The Leadership Team
Pastor Mark T. Ruppert & Family
Dr. Mark T. Ruppert
Pastor
Mark, born and raised in "enemy territory" (the suburbs of Pittsburgh), has been pastor of the Vine Fellowship (formerly First Presbyterian Church, Akron) for 19 years. A graduate of Westminster College (New Wilmington, PA), Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (KY) and McCormick Theological Seminary (Chicago, IL), he previously pastored churches in Titusville, PA and Butler, PA prior to coming to the Akron area. He is married to the love of his life, Margaret Shireen (her middle name is from the Urdu language, Pakistan, where she was born and raised until the age of 15, and means "sweet") for 30 years and they have two adult daughters - Rebecca and Ashley. He loves to follow the Pittsburgh teams - Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins BUT his favorite American League baseball team is the Cleveland Indians.
Kay Belser
Director of Music
Kay began her ministry with The Vine Fellowship as pianist in August, 2016 and became the Director of Music in August, 2018. She grew up in the church playing the piano and singing and has over 40 years of church music experience. You can reach her at [email protected]
Director of Music
Kay began her ministry with The Vine Fellowship as pianist in August, 2016 and became the Director of Music in August, 2018. She grew up in the church playing the piano and singing and has over 40 years of church music experience. You can reach her at [email protected]
Barbara Conklin
[email protected] Clerk of Session