Bruce and Paulette Strine were married in 1978 after meeting their sophomore year at Huntington University in Indiana. Bruce graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education while Paulette earned a BA in Sociology. Over the years, they have been keynote speakers in Canada and the United States on subjects like marriage, family, and child rearing. They have four grown children all of who live in the Mercer County area. Bruce is an ordained pastor in the Church of God headquartered in Findlay, Ohio. Paulette is a State of Ohio licensed Social Worker with background experience in the areas of substance abuse and end-of-life care.

Bruce earned his PhD in Education in 2007 and enjoys teaching American and European History at Wright State University Lake Campus as an adjunct professor. He has also interviewed dozens of professional athletes and then published their stories. Steve Nash, Lebron James, Tony Stewart, Tony Dungy, as well as various teams like: Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Coyotes, Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, and a host of other golf, basketball, baseball, NASCAR, soccer, hockey; you name it and he has probably interviewed them. He has been the pastor of Celina First Church of God since 2002. His gifting is in the area of teaching and exhortation.

Patty Thees is starting her 12th year as Office Administrator here at Celina First Church of God.  Patty is married to Don and has three children and eight grandchildren.  She is also founder and director of Choosing life Pregnancy Center here in Celina.  Her hobbies include scrapbooking, and enjoying her grandchildren.  She feels fortunate to work for such a great church family.