Staff of First Presbyterian
Rev. Kim Adams, Senior Pastor and Head of Staff
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. Kim joined the staff at First Presbyterian Church in September 2019. 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.
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.
