Staff of First Presbyterian
Rev. Kim Adams, Senior Pastor and Head of Staff
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A cradle Presbyterian, Kimber-lee (Kim) is originally from New London, Pennsylvania, but also spent her formative years in Berkeley Heights, NJ and Tarpon Springs, FL. The Presbyterian Church (USA) has been an important part of her, and her family's life. In fact, the church is where she learned the importance of relationships and community. Kim believes the Scriptures reveal that God desires to be in relationship with us, evidenced in the person of Christ, and as people of faith, we are then called to be in relationship with one another. The church is a natural place for these intentional relationships to occur as we work together to be Christ's body living and breathing in the world to share the good news of His love.
Kim joined the staff at First Presbyterian Church in September 2019 and loves the church deeply. In her planning and leading of worship that is joyous, communal, and thought-provoking, her excitement is palpable — not to mention it's a great way to begin the week! Kim takes great joy being in ministry alongside First Presbyterian Church and celebrates the spiritual gifts this community has.
Kim earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with a Minor in Art History from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, and a Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois. Prior to coming to Valparaiso, she served churches in Bloomington, Indiana; Bradenton, Florida; and Chicago, Illinois.
Kim met her husband, Jason while attending the University of South Florida. Together they have two children and all together they care for their two golden retrievers. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, reading, exploring, fishing, traveling, gardening, writing, walking along the beach, and dreaming of ways to help make the world a better place. By the way, what did you do today to make the world a better place?
Kimber-lee is one of the contributors to Growing in God’s Love: A Story Bible (Westminster/John Knox Press, 2018) and wrote for the companion curriculum in 2020. She has written Adult Reflection Guides for Follow Me: Biblical Practices for Faithful Living. Kim recently completed a three-year term on the Presbyterian Association of Musicians Executive Board and served on the planning team for the 2023 Worship & Music Conference, Thirst No More. In January of 2023, Kim was one of 12 Indiana clergy selected to be part of a two-year cohort with the Wabash Pastoral Leadership Program.
Jeffrey Whitney, Director of Music and Digital Ministries
Jeffrey has over twenty years of experience in a variety of roles involving digital and music ministries in Washington, Wisconsin, and more recently here in Northwest Indiana in Schererville and Munster. Jeff has a Bachelor of Science degree in Music from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY.
Trish Lawson, Director of Faith Formation
Trish along with her husband John and children Johnny and Molly became members of First Presbyterian Church of Valparaiso in 2018. Johnny, as a Cub Scout, had a badge to earn and it involved a special evening service with the scouts. The open and welcoming atmosphere (especially around children) brought them back the following Sunday and they never left!
Before accepting the position of Director of Faith Formation in the Spring of 2023, Trish was an active team member of the Faith Formation ministry and teaching team, member of Congregational Life and Stewardship ministry teams before accepting the call to become an Elder from 2020-2023.
Accepting the position of Director of Faith Formation was a true calling for Trish, one she did not ever consider in the past. Growing up in another denomination, it was understood that children were seen and not heard and that held many reservations regarding church in general for Trish. Being a part of a church that encourages youth participation in so many areas was a breath of fresh air. At First Presbyterian Church of Valparaiso, ALL children of God are seen and heard!
With the support of the previous Director, Trish introduced an area in the Sanctuary called “The Prayground”. It is located intentionally at the front of the Sanctuary where our youngest children of God can take part in worship. There are quiet manipulatives to occupy busy hands while teaching them the etiquette of worship. It is the hope that being present at a young age will only strengthen their faith.
In the fall of 2024, we acquired the curriculum Godly Play, telling stories of faith through wonder and play and it has been an inspiring addition to our Sunday morning classes.
In her spare time, Trish is an avid card maker and crafter, cheering on Johnny as he bowls in the high school league and sings in the school choir, cheer on Molly in basketball, tennis, and volleyball and listen to her play the Cello. She is also the mom to her 2 favorite pups Lucy Belle and Trixie Belle!
Rhonda Clark, Bell Choir Director
Rhonda Clark and her husband, Don have been married for over 44 years and have two grown sons, Jeff and Don, III. Both of them and their wives have presented Don and Rhonda with five of the most wonderful grandchildren that they could have ever hoped or prayed for. Cadynce, Donnie, Colbie, Damon, and Caleb have been special gifts from God. They thank him every day for taking such good care of them all.
Rhonda was the Children's Choral Director for 24 years at First Presbyterian Church. She had the privilege over the years of seeing many children grow to become strong, confident Christians. Rhonda joins the FPC team as the Bell Choir Director and looks forward to leading in this capacity.
Rhonda retired as a member of the Aldi Team, working for the company since the Valparaiso Division opened in 1992.
Dawn Scarborough, Administrative Assistant
Dawn Scarborough has over twenty-one years of experience in the Administrative Assistant field. June 2016 will celebrate her sixteenth year as a staff team member of First Presbyterian Church. Her hobbies include reading and gardening.
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