STAFF
PASTOR
Marin Cerchez
I’m Pastor Marin Cerchez (pronounced muh-REEN ser-CHEZ, like “Marine searches”), 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 faithful wife, Tatiana, as we raise our two children, Anna and Daniel, to know and follow the Lord.
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Tammy Matthews
My name is Tammy Matthews, and my husband, Michael, and I are blessed to have been members of Calvary Lutheran for the past seven years. I have been on staff as the office administrator for nine years. My role as office administrator consists of various tasks—including, but not limited to—scheduling volunteers, providing office support to ministry leaders, disseminating information to the congregation, and typical office duties. While at Calvary, I have taught both adult and children’s Sunday schools, taught ESL classes, served as a money counter, and served on Vestry. I have a Bachelor of Arts in English from the College of Charleston and am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Education at The Citadel.
YOUTH DIRECTOR
Amy Plott
MUSIC LEADER/PIANIST
Robert Clifford
IT AND PROJECTION COORDINATOR
James McAnally
CUSTODIAN
Jerome Jackson
VESTRY (CHURCH COUNCIL)
PRESIDENT
David Sisco
VICE-PRESIDENT
John Weldon
TREASURER
Jack Martin
RECORDING SECRETARY
Karen Leader
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.
PROPERTY CARE
Glen Phleps
FELLOWSHIP
Marlene Vatter
EDUCATION
Shannon Gregg
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 learning and teaching of all kinds. I am always open to meeting with others for coffee or lunch and 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 incorrectly thought it would be a fun way to see America. I enjoyed a third career as a High School Mathematics Teacher of 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, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 19 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, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 19 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
Matthew Collins
ELDER
Ed Grant
ELDER
Harold Kroninger
ELDER
Chuck Pendergast
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
ELDER
Jim Roberts
Member of Calvary for 44 years.
Elder for over 35 years.
I led the youth ministry for approximately 15 years and have been involved in numerous other ministries over the years, including our Homeless Ministry, Hands of His Mercy, Men’s Fellowship, and teaching.
ELDER
David Sisco