Meet The Team

The Venice Presbyterian Church is pleased to announce the arrival of a new pastor. The Rev. Owen Derrick, (i.e., Pastor Owen) is originally from Scotland, where he spent the first 39 years of his life before moving to the United States in 1999. Owen then spent four years back in his native Scotland, returning “home” to the USA in September 2019. At that time, he became pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Tekamah, Nebraska. 
 

Prior to entering seminary in 2003, he spent 20 years as an IT professional, eventually working as a consultant to major banks in the UK and specializing in health care IT in the U.S.  When God brought to life again the sense of calling that had always been a part of his faith but which he had never followed through on, Owen left his IT career to become a pastor. He graduated with a Masters in Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in 2007 and served in several churches. 
 

Owen is married to Dianne and between them, they have a total of five children. Two, in the US and two in Scotland, are all adults, and a daughter who is a junior in high school.  They have seven grandchildren.  They also have a dog, three rabbits, and a horse.
 

Pastor Owen is seen as an enthusiastic and engaging preacher who offers keen Biblical insight, and he is a pastor who encourages Christians to actively engage with the world around them. The Venice Church congregation invites members of the community to come and be inspired by Pastor Owen.

Theresa Bailey brings a lifelong passion for music and community leadership to her role as Choir Director. A graduate of Maryville College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Theresa is an experienced piano and voice teacher with a deep commitment to fostering musical growth in others.

Having grown up in the VPC Choir and Bell Choir, Theresa has a special connection to church music and the vital role it plays in worship and fellowship. From 2004 to 2010, she served as the Music Director at Highland Presbyterian Church, where she led the adult choir, children’s choir, and handbell choir,  and helped shape a vibrant music ministry.

In addition to her work in music, Theresa is actively involved in supporting youth programs and music in the broader community. She currently serves on the board of the East Central Band Boosters Association and is the Charter Organization Representative for Scouting America Troop 693 and Cub Scout Pack 693 in Bright/Logan, Indiana.  She currently lives in Logan Twp, IN with her husband Robert, and sons Nate and Andrew.  

Whether directing a choir, teaching a young musician, or mentoring future leaders, Theresa is dedicated to enriching lives through music, service, and community engagement.

Max Kreeger has been a resident of Cincinnati since 2020, when, after growing up in Cleveland, he enrolled in the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of music. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Jazz piano. Max enjoys reading books, listening to records, and practicing piano in his free time. He lives in Cincinnati with his two cats, Rosemary and Parsley. He is an active pianist and piano teacher. Including teaching at St. Louis School in Owensville and at West Chester Academy, in West Chester.  Max is honored to be able to share the gift of music with this community.

Larry Hayes is a lifelong resident of the Ross area.  He is a widower with one son and a granddaughter.  Larry worked for the Borden Co. (i.e. Elsie the Cow) for several years

before joining the Ross School District where he worked for 25 years as a custodian. He loves working at Venice, especially the people who have been very kind to him.

Carol has lived in Fairfield for over 40 years and has worked as an Executive
Administrative Assistant for several companies within the Greater Cincinnati Area. Outside of work Carol is a parent of two adult children and one grandson. At home, she enjoys the companionship of Hank, a beloved cat who adds a touch of warmth and humor to daily life. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, taking walks in the park, and decorating her home. She is thankful and happy to be working part time for Venice Presbyterian Church and has met so many wonderful people.

Owen Ziepfel grew up here at Venice Presbyterian Church, attending Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and even Venice Presbyterian Preschool. He is now the Live Streaming and Tech Coordinator for Sunday mornings. Owen was active in music in the Ross schools for years, in both vocal and instrumental music. He plays the baritone horn and trombone. In addition to his music pursuits, Owen has competed with FCCLA for three years, beginning in the 8th grade, earning gold medals at State and National levels. Owen works in the Church and in the office on all sorts of technology issues, and continues to serve every year at Vacation Bible School.