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| Church Staff |
Head of Staff / Pastor:
Pastor Wayne Rhodes
| About: |
| Pastor Wayne Rhodes is a graduate of Northern Michigan University. He studied theology at both Asbury Theological Seminary and Iliff School of Theology. He completed a Master of Arts in clinical psychology from Sam Houston State University. He is currently completing the PhD in psychology with concentrations in organizational psychology, the psychology of spirituality, and clinical inquiry. Pastor Rhodes has served congregations in Michigan, Ohio, Nebraska, Texas, and now in Indiana. He has served Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard units as a Naval Officer in the Chaplain Corps. |
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Associate Pastor:
Pastor Gretchen Seidler - Gibbs
| About: |
Pastor Gretchen Seidler - Gibbs is a native of St. Louis, MO. She received a BA in Psychology from Emporia State University in Kansas. She received her Masters of Divinity degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. After pastoring in a church in Normal, IL, she went back to school and became a member in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. Before coming on board at First Pres., she served as a counselor, temporary supply pastor, interim pastor and on presbytery staff. She and her husband share a home with their two school-aged children. |
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Director of Christian Education:
Kim Cobban
| About: |
Kim is new to our staff, but not to Christian Education. Kim comes to us with 13 years of experience. The last 3 years were spent at Merrillville Presbyterian Church where Kim helped create a Workshop Rotation Sunday School program.
Kim is a graduate of the Wabash Valley Lay Pastor Program. One joy of her job is helping people learn about and experience Gods love.
Her family joined our church last fall and is enjoying getting to know the congregation. Kim lives in Lakes of the Four Seasons with her husband Bruce, her son Greg, who plays the keyboard in our Praise Band, Into the Light, daughters Ali and McKenzie who share in Kims love of gardening, reading and digital photography.
Kim has been a Girl Scout leader for 7 years for McKenzie's troop. She also serves on the Porter Township School Board. When time allows, Kim enjoys making baskets, cooking and taking walks. |
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Business Manager:
Beverlee Frazee
| About: |
Interests:Reading - Bible Study - Light Gardening - Being a Nana to
Zachary, Zoe & Zane. Staying involved with my nieces & nephews.
Dottie, my son's sweet little bull terrier, who comes over each day and
makes me smile.
Hobbies:Clown (Sunflower) - Red Hat Society (Auntie Mame Chapter) -Shopping (Shop Till You Drop Motto) - Working with my nephew on Family Genealogy.
And most important, working and worshipping at First Presbyterian Church with the most wonderful people I have had the good fortune to know. I am so fortunate to have you all in my life. |
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Administrative Assistant:
Dawn Scarborough
| About: |
| Dawn has been a vital member of the church staff for 5 years. She comes to us with a clerical background and training. Her greatest joy of working here is the people. She is constantly amazed at how willing the volunteers are to give of their time. After working in the office with the volunteer and pastoral staff, she chose to also worship with this congregation. When Dawn has time, she enjoys nature, bicycling, gardening and reading. |
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Office Coordinator:
Linda M. Marrs
| About: |
| Linda joined our staff in the fall of 2004. She shares with us 15 + years of computer technology experience along with business office skills. She is a graduate of Ivy Tech State College - NW, School of Computer Science. In the past, she has worked for the Valparaiso Community Schools and IBM Global Services. She is married to Bob for 27 years and has 2 children. She is a life long member of the Presbyterian denomination and a member of First Presbyterian - Valpo for over 12 years. She enjoys the outdoors, reading, crafts and her 2 scotty dogs. |
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Director of Music Ministries:
Christopher Ebert
| About: |
Christopher is a spirit-filled Christian who believes in and has experienced the power of music in praise and worship. He earned both his degrees, Bachelor of Science with a Music Education emphasis and his Masters of Music in Choral Conducting, from Indiana State University in Terre Haute. Christopher has conducted church, community, and university choirs and possesses a vast knowledge of choral music from classical to contemporary. He has also performed as both a chorus member and violinist for various choirs and orchestras. Christopher is also a Sergeant/Team Leader (US Military Police) in the National Guard. |
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Youth Choir Director:
Rhonda Clark
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Organist:
Janice Axmann
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Custodian:
Richard Trapp
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