Select Page
Rev. John Barnette

Rev. John Barnette

Senior Pastor

Leading Pilgrim Church beginning October 2020 Pastor John is a native of North Carolina. He earned his Master of Divinity with a concentration in Pastoral Care and Counseling from M. Christopher White Divinity School at Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. After graduating, he served several United Church of Christ congregations.

Russ Whittaker

Russ Whittaker

Bell Choir Director

Russ came to us from Massachusetts after 40 years of teaching music.

Cynthia Poudrette and Tripper

Cynthia Poudrette and Tripper

Joyful Noise Learning Center Director

Cynthia, a Texan with 25 years in early childhood education, became our director in 2018. She has two grown sons. Tripper is a frequent assistant.

Cat Foster

Cat Foster

Office Administrator

This Florida Native joined the Pilgrim Staff in 2019 with over 15 years serving in churches in North Carolina and Mississippi.

Rev. Ken Ewing

Rev. Ken Ewing

Associate Pastor

Ken, retired pastor and preacher’s kid, found his home at Pilgrim after moving from Indiana in 2005.
Jessica Warne

Jessica Warne

Children's Sunday School Director

Jessica, married to high school sweetheart and mother of 5, has been with Pilgrim Church since 2017. She is also a teacher at our Joyful Noise Learning Center.

Gene Burnell

Gene Burnell

Maintenance Technician

Gene is a long time resident of Port Charlotte. His wife and children and grandchildren are all local. He’s been a blessing since he joined our staff in 2020.