Thank you for visiting our website. We would love to have you join us in worship and/ or Sunday school, (Sundays at 10:15 AM), or at one of our many community events. I would also appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and talk about all the wonderful reasons why the church by the lake is a loving and faithful community where followers of the way of Jesus gather for worship, education, mission, and service.
Our common goal is to offer:
- A spiritual connection
- A place that affirms you and your family
- A place that values your questions and experience
- A place that makes a difference in the world
We believe Jesus didn’t turn people away, even those rejected by others.
We don’t intend to either.
We are like a company of strangers, made family by the grace of God in Jesus Christ.
God welcomes all people.
God claims all people.
God loves all people.
The Congregational United Church of Christ of Neenah/Menasha is an Open and Affirming Church. We are committed to and believe in welcoming everyone to fully participate in our ministry of carrying on God’s work and promoting Christ’s teachings.
We invite all people regardless of age, race, ethnicity, culture, economic status, gender, marital status, physical or mental ability sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression to share their diverse talents, so all can grow and practice a unity of faith that transcends our differences.
We look forward to meeting you.
Sincerely,
Rev. Rob Van Ess (Pastor Rob – he/him)
Office: 920-725-4873
Pastor Rob’s Bio:
Rev. Robert Van Ess has served as Pastor and Teacher of Congregational United Church of Christ Neenah Menasha since July 2024. He is passionate about helping people connect faith with everyday life, ask meaningful questions, build authentic relationships, and discover how God’s love is at work in their lives and in the world around them.
With nearly two decades of ministry experience, Pastor Rob has served congregations, healthcare institutions, and community organizations across Wisconsin, Indiana, Tennessee, Missouri, and Arkansas. Whether preaching, teaching, offering pastoral care, or building community partnerships, he believes the church is at its best when it welcomes all people, nurtures spiritual growth, serves its neighbors, and puts God’s love into action.
Throughout his ministry, Pastor Rob has enjoyed bringing people together to strengthen communities and create spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and welcomed. In Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, he helped launch Café Q, an affirming support group for LGBTQ+ youth, their families, and allies. He also helped lead the effort to create the Holy Family Warming Shelter, partnering with local churches, nonprofits, volunteers, and community organizations to serve neighbors experiencing homelessness. His ministry has also included advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion, immigration reform, community justice, and collaborative work across faith traditions.
Pastor Rob earned his Master of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary, where he was twice named a William R. Johnson Scholar. He later completed Clinical Pastoral Education at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, providing spiritual care and support to patients and families facing serious illness. He continues to be passionate about preaching, lifelong learning, and helping congregations thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Before entering ministry, Pastor Rob spent 20 years as a professional hairdresser. He often jokes that the transition wasn’t as dramatic as it sounds – both callings involve listening to people, building relationships, and hearing life’s stories. The skills he developed during those years continue to shape the way he serves as a pastor today.
Originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, Pastor Rob is grateful to be back in his home state and now lives in the Fox Valley with his husband, Nicky Banks. When he isn’t at church, you can usually find him cycling, painting, experimenting with plant-based recipes, or reading everything from history and politics to science fiction and biographies. He and Nicky also share their home with two cats, Siobhan and Dexter, who firmly believe the world revolves around treats, naps, and being admired.
Pastor Rob loves serving “the church by the lake” and believes that faith is meant to be lived, shared, and put into practice. Whether you’re exploring faith for the first time, returning to church after time away, or searching for a spiritual home, he would be delighted to welcome you.