Staff
Ralen Robinson, Pastor email
Pastor Ralen is a native Philadelphian, but don't let that make you think that she only spent time in Pennsylvania. Over a near-decade in ministry, she has worked in the woods of New Jersey, New York's big apple, the metropolis of Boston, the rainforest of Costa Rica, and has even spent a year in the old cities of Jerusalem.
Ralen received her BA in Anthropology and Sociology from Wagner College, where she thrived as a leader in many on-campus and off-campus organizations. Following graduation, Ralen participated in Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM), spending a year volunteering and immersing herself in the culture and religious history of Jerusalem and the West Bank. After her year of service, she traveled back to Philadelphia to continue her call to ministry by attending seminary.
While in seminary Ralen worked as a contract chaplain for an inner-city hospital. She wrote for ELCA magazines, which she still does today. Ralen graduated from United Lutheran Seminary in the spring of 2020 receiving a Masters of Divinity and certificate for Black Church studies. Ralen believes her faith and a good pair of shoes can take you a long way.
Patricia Becker, Office Administrator email
Patricia is a native Kansan, who grew up on a family farm just west of the airport. She is the oldest in a large family (6 sisters and 2 brothers). After living and working in a number of places, she relocated back to Wichita in 2005 to care for her mother and be close to family.
She is an avid reader and quilter. Although she remembers gardening with her mother as a child, she admits to not knowing much about it and is learning all she can about gardening now. Another interest is DIY. She converted her father’s woodworking shop into a She Shed and is working on rehabbing and repurposing pieces of furniture just to learn how to do it.
She has had a lifelong interest in music and currently sings in her church choir. She is active in her church’s women’s groups.
She hates to have her photo taken.
Burton K. Tidwell, Organist email
Burton K. Tidwell has been serving as a church organist since age 14, and after receiving his BMus Degree in Organ Performance has worked in churches from Philadelphia to the Pacific Northwest. He has performed in major cities, including Wichita State University’s distinguished artists’ series. Most of Burton’s full-time work has been as an organbuilder, with instruments across the United States and as far as Stockholm, Sweden, but he also has studied journalism and has been a copy editor on the Salina Journal. He enjoys listening to country music artists and has a centered passion lifting weights for good health and longevity — an activity actually closely related to the discipline of practicing the great literature of the organ.
Howard Webb, Bell Choir Director email
Bell Choir Director: Howard Webb. Howard has been involved in the Wichita musical community for many years. He was one of the founders of the Wichita Chamber Chorale and founding conductor of the Heart of America Men’s Chorus. He has been either director or tenor soloist in many different churches in the Wichita area.
The primary focus of his work in music has been in the church. Howard has had a church Job either singing or conducting for most of his adult life. He is known for building organizations, church choirs, concert series, organizing a bell choir, working with the children’s choir and hiring guest artists to perform or accompany. For the past 28 years that he has been with Plymouth Church and prior to that many other churches.
Saidah Heapofbirds, Custodian
Saidah Heapofbirds is a 22 years old native of Wichita. She grew up mainly in Oklahoma but moved back to the area as an adult. In her spare time, she enjoys quality time with her grandmother, siblings, and fiancé. She is the oldest of 14 children and has guardianship of her niece and nephew. While she doesn't have any of her own yet, she has two fur babies. If someone were to describe her, it would be determined, trustworthy, and humble. Those attributes were cultivated from her upbringing and allowed her to appreciate all she has. Coming from a family of 14, she learned to appreciate the small things in life. That's why she is grateful to be blessed with the opportunity to be here today and serve Reformation.