Jo Ann Ryckman

I  was born and raised in North Adams. I am the eldest of six children and am now the family matriarch. I was blessed to have two Godly men for husbands (both have graduated to Heaven).  I have an incredibly supportive son, Zac, a lovely daughter-in-law, Kelly and three fabulous grandchildren – Celia age 16, Jacob who is 13 and Julia, 7.  They reside in Ohio.

I have been retired for about 10 years. Prior to retiring, I spent over 20 years in the administrative side of healthcare and about 10 years in public school administration.

I married my pastor husband Jim in 20O8,  and was commissioned into the ministry at New Covenant Christian Church in Lansing, Michigan. Together, Jim and I worked in several ministry and outreach capacities  – Prayer Team, Healing Ministry, marriage seminars, and wherever the Holy Spirit led us to serve.

I was actively involved in our women’s ministry program leading  women’s Bible studies & small groups, and providing one/one mentoring to the women of our congregation.

I returned to North Adams in 2018 and became a member of First Baptist in 2019. I joined the Family Life Team and have been coordinating Women’s Ministry since 2020 (just when the Covid19 lockdowns hit).

I believe an organized women’s ministry program is vital to the spiritual health of any thriving church.  It is more than just a social opportunity, although events are always fun; it’s about women connecting with women and challenging one another to grow in Christlikeness.