrant outreach, pastoral counseling, and leadership in missions and apologetics through organizations like Ratio Christi and Lutheran Bible Translators. I now serve alongside my wife, Tatiana, as we raise our two children, Anna and Daniel, to know and follow the Lord.
PIANIST
Robert Clifford
IT AND PROJECTION COORDINATOR
James McAnally
VESTRY (CHURCH COUNCIL)
PRESIDENT
Mike Gastin
My wife and I moved to Charleston from Western New York a few years ago, and finding Calvary was one of the best things that happened to us in this new chapter. We’ve been attending for two years—newcomers by Calvary standards—but the congregation welcomed us as if we’d always been family.
Professionally, I work as a marketing strategist, helping privately owned businesses think more clearly about where they’re headed and how to get there.
I am honored to serve our congregation in this role, and am grateful to work alongside Calvary’s vestry, elders, and pastor to the glory of Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 16:9
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
VICE-PRESIDENT
RECORDING SECRETARY
Laura Rayl
Laura Rayl has been a member of Calvary Lutheran Church since January 2002 and has been actively involved in numerous ministries over the years. She has served on the Guatemala Mission Team, the Yard Maintenance Team, the Vestry, and the Homeless Ministry. She has also supported the church as a Sunday School teacher and nursery volunteer, among other areas of service.
Laura is the Business Development Director for McLeod Home Care of Greater Charleston and a longtime advocate for older adults and caregivers. With more than two decades of experience in senior care, she is passionate about connecting individuals and families to trusted resources that support safe, independent living.
Laura has a deep passion for serving others and building meaningful relationships within the church and the community. She is grateful for the opportunity to grow in faith alongside her church family and remains committed to sharing Christ’s love through hands-on service and outreach
FINANCIAL SECRETARY
Denise Kroninger
Originally from Ohio, I moved to the Lowcountry area in 1981 and joined Calvary in 1984 where I met my husband. We have three adult children and enjoy traveling. I currently serve as Financial Secretary and on the Fellowship Committee.
FELLOWSHIP
Marlene Vatter
I am head of the fellowship committee.
My husband Fred and I have been attending Calvary for almost 40 years. I love serving on the fellowship committee planning events and preparing meals that bring the congregation together as a family.
EDUCATION
Shannon Gregg
I’m Shannon Gregg, married to my husband Matthew, and we are blessed with two children, Colson and Hannah.
I’ve been walking with Jesus since I was a little girl, when He drew my mom and me into a life of loving and serving Him. Before my mom came to know Christ as her Savior, my grandmother faithfully took me to church and began teaching me about Jesus. Calvary has been my church family since my elementary school years!
In serving my church family, I currently serve on the Education Committee and as that committee’s representative on the Vestry. I also enjoy helping to lead worship as part of the worship team and serving on the Altar Guild. For many years, I have felt called to be part of the mission team to Guatemala, and at times to help lead it. I have also enjoyed volunteering with Cross Rails Ministry and Hands of His Mercy.
Matthew and I have homeschooled both of our children, and we are now entering our final year as Hannah prepares to graduate next spring!
I love getting to know people and serving those who find themselves in hard places. I especially enjoy serving as part of a team, working together for God’s glory.
ELDERS (assist the pastor in all matters pertaining to the spiritual welfare of the congregation)
ELDER
Joe Brinson
Wife: Zulema (Sue)
Our daughter, Laura Rayl, also attends Calvary.
Our daughter, Laura Rayl, also attends Calvary.
I grew up in Waycross, GA, and graduated from Georgia Tech with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering. We moved to the Charleston area in 1989. I am retired from a career in manufacturing (engineering and executive management) in the textile/apparel and automotive industries. We have been attending Calvary since 1999.
I enjoy reading (mostly non-fiction), and I have a passion for learning and teaching of all kinds. I’m always open to meeting with others for coffee or lunch and a good discussion about the faith.
Fun Fact: I worked a short second career as an over-the-road flatbed 18-wheeler truck driver—because I (mistakenly) thought it would be a fun way to see America. I later enjoyed a third career as a high school mathematics teacher, teaching AP Statistics, AP Calculus, Algebra 2, and Digital Electronics. Nothing I ever did was as rewarding as seeing the excitement of a student grasping a new concept.
A favorite Bible verse – Habakkuk 3:17–19
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to tread on the heights.
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to tread on the heights.
ELDER
Greg Glinka
I served in the Air Force for 20 years before retiring and returning to the Charleston area in 2012. After returning, I worked as a federal employee at the Naval Weapons Station for 12 years.
We started attending Calvary in 2014. My wife and I, along with three of our four children, live near St. George. The fact that we live over 50 miles from West Ashley is, I believe, a testament to how much we love Calvary.
Calvary’s Hands of His Mercy home repair ministry has led me to look more deeply into local and regional mission work. Over the past five years, I have done a fair amount of work with our Lutheran Disaster Response teams, LERT and LSC. Even though I love to travel, there are so many ways to demonstrate Christ’s love for others right here in the Southeast.
My favorite verse is John 8:43–47
ELDER
Ron Sievers
My wife, Rosemary, and I have enjoyed 57 years of marriage.
We came to Calvary in the fall of 2021 after moving from central Illinois to join our daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters in Summerville.
We still have ties with our siblings in Iowa, Indiana, and Illinois, as well as our son in Illinois.
Calvary’s Hands of His Mercy home repair ministry was a great match for my DIY experience and garage full of tools. We were active in a similar ministry before moving.
I am a mechanical engineering alumnus of Iowa State University in Ames and spent 42 years with Caterpillar in Peoria.
My confirmation verse is Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”