Pastor Paul MacDonald

Paul was born in Seattle, Washington, but his family moved to Spokane, Washington when he was 4, and he was raised there.  He moved back to Seattle to pursue a microbiology degree at the University of Washington, with the intent to continue on to med school.

After feeling that wasn't the direction God wanted him to go, he worked for a number of years in sales.  Before moving to Michigan, Paul was the manager of the new accounts department for a large medical supply company in the Seattle area.

Paul has always been active in ministry, first at the Berean Bible Church in Spokane, and then at the Berean Bible Church in Seattle where he served for seven years as an elder, taught adult Sunday School, and was involved in a number of children's and youth ministries.

In 2004, Paul was asked to consider a position as associate pastor of Celebration, and after much prayer and deliberation, felt God was calling him and his family to move to Michigan!  The previous senior pastor, Craig MacDonald, retired in April of 2006, and in August of the same year, Paul accepted the call from the elders and congregation to become Celebration's new senior pastor.

Paul and his wife, Deborah, have two children: Connor, who is 16, and Lauren, who is 8.

Paul enjoys cycling, computers, and woodworking in his spare time.

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Pastor Jim Shemaria

Jim was born and raised in Seattle, Washington and moved to Grand Rapids in the fall of 2003 to begin schooling at Grace Bible College.  In May 2008 he graduated with a Bachelors of Theology in Pastoral Studies.  In the same month he was licensed as a pastor by the Grace Gospel Fellowship.

During his time at GBC, Jim served as part-time worship leader at Celebration, while also being involved in other ministries, such as early-childhood education and teaching in adult Sunday School.  After graduation the leadership of Celebration asked Jim to consider stepping into a full-time role at the church as associate pastor.  Feeling God's calling, he accepted and began in September 2008.

Jim lives in Grand Rapids with his wife, Natalie, and enjoys reading, drinking fine coffee, playing and watching soccer, using Apple Computer products, and going for walks around town.  He is also an avid fan of Chelsea Football Club.

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