Our Staff
Robb Tarr - Pastor
Robb Tarr began as pastor at GC3 in October of 2019. He has a passion for ministry at the connection point of churches and the broader community. This has meant that over the last decade and a half or so he has served as a parish pastor as well as working for faith based non-profits that help bring the experience of God's Kingdom to more of our world. He has an educational background in the overlap of faith and theology with media and culture that he pursued at Florida State University and Fuller Theological Seminary. At GC3, Robb hopes that God uses this background to help him and the congregation foster meaningful, creative encounters with God and each other that help us be gracious, connective, and impactful people in all aspects of our lives. GC3 is his first Congregational church, but he considers himself interdenominational (having served at non-denominational and denominational churches before, as well as for interdenominational and interfaith non-profits), and really resonates with the gracious independent streak of Congregationalism that encourages earnest freedom and committed ownership in faith and church involvement.
Robb grew up nearby in Worthington before going off to Florida for college where he met his wonderful wife Wendy (who admittedly is less into alliteration than he is). They share the passion for faith rooted ministry in the community and she is doing amazing work with St. Vincent de Paul around central Ohio. Robb went to seminary and worked in southern California for a number of years before feeling called back to the midwest-ish and being surprised to have God open a door right back in Columbus in 2013. It's been a great joy for him to be able to apply his passions and experience that God cultivated around the country back in the community that was initially formational for him. It's also nice to give his kids, Aislynn and Coen, more grandparent time and refresh memories with them in familiar stomping grounds.
Robb loves soccer and movies, and his analytical streak makes him take them a little too seriously sometimes. He hopes you don't mind getting the occasional dose of each in sermon illustrations. He's not a huge fan of coming up with extensive lists of likes, dislikes and hobbies for website bios, but he's getting over it. You're always free to reach out to him to ask more about our church, find out if you can get support for something you're excited about or having a tough time with, or just enjoy some time and conversation.
Robin Clossman-Wright -
Community Chaplain
Robin Clossman-Wright joined GC3 in January of 2021 as an intern while working towards her MDiv degree from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, and felt so welcomed and invited into the life of the church that when a church ministry position came available, she applied and officially became part of the GC3 Church Family! As she grew in experience and expression of her ministry calling, she was ordained by our church as Community Chaplain in April of 2023!
Vickie Shkane - Accompanist
Victoria (Vickie) Shkane started her piano studies in the second grade. She got her “performance feet” wet playing for Masonic organizations and churches in the Dayton area during high school. She went on to get her bachelor’s degree in Music Education (primary instrument – organ) from Eastern Kentucky University. She then lived and performed in many areas of Kentucky and central Ohio. Yet it wasn’t until she moved, with her family, to the Gahanna area and discovered GC3, that she truly found her home. The GC3 congregation is such a welcoming and loving family. Vickie is honored to work and worship with some of the most inspirational and talented musicians around. The only thing Vickie enjoys more than spending time with her GC3 family is spending time with her immediate family. Vickie, and her husband George, have a blended family of four children and 10 grandchildren. She wishes that everyone in the area would come visit and feel the love, and experience one of the best music programs anywhere, at GC3.
Ministry is a second career for Robin having spent the last 35 years working in mostly Human Resources Training and Development, but also beside her husband, Bill, in his business as an IT Managed Service Provider. She and Bill have also raised their two children - Drew an elementary school music teacher married to Liz, and Zoe who just graduated with Robin from UDTS with a Masters in Christian Leadership, and is married to Kyle.
Currently, Robin‘s ministry focus at GC3 is partnering with Pastor Robb in areas like worship, administration, leading in various community ministries, and the GRIN Community Garden Project. She also hopes get involved in other areas of the church, such as ministries for companioning others as a Spiritual Director in their faith journeys, especially in the context of business leadership and women.
When she is not spending time with her family, including her 50+ nieces and nephews and her fur baby, Daisy the Dachshund, she enjoys reading, needle arts / quilting and other crafts.
Get in touch with Robin at office@gahannac3.org
Lori Hagerman - Music Director
Lori Hagerman has served as Music Director at Gahanna Community Congregational Church since 1990. She holds a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from Bowling Green State University, and a certificate in Professional Studies in Opera from Temple University. Lori has performed with area theatre companies including Columbus Light Opera and Findlay Light Opera. Currently, she directs the Clintonville Mothersingers and the AAUW Chorus.
Lori and her husband Brien Hagerman direct a drama ministry at GC3 called Act Now! Players that includes a puppet ministry, Christmas musical, Maundy Thursday cantata, and more! What Lori enjoys the most about directing the GC3 Chancel Choir is the chance to worship together through meaningful choral music, and to share in fellowship with a wonderful choir family.
Lori loves taking an inclusive approach to our music and drama ministry, so feel free to reach out to ask about getting involved in choir and any of our other music and drama offerings: Lori@gahannac3.org
