The First Reformed Church of Oak Harbor welcomes its new senior pastor, Matt Waite and his family.

Pastor Waite comes to Whidbey Island from Michigan with an impressive resume of accomplishments and experiences.

Before accepting the position at the First Reformed Church, Pastor Waite served as the regional director of the Reformed Church in America.

Pastor Waite also has experience in the business world, working for Stryker Corporation, in the health care industry, in addition to founding a capital management firm.

Waite is a recent graduate of the Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Mich. and he was ordained to the office of minister in preparation for his moving here.

Waite and his wife Jennifer have five children, three of whom will be attending schools the Oak Harbor.

The First Reformed Church, located at 250 S.W. Third Ave. in Oak Harbor, is one of the older religious institutions on Whidbey Island, founded in 1903.

It is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America, one of the pioneer Christian churches in North America, tracing its founding back to 1628 and the settlement of New Amsterdam, which eventually became the colony of New York.

First Reformed meets for worship services every Sunday at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., with nursery provided.

A children’s program is available Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. and the church provides various ministries for youth and other age groups during the week.

Individuals in our community are encouraged to get to know more about the First Reformed Church by going to its website at www.frcoh.org or calling 360-675-4837.