Rev. Louis Imsande Pastor

Significant Others:  Debbie Lee (ex-Graphic and Interior Designer for Atlanta architecture firms), loves being creative, and helping with Women's and Children's Ministries.  Our oldest child, Jacob (Jake), 7, loves legos, baseball, reading, Tom and Jerry, Bionicles, and being cute; and our youngest Luke, 5, loves hiding, trains, trucks, screaming, football, and basketball. How I Relax and Have Fun:  I love to play with my kids, read spy novels, watch movies (Moronic comedies and action flicks), play basketball and softball, and build stuff out of wood. Favorite Music:  I love Prase and Worship music (David Crowder, Chris Tomlin, Hillsongs, etc.), Country (George Strait, Brad Paisley, Travis Tritt), Classic Rock, R&B, and Beach Music. Favorite Food or Restaurant:  Asian food rocks!  I love Thai, Japanese (steakhouse and sushi), Chinese (can't beat a buffet), and Malaysian.  I also love steaks, burgers, chicken, Mexican, Captain D's, Carnivorous Pizza, and most food that can not outrun my plate. Ideal Vacation:  Secluded beach with my wife, Machu Picchu, skiing in Utah or wherever, silent retreat at a monastery, "my" beach (Sullivan's Island, SC), hiking the A.T., and any island in the Atlantic or Pacific. Biblical Character I Most Identify With:  Moses (called to lead, but often whined, wandered, and messed up), David (messes up but always comes back with a repentant heart), Job (God "gives and takes away" but still he blesses God), Joshua (called to be "strong and courageous" for the role of leadership), Elisha (followed Elijah faithfully until he was called to lead Israel), Stephen (remained faithful to Christ even though it cost him his life), Hosea (was dealt a bad hand in life, but always realized God's presence in his life and tried to obey faithfully), and so many more. What I Most Like About FPCJC:  God has great and amazing things in store for Johnson City and FPCJC!  Through the faithful fpcjc folks who diligently pray and read the Bible, God is moving and will continue to move in miraculous ways.  The best is yet to come! Biographical Info:   Louis was raised moving from university to university: Duke, Cal Berkeley, Princeton, Case Western, University of Edinburgh, and Iowa State University.  Although being raised semi-nomadic, Louis' roots are planted in the home of his mother and relatives, Charleston, South Carolina.  Louis graduated from Clemson, worked over 8 years as an engineer for Texas Instruments and Harris Corporation, spent 14 years sharing his life and faith as a Youth Director and Young Life Area Director, graduated from Columbia Theological Seminary, and has most recently been the Associate Pastor to Families at Roswell Presbyterian Church.

Rev. Heath Pressley Minister of Discipleship and Community Outreach

Significant Others:  Jennifer (going on 17 years of marriage) We have three great kids, Josh, Mariah & Gracie.   How I Relax and Have Fun:  Outside of spending time with my family I really love sports. After an achillies tear and having to retire from "contact sports" I love playing golf.   Favorite Music:  I've got a wide range of stuff on my ipod. If it is good, I like it. Anything from Garth to Van Halen to Third Day. Sorry, no rap.   Favorite Food or Restaurant:  Two double chili cheese burgers, an order of rings and a coke from the Varsity in Atlanta. (Good thing it is a four hour drive.) Or, a big rib eye on an open flame. As you can tell I'm not a vegetarian. In fact, I think it is immoral to be a vegetarian. I believe you should give your food the opportunity to run away. I can't help it if cows are under motivated.   Ideal Vacation: Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay in Mazatlan, Mexico. Nothing better than sitting on a warm beach next to my hot wife with a cool drink!   Biblical Character I Most Identify With:  Moses. It's an adoption thing and a long story. If you would like to know it let's get coffee some time.   What I Most Like About FPCJC:  There's too much to list, but I am so thankful that God has called me to be a part of the great things He has in store for Johnson City through the people of this church.   Biographical Information:  After growing up in Atlanta, GA, Heath has been a Youth Pastor, Young Life Area Director, Senior Pastor and Ministry Consultant in the southeast and the northwest. Heath has helped thousands of people experience life transformation, and  he has helped numerous organizations develop missional strategy and experience dramatic growth. And before the achillies tear he was a pretty good middle infielder for a church softball team.

Jennifer Jacobs Director of Children's Ministries

Significant Others:  My fun-loving husband Matthew and I have two wonderful children.  Alec is a handsome 12 year old and an wighth grader at Liberty Bell Middle School.  Maggie, my special red-head, is five years old and a kindergartner at Fairmont Elementary School.  We are expecting a third blessing on December 16th! How I Relax and Have Fun:  I SEW - ALOT!  I love to design and make children's clothes. Favorite Music:  I love most music - from Casting Crowns and Third Day to U2 and Shaggy! Favorite Food or Restaurant:  I love any and all junk food!  My favorite restaurants are Outback and Five Guys. Ideal Vacation:  My ideal vacation is sitting on the shore with the hot sun, a cool breeze, water on my feet as I watch my family play in the ocean. Biblical Character I Most Identify With:  Jocabed (Moses' mom), beacuse she loved her child so much she was willing to do anything to save his life. What I Most Like About FPCJC:  I love all of the people at FPCJC . . . especialy the kids!  Everyone is so kind, welcoming and full of LOVE! Biographical Info:   I am originally from Cleveland, NY, and have lived in Florida and Virginia before settling in Tennessee.  I attended ETSU majoring in nursing when I realized this was not God's plan for me.  I have been with FPCJC since 2005 where I volunteered with the Children's ministry unitl my good friends planted the seed for me to take on the job of Children's Ministry Coordinator in 2008.  I love working and playing with the children while teaching them about Jesus' love!

Larry D. Dodd Director of Worship and Music Minsitries

Significant Others:  My wife Kathy and I have been married for 28 years.  We have three children,  Kenneth - 26 - Gainesville, Florida; Angela - 24 - Troy, Michigan; and  Rebecca who is married to Cory Johnson.  They have a son, Logan. Cory is serving in the Army, and they are stationed at Fort Drum, New York. How I Relax and Have Fun:  I love to read, work in the garden, and  play simulation games on the computer.  I also love to bake and cook. Favorite Music:  I really love all kinds of music...even a little bluegrass and country and western...which is helpful here in East Tennessee.  I especially enjoy the classics, and delight over a good opera.  My favorite composers are Aaron Copeland and John Rutter. Favorite Food or Restaurant:  If it's Italian...it's my favorite!  I enjoy the Chicken Bryan at Carabbas...the grilled Chicken salad at Crazy Tomato's...oh, and every meal should be topped off with a bowl of ice cream. Ideal Vacation:  Well, I would love to visit places where I haven't been.  I've never visited the New England States, with the exeption of whirlwind trips to Fort Drum.  I would like to visit England, Ireland, France, Norway, Switzerland, Prague, Austria...sigh.   Well, I guess, my ideal vacation would be anywhere with my family, just enjoying the time together. Biblical Character I Most Identify With:  Peter.  Like Peter, I have had times in my life when I just didn't always think through the consequences of my actions or words.  I feel that I've had to walk in Peter's shoes to learn that my enthusiasm had to be backed up by faith and understanding, or it would fail.  And, I feel, that like Peter, I have found that it is better to be a follower that sometimes fails than one who fails to follow. What I Most Like About FPCJC:  The people!  This is such a caring and loving community of believers.  The folks that I have the privelege of working with in the choirs are just the nicest people...and such talented, hard workers.  Biographical Information:  I was born and raised in a small town in Northern Indiana.  There were three kids in the family, all boys, and I was the youngest.  I became involved in music ministry at the age of 16, when my home church, the Community Christian Church in New Carlisle, IN asked me to be their music director.  What faith those folks had...but, being sixteen...I of course knew I could do the job?!?!?  I received my Bachelor of Music Education from Indiana University in South Bend.  I taught choral music in the Westville Public Schools and for the New Prairie Jr. and Sr. High Schools in Indiana.  In 1985, our family moved to Florida so that Kathy and I could be closer to our parents, and so that our children would know their grandparents better.  While in Florida, I taught music at Brigham Elementary...soon to be Brigham Academy as well as Dennison Middle School.  In addition, I served as Lead Teacher and Technology Leader at Brigham Academy.  For two years I served as a Technical Education Consultant or FIRNTEC for the Florida Information Resource Network, and was housed at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida.  Throughout my educational career, I continued to serve as a part-time music and youth director in primarily United Methodist Churches.  I had always felt a call on my heart into full-time music ministry, but my practical side always felt that a full-time ministry would have to wait till I retired from the educational system.  God had other plans!  In the late 90's, First United Methodist Church of Auburndale, FL  asked me to consider leaving education and moving into a full-time ministry position with them their youth and music director.  There was no way to turn my back on God any further, and I made the transition to full-time music ministry.  I have since that time served the church in Auburndale, FL, First United Methodist Church in Gainesville, FL, and came to First Presbyterian Church in September of 2007.

Kelly Kirkpatrick Director of the Preschool

Significant Others:  My husband, Jim, and I have been married for 33 years.  We are the proud parents of two wonderful sons.  Forrest and his wife, Katie, live in Knoxville where Forrest is employed in an architecture firm.  Reid, our youngest lives and attends school in Charleston, SC. How I Relax and Have Fun:  I love to read, ride my bike, and kayak on easy rivers and lakes.  Jim and I love to go on mission trips and work on projects around the house. Favorite Music:  I'm a child of the 70's and love those "blast from the past!"  I'm very  unsophisticated in my selections!  I grew up with Carly Simon, the Beatles, James Taylor and the like. Favorite Food or Restaurant:  Our "nights on the town" usually end up at El Torrito's!  But for a really special dinner, we love to go to Hot Springs and have dinner on the porch of the Bridge Street Cafe.  All in all, though, you can't beat a cookout with friends. Ideal Vacation:  We loved visiting Southern California when our youngest was stationed there!  We also had a great week seeing the sights in St. Augustine a few years back. Biblical Character I Most Identify With:  Martha. What I Most Like About FPCJC:  The supportive nature of the congregation for one another. Biographical Information:  I grew up in Williamsburg, VA and still call it home!  I have a B.S. in Social Work from Christopher NEwport University and a Masters in Special Education from Lenoir-Rhyne.  I have worked with young children since 1985 and have been at First Presbyterian since 1994.

Stacy Larsen Director of The River

Significant Others:  I am a single-mother to twelve-year-old Sarah.  My immediate family lives in Minnesota-including my identical twin Shelley, younger sister Carrie and her family (husband Pete and nieces Anna and Emma) and my mom and stepfather.  My "family" in Tennessee consests of my best friend Jeff who is like a brother to me and my friends at The River. How I Relax and Have Fun: In addition to working full-tme at The River, I spend the bulk of time at Kingsport Ballet where Sarah dances six days a week.  When I do have free time I enjoy reading, watching movies, playing games with friends, and spending time with my family.  I also enjoy the arts and like to spend time being creative.  One of the best things I did last year was paint the "Reach" section of the mural in our new Felowship Junction at First Presbyterian Church. Favorite Music:  Music has always been a big part of my life.  I have the favorite bands that I have listened to since I was my daughter's age and I continue to discover new "favorites" thanks to my sister Shelley who has a radio show in Minnesota and sends me CDs all the time.  In true David Letterman style, my top 10 music favorites include:  10. Sarah Harmer  9. REM  8.  Rolling Stones  7.  Bob Dylan  6.  Natalie Merchant (10,000 Maniacs)  5.  CSNY  4.  Dixie Chicks  3.  Gillian Welch  2. Ben Folds (Five)  1. U2 (Bono is my Hero and I can sing along to every U2 song ever made!) Favorite Food or Restaurant:  I am crazy for Magic Wok and they know me so much I just have to say, "This is Stacy and I want my regular..."  My regular is Orange Chicken with steamed rice and an egg roll.  My daughter loves their crab rangoons.  I try to eat healthy and eat the same breakfast and lunch each day - in a perfect workd I would have a short order cook!  Breakfast:  one egg on toast and a small cup of OJ.  Lunch:  tuna sandwich, low-sodium V8 and an apple.  BORING...but my body thanks me!  When I am really lucky, Marsha Grindstaff brings me my favorite from her store - the heavenly ham original is to die for! Ideal Vacation:  This summer my daughter is dancing at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington D.C. and I will be able to take my dream vacation.  I plan to tour all of the history and art museums while viewing America's rich history.  Yeah!!!  I also enjoy going home to Minnesota - especially in the summer so I can go out on my brother-in-law's boat! Biblical Character I Most Identify With:  This may be so wrong...but the character I identify with most is Jesus.  His Sermon on the Mount has always moved me and his message of love is the cornerstone of my life. What I Most Like About FPCJC:  Working with the best music director...and the heart for service in this church.  Being a member at FPCJC has introduced me to some amazing people who work hard to put Christ at the center of their lives.  There are so many wonderful role models for me as I grow in my faith and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to spend time with them. Biographical Information:  I lived all over Iowa, Indiana, and Minnesota while growing up and attended college at Gustavus Aldolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota - graduating with a B.A. in Political Science with minors in Women Studies, Art, and Social Studies.  Following college, I moved to Jackson, Mississippi where I was a librarian while my ex-husband attended medical school.  Sarah was born in Des Moines during her dad's surgery residency and we moved to Johnson City when she was three.  At that time I entered the E.T.S.U. Early Childhood Department and graduated with a Master's in 2000.  I was employed at ETSU (adjunct teacher, research assistant, Master Teacher, and Family Support Specialist) before becoming the Director of The River in the summer of 2004.

Sherry Gaskins Church Business Administrator

Significant Others: Jerry-My husband who I have known since I was 13; Ashley - who was graduated from E.T.S.U. summa cum laude with an Elementary Education major and is now a first grade teacher; Romel - 7, First Presbyterian Church Preschool Alumni and a Student at Jonesborough Elementary School; Maria - 4, Student at First Presbyterian Church Preschool. How I Relax and Have Fun:  I spend time with my hubby and kids. We like to travel, go to the mountains, camp, fish.  Jerry and I have a passion for music and have guitars that we hope to one day to learn to play. I enjoy reading, I like to create things - crafts and gardens as well as make home improvements.  I like to play on the computer and dabble in technical gadgets.  Prayer and Bible study help me refocus. Favorite Music:  Just about anything especially if it has good harmonies, meaningful lyrics,  great guitar or awesome instrumentals.  Rich Mullins is my hero and I love Third Day anytime. I listen to Buddy Guy, Robert Cray,  the Beatles, Led Zepplin, Los Lonely Boys, Kenny G, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Crosby, Stills, Nash,  Pink Floyd, and Creed.  Growing up I went to every concert that came to JC or Ktown - Beach Boys to Ozzy.  Jerry and I are reviving that tradition. Favorite Food or Restaurant:  Cranberries, El Matador, El Torito, Chick-Fil-A.  If I could pick my last meal it would be a Cranberries Super Salad - Chicken and Oriental Bean, Jerry U's special dressing, chocolate, and a large McDonald Coke with Light Ice. Ideal Vacation:  A trip to every place I have never been.  I love to see new places and immerse myself in the culture.  I would want to go on the back roads and live like the real people do and eat in the restaurants they eat in and shop where they shop.  Europe, South America, Asia, New Zealand, Australia and after that back to Mexico and Honduras.  I would love to be a full-time mission trip leader...if I could take Jerry, Romel and Maria.  Biblical Character I Most Identify With:  Job - any questions?  When you have a long time, call me, I'll explain why.  My favorite Bible character is Joseph; he followed God even when it didn't make sense. What I Most Like About FPCJC:  I was called to FPC, so I feel I belong.  I am blessed by the great staff, who have become my family.  We have great members who I love and some of them even love me.  And, the fact I got to bring my kids to work till they start preschool! Biographical Information:  I was born and raised in Greeneville, Tennessee.  I worked for Security finance Corporation starting as an Assistant Mamager and working up to a Regional Supervisor for 10 years. I then went to work as a Managing Partner with a Financial Corporation, where I worked for two year when the company was sold. I was hired as the Church Business Administrator here at FPCJC in February of 2000.

Carolyn Wilcox Administrative Secretary

Significant Others In Your Life:  I am married to Wayne and we  have two daughters, Shannon Largent (married to Rick) lives in Elizabethton and Cari Henegar (married to Sam) lives in Piney Flats.   How I Relax and Have Fun:  I love time spent with family and friends.  We have dinners; go to movies/plays; or play games, such as Dominoes, card games, and board games.  Also, my husband and I enjoy watching college sports.  When alone, I enjoy Freecell, Sudoku, and crossword puzzles.  Other interests include Bible study, reading, writing, gardening (nothing big time), and sewing.    Favorite Music:  I like an assortment of music types and artists, from 50's rock to contemporary jazz.  Right now favorite artists are Michael Bublé and Norah Jones.   Favorite Food or Restaurant:  My favorite restaurant is P.F. Chang's.  Their lettuce wraps are wonderful!   What Would You Consider Your Ideal Vacation:  I love trips to the beach in October, when it isn't too hot and not too crowded.  There would be times for reading, writing, walking on the beach, reflecting, and quiet seafood dinners.   Who is the Biblical Character that You Most Identify With?  I identify with Mary, sister of Lazarus, because just like her I love to sit and listen.   What Do You Like Best About FPCJC?  What I like best about FPCJC is its people.   Biographical Information:  I was born in Jonesborough, the youngest of three daughters to Carlos and Lucille Byrd.  We moved to Johnson City when I was three-years-old.  I graduated from Science Hill High School, where I was awarded the DAR Good Citizenship Award.  I attended ETSU for two years, pursuing a degree in Elementary Education.  However, my plans changed and I started working at Hamilton Bank (now SunTrust Bank) in the Trust Department.  Besides the bank, I have worked for an investment company, Wheat First Securities in Roanoke, Virginia, and most recently for Paty Lumber Company as executive secretary for 25 years to its CEO.  While at Paty, I attained the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) rating and was a member of Professional Secretaries International (PSI).  I served as an officer in PSI for five years and was selected one year as Tri-Cities Professional Secretary of the Year.  After Paty was sold, I continued to work for the same boss in his charter aircraft business, located at Tri-City Airport, and then part-time from home to help organize notes for a book he was writing.  The time working from home also allowed me the opportunity to help care for my mother during the last few years of her life.  A year after her death, I decided again to look for a fulltime job and applied for the administrative secretary position at FPCJC.  I was hired for that position in August 2007.

Linda Delong Kitchen Manager

Significant Others:  My husband, Sean DeLong who works for the Maintenance Department at ETSU.  He likes 4-wheelers and cars.  My daughter, Lauren, who attends Cherokee Elementary School and loves the beach and having opportunities to swim. How I Relax and Have Fun:  I like to spend time with my daughter in the little bit of free time I have. Favorite Music:  Country, Classics, The 80's, The Eagles, and Kenny Chesney. Favorite Food or Restaurant:  Anything I don't have to cook! ! ! More to come. . .

Gary Arner Director of Student Ministries

Significant Others:  The students with whom I have the great privilege to spend time, have fun and share the gospel.  My wonderful wife Sandy, daughter Laura, son Eric, daughter-in-law Emily and grandson Ephram, son Neil, daughter-in-law Susan and granddaughter Evangeline. How I Relax and Have Fun:  I enjoy being outdoors doing about anything.  I also enjoy home improvement projects.  I find enjoyment preparing Bible lessons and playing four-square! Favorite Music:  I enjoy almost any music (OK, I don't like Rap) but mostly listen to Contemporary Christian. Favorite Food or Restaurant:  Mexican at Amigo's.  Also brabecue at Dixie Barbecue (with Texas/Oklahoma sauce).  I also enjoy coffee at Oasis or Java Rush (I support the independents and avoid the dominant giant that has no personality and can't call a large cup of coffee "large"). Ideal Vacation:  My ideal vacation is being with my family anywhere.  I especially enjoy visiting and exploring somewhere I haven't been before. What I Most Like About FPCJC:  The preaching and teaching is faithful to the integrity of Scripture; That we are a praying people; and the welcoming, inviting spirit that is extended to all who enter here. Biographical Information:  I was born in Alexandria, Virginia but moved to the northern Indiana town of Highland when I was five and lived there until I went off to college.  I was the second oldest of six kids, so I grew up knowing how to take care of babies and what it means to live in community.  I enjoyed a wonderful, classic, Americana-style childhood and adolescence; walked to school, played sports, was a Boy Scout, went to church (Presbyterian, of course) every Sunday morning and church youth group every Sunday evening . . .  I was also blessed to have to fantastic parents and even having gone to college and having been out and about the world for many years now my dad is still the role model to which I most aspire. Having done pretty well in school math and sciences, I went off to Purdue University to become an engineer. One of the best decisions of my entire life was proposing to my High school sweetheart, Sandy.  Thankfully she said "yes." As our careers evolved we moved many times around the state of Indiana.  Along the way we were blessed to have our two sons, Neil and Eric.  The boys are now both married and are blessed to have children of their own, so now I proudly wear the title of Grandfather to Ephram Lee and Evangeline Rose. In 1989 a job transfer led us to Johnson City, Tennessee.  We Big-Ten, Indy 500, unsweet tea, non-sympathetic signaling (ask me about that one) people had a little adjusting to do when we came south; but many wonderful, welcoming people who love Jesus quickly made us feel at home here. "Laura Jean was born in Tennessee" is the opening lyric to a Brian White song and bespeaks the reality of the blessing of our only daughter, Laura Jean, born at the Speciality Hospital in Johnson City.  Laura is now a Senior in High school and will head off to college next fall. In December of 2008 my world turned upside down when the company I had transferred to Tennessee with and for which I had worked for twenty years suddenly went out of business without warning.  But, God is good all the time and within a few months I had the privelege of being invited to join the staff here at First Pres.  Looking back, I can now see the fingerprints of God as he carefully prepared me for these days.  I do not know what the years ahead have in store, but I know and trust our loving God to lead me there!

Lanny Bodkins Building Superintendent

Significant Others:  Married to Beth and have two sons, Benjamin and Abraham.  We are the grandparents of a granddaughter and grandson. How I Relax and Have Fun:  Playing music with Abraham and the FPCJC Praise Team, or out playing that Rock and Roll beat with Abraham.  I also enjoy riding my Harley, and of course, being with Beth. Favorite Music:  Music from the 20's. 30's. 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, and 90's have always been my favorites.  I've played the Rock and Roll music from the 50's and 60's all my life.  Motown and Atlanta Soul is the most fun to sing.  The past eight years I have enjoyed the challenge of being a part of the Contemporary Praise Team at FPCJC. Favorite Food or Restaurant:  Though Beth only feeds us natural foods, I can sometimes convince her to go with us to El Matador or Carrabba's for some real food. Ideal Vacation:  That would be Beth and I on the Harley riding the East coast.  Also visiting our families in Ohio. What I Most Like About FPCJC:  The members of FPCJC have always kept me loving this church.  They are quick to focus on God's trust and promise, no matter what hard times may be before us as a church.  Also, I have found the staff to be prayer sent and very dedicated.

Jerome Manual Maintenance

Significant Others:  I have been married for 19 years to my wife Phyllis.  I have a daughter, Tina and Phyllis has a son, Marcus. How I Relax and Have Fun:  I like music, football, basketball, and fishing. Favorite Music:  Phyllis and I like music of all types.  Phyllis especially likes Bob Seger's "Against The Wind,"  anything by Kirk Franklin, Carol King's "Tapestry" album, as well as Mozart; Kenny-G and Native American Flute music. Favorite Food or Restaurant: We enjoy Chinese and Mexican foods. Ideal Vacation: Six Flags over Georgia! What I Like Best About FPCJC:  It is a great place to work! Biographical Information:  I'm originally from Johnson City.  My mother, father, and sister now reside in Greenville.  I have a brother that lives here in Johnson City as well as one that lives in California. I worked at Fleming Foods for 27 years, and have been here at FPCJC since 2000.

Brenda Brewer Maintenance and Kitchen

Significant Others:  Married to Neil, and have two children, William married to Crystal, and Tara married to Chris.  I have two grandchildren, Dominick and Miranda. How I Relax and Have Fun:  I enjoy watching television, as well as playing video games.  I also have fun playing with my grandchildren. Favorite Music:  I enjoy Gospel and Country music. Favorite Food or Restaurant:  My favorite food is chicken.  I think I probably enjoy just about any restaurant...that way I don't have to cook or clean up! Ideal Vacation:  That would definitely be a trip to Hawaii. Biblical Character I Most Identify With:  Dorcas...I like to help people. What I Most Like About FPCJC:  The think I like about FPCJC is that it is a wonderful place to work, with great people to spend time and work with. Biographical Information:  I was born and raised in Johnson City, and have worked at FPCJC since 1999.

Abraham Bodkins Contemporary and Youth Music

How I Relax and Have Fun: I like to play Disc Golf on several of our local courses.  Playing music with my father and friends also keeps me busy.  Also, getting outside camping, hiking, playing soccer, basketball, and softball helps me relax and unwind. Favorite Music:  Blues, Jazz, and Rock and Roll.  I really enjoy classic rock artist such as Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and the Beatles. Favorite Food or Restaurant: I love food...as long as it's organic and nutritional.  But, whenever I get a chance to run to Barburittos to eat, I take it. Ideal Vacation:  Anywhere on the beach, walking along the water at night.  Enjoying local entertainment during the day. Biblical Character I Most Identify With:  Jesus.  Not that I am anywhere close to acting as Him.  But, He is who I strive to be like and to follow His teaching. What I Most Like About FPCJC:  Having the opportunity to serve by leading worship Sunday mornings with the best Praise Team in the Tri-State area.  Also, serving with the youth group on Wednesday nights.  We have an amazing group of people at our church, and the people are our strength. Biographical Information:  I was born in West Virginia.  My family is originally from Ohio, but I have lived in Tennessee my whole Life.  I attended and graduated from University High School. I've worked in telecommunications for many years, and have also worked in factories, pizza places, supercenters, and for finance companies.  I currently work at the Doubletree Hotel and enjoy taking care of individual's needs. I have grown up in this church, and have been honored to serve in the music ministry here at FPCJC for eight years.

Laura Cates Organist

Significant Others: Husband - David Cates, Two Daughters - Leanne Cates, Atlanta, Georgia - Age 24, Accounting and Allison Cates, Johnson City, Tennessee - Nursing Major at ETSU. How I Relax and Have Fun:  I love to read, sew, knit, work Word Jumble and Sudoku puzzles from the newspaper, play with beads, play the organ and piano, and go out with friends.  I am never at a loss for anything to do. Favorite Music:  My favorite music is the great literature of the pipe organ, all kinds of classical music, even jazz and a little bit of bluegrass; Barbara Streisand, Barry Manilow.  (I am showing my age.) Favorite Food or Restaurant:  Chocolate is my favorite substance, I mean food.  One of my favorite restaurants is Story Street Grill in Blowing Rock, NC. Ideal Vacation:  My favorite vacation spots are New York City, and Topsail Island, NC. Biblical Character I Most Identify With:  Martha, of the Mary and Martha story. Martha was always busy taking care of the details, making sure everything was done. What I Most Like About FPCJC:  My favorite thing about FPCJC is working with and getting to know the gracious and loving members of the congregation, and working with the most committed choir I've ever been associated with. Biographical Information:  I was born at Fort Jackson Army Base in Columbia, SC, but my family soon moved to Burlington, NC, where I grew up.  I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance.  Besides being a church organist for many years, I have also maintained an active piano studio in my home since my college days. I am a member of the Northwest Tennessee / Southwest Virginia Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.  I have been on the Executive Committee for the past 8 years, 4 years of which I served as Dean.  I am also a member of the Music Teachers National Association, and its local chapter, the Appalachian Music Teachers Association.

Will Vinson Information Technology