![Rev. John Barnette](https://pilgrimonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/JBarnette3-cropped.jpg)
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](http://70.39.150.220/~pilgri29/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Russ-Whitaker.jpg)
Russ Whittaker
Bell Choir Director
Russ came to us from Massachusetts after 40 years of teaching music.
![Cynthia Poudrette and Tripper](http://70.39.150.220/~pilgri29/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Cynthia-Tripper-Poudrette.jpg)
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](http://70.39.150.220/~pilgri29/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Cat-Foster.jpg)
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](http://70.39.150.220/~pilgri29/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Ken-Ewing.jpg)
Rev. Ken Ewing
Associate Pastor
![Jessica Warne](https://pilgrimonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Jessica2-scaled-e1628644712408.jpg)
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](https://pilgrimonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Gene2-1-scaled-e1628644799787.jpg)
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.