Meet Our Staff

Dr. Arnold B. Lovell
Interim Pastor

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Dr. Baron Eliason
Associate Pastor

Significant Others: Katie and I celebrated our 15th anniversary this past summer. We have been blessed with the greatest kids on earth; Andrew - 14, Christopher - 12, William - 10, and Lily - 8.

How I Relax and Have Fun: I relax and have fun racing my sailboat (flying scot), riding my mountain bike in the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee, jogging and lifting at the gym, and being at home with my wife and kids.

Favorite Music: My musical tastes are broad but I particularily love the pop music of my High School and College days, as well as the blues a-la-Stevie Ray Vaughn and Robert Cray.

Favorite Food or Restaurant: My perfect eating day would be IHop with the family for an omelet and harvest grain and nut pancakes, El Matador for fajitas with Katie, and Russo's for gumbo and barbeque shrimp with Katie and friends. Somewhere iin there I would throw in some donuts for good measure.

Ideal Vacation: I had my ideal vacation in the Caymans with Katie for our anniversary. The only thing that would have improved on that would be to extend the dates a few days and bring in the kids and add a sailboat just off shore.

Biblical Character I Most Identify With: Zacheus - Because Jesus called me to move from being a specator to being a follower.

What I Most Like About FPCJC: The best thing about FPCJC is the people and the faith we share together. When I brag on FPCJC it goes something like this: they are a friendly, prayerful, Bible loving, servant-minded body of believers.

Biographical Information: A native Texan, I grew up an only child in Dallas, Texas. I came to faith at Fun in the Son Camp through the ministry of Murray Gosset at Highland Park Presbyterian Church where I would later serve in the college ministry of Dr. Peter Barnes. Between that and my eventual call to ministry, I graduated from S.M.U. in finance and then went on to the University of Texas School of Law. After two years of practice in Houston as an undefeated litigator (1 and 0), I entered Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Following a fifteen month internship as College Director at First Presbyterian San Antonio, I graduated in 1996. For twelve years I've served as an Associate Pastor: four years at First Presbyterian Church Tuscaloosa, AL and now eight years here in Johnson City, TN. Eleven months of my time here in Johnson City I served as acting Head-of-Staff. In May of 2008, I graduated from Columbia Theological Seminary with a DMin degree. My project focused on the discernment of the missio Dei (mission of God) in the neighborhood surrounding our church. My gratitude is to God for these blessings and the blessing of my wife and kids.

Kent Pettit
Seminary Intern

Significant Others: Dr. Emily Gray and I became engaged on March 9, 2008. We will be married in January of 2009.

How I Relax and Have Fun: I enjoy spending time with Emily, walking, reading, bowling, cooking/baking. I also enjoy Civil War history.

Favorite Music: Classical (especially the Romantic period), Hymnody, Oldies, Classic Country.

Favorite Food or Restaurant: Dixie B.B.Q.

Ideal Vacation: Touring the British Isles.

Biblical Character I Most Identify: The Apostle Paul.

What I Most Like About FPCJC: The loving support, encouragement, and experience this congregation has given me as I prepare for ordained ministry.

Biographical Information: I am originally from North Vernon, Indiana. I received a Bachelors Degree from Milligan College in 2002. I received my Masters of Divinity from Emmanuel School of Religion on May 25, 2008. I am a Candidate for Ordination to the Ministry of Word and Sacrement in the Holston Presbytery. I have served at First Presbyterian Church since July 2005.

Jill Lewis
Director of Children's Ministries

Significant Others: I have been married to Clark since December of 2005, and we are excitedly awaiting the arrival of our first child at the end of September.

How I Relax and Have Fun: I love spending time with my friends and family. Clark and I enjoy movies, working out, and playing our Wii. I also love photography and other forms of creating. When I have the motivation and then I'm not pregnant, I enjoy running.

Favorite Music: 88.3 is on in my car most of the time. I also really enjoy lots of different groups my husband has introduced me to in our marriage.

Favorite Food or Restaurant: I'm a big pizza fan! Sim's is one of my favorite places to go.

Ideal Vacation: My ideal vacation is getting away somewhere warm and tropical with my husband. I love to relax on the beach with a good book, and to explore different areas that we visit.

Biblical Character I Most Identify With: I would have to say Martha, from the Mary and Martha story. I fine myself constantly running from place to place making sure things are getting done, when often I should simply take the time to sit at the feet of the Great Teacher! It is a constant learning curve and something I am always working on - having a Mary heart in a Martha world, which is a great book by the way.

What I Most Like About FPCJC: The people ere are great! We have made so many wonderful friends and since arriving here. We feel like a part of the family.

Biographical Information: I am originally from Hendersonville, North Carolina. I graduated from King College in 2000 with a Bachelors Degree in Bible and Religion. I have been in Children's Ministry for eight years and have loved sharing the love of Christ with so many little ones.

Paul Helphinstine
Director of Student Ministries

Significant Others: Emily and I have been married for almost nine years. Emily is a fifth grade teacher in Kingsport, Tennessee. We are both Milligan College graduates. We have a beautiful son, John, who will be four in June.

How I Relax and Have Fun: I love music, reading, listening to audio books, hanging out with Emily and John, watching LOST and playing basketball with my friends.

Favorite Music: My favorite musician without a doubt is Rich Mullins. I also love Simon and Garfunkle, broadway musicals, and Barry Manilow (I know--I can't help it. I just love the music).

Favorite Food or Restaurant: I love eating with friends anywhere at anytime, but my current favorite restaurant is Picasso's in Johnson City.

Ideal Vacation: My ideal vacation is time away with Emily, John, and Emily's entire family. We take a trip like this every year. I love it. I also love any opportunity that I get to be with my whole family in Indiana. I'm a Hoosier through and through.

Biblical Character I Most Identify With: I don't know if I most identify with him, but my favorite character in the Bible is Samuel. His commitment to God and to God's plan is inspiring.

What I Most Like About FPCJC: The thing that I love the most about FPCJC is getting to teach the Bible and having the opportunity to love and mentor some of the best young people I have ever had the blessing to know.

Biographical Information: I am originally from Plainfield, Indiana. I was raised in the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ and was ordained into the ministery of that church in 2002. I am a graduate of Milligan College, and I intend to one day be a GRADUATE of Emmauel School of Religion. :).

Upon leaving college, I was an eighth grade teacher at Science Hill High School in Johnson City. I then went on to be the Assistant to the President at Milligan College where I worked in large gift fundraising in the Institutional Advencement Office. I love Milligan, but I felt called to the Ministry and chose to leave after about a year and a half.

I was a part-time music director and then a full-time Associate Minister at Harrison Christian Church in Johnson City, before accepting a position at First Presbyterian Church. This gave me the opportunity to return to working with students, which was my first passion upon leaving college.

Larry D. Dodd
Director of 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 - 20 - Orlando, Florida.

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...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 Adon
Church Business Administrator

Significant Others: Ashley - 20, E.T.S.U. Elementary Education major; Romel - 5, First Presbyterian Church Preschool; and Maria - 2, Future Student at First Presbyterian Church Preschool.

How I Relax and Have Fun: I like to travel, go to the mountains. I also like to listen to music and read, and always hang out with my kids. 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 or a great guitar or awesome instrumentals. Rich Mullins is my hero and Third Day anytime, and the Beatles, Led Zepplin, Los Lonely Boys, Kenny G, and Creed. Growing up I went to every concert that came to JC or Ktown - Beach Boys to Ozzy.

Favorite Food or Restaurant: Cranberries, El Matador, Toro, Chick-Fil-A, and anything Jerry and Brenda make in the kitchen at FPCJC. If I could pick my last meal it would be a Cranberries Super Salad - Chicken and Oriental Bean, Jerry'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 restaruants 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 Romel and Maria. Ash is on her own.

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, so I feel I belong. The great staff who have become my family. Great members who I love and some of them even love me. And, the fact I get to bring my kids to work till they start preschool!

Biographical Information: I was born and raised in Greeneville, Tennessee. I have been a CNA, a waitress, a cook, a restaurant owner, a bookkeeper, a bill collector and repo person, a small loan company Assistant Manager, then Branch Manager, then Area Supervisor from Tazwell to Mountain City, and the Managing Partner of a Small Loan Company. God took pity on me and saved me from corporate America and brought me here to FPCJC in February of 2000. I am still trying not to blame Keith Hampton. I have attended E.T.S.U. taking the accounting classes through the Senior level with a 4.0 GPA. I was in Mensa, but let my membership lapse when I was a poor college student. I hope to complete my degree when the little ones get older. But it may take me a while; whenever I look at the available classes, I want to take everything. I like to learn for the sake of knowledge. I am the most curious person on staff, maybe in the world, and what to know everything that is going on - whether it concerns me or not. I can't stand it if the ministers scoop me. I love God, and I try...but I fail often to do His will. My favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-7.

And, the answer to the questions burning in everyone's mine - Yes, I like it with the lights off...they give me a headache. And, Yes, I am the official Queen of Multi-tasking. Finally, Yes, I do know the location of almost everything in my office...people with neat offices obviously don't have a lot of work to get done.

Carolyn Wilcox
Administrative Secretary

Significant Others: My husband Wayne and I have been married for thirty years. We have two daughters, Shannon Largent (married to Rick and they have three grown children and two grandchildren) lives in Elizabethton and Cari Wilcox lives in Johnson City, with her Chinese Pug, Darla.

How I Relax and Have Fun: I love time spent with family and friends. Sometimes we go to movies or play games, such as Dominoes, card games, and board games. Also, my husband and I enjoy watching college sports. When alone, I enjoy solving Sudoku and crossword puzzles. Other interest 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 Buble, Norah Jones, Josh Groban, and Kenny G.

Favorite Food or Restaurant: My favorite salad includes Romaine or leaf lettuce, pears, dried cranberries, and pecans, with Good Seasons Italian dressing. My favorite restaurant is Cheddars - I love their Bourbon-glazed salmon.

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.

Biblical Character I Most Identify With: I identify with Mary, sister of Lazarus, because just like her I love to hear the Word of God.

What I Most Like About FPCJC: What I like best about FPCJC is its people.

Biographical Information: I grew up in Johnson City and graduated from Science Hill Hich 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 PSA 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 helping him organize notes for a book he was writing. The time I 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 administrive secretary position at FPCJC. I was hired for that position in August 2007.

Jerry Urse
Kitchen Manager

Significant Others: I have two sons. Don and Kelly have two daughters, Lauren and Madelyn. Mark and Jenny are parents of Molly and Ashley. They both live in Columbus, Ohio. I am so blessed having these darling girls in my life and spend as much time as possible with them.

How I Relax and Have Fun: I enjoy gardening, cooking and spending time with my family. I love to play card games. I have learned to play Mah Jongg since moving to Johnson City. Any one want to start a card club? I continue to watch all the Ohio State football and basketball games. Sorry Vols, I just do not look good in bright orange...scarlet and gray are my favorite colors.

Favorite Music: I enjoy southern Gospel music. My favorite song is Precious Lord (especially when Larry sings it). I am a big Elvis fan and love his Gospel music.

Favorite Food or Restaurant: My favorite food is Italian. I don't eat out very often. Jean is a very good cook and I am lucky to have a great meal every night. If we do go out I like the food at Carabba's.

Ideal Vacation: My ideal vacation would be a road trip to California and to visit all the beautiful National Parks. Since I don't think that will happen, I'll be happy spending time in Columbus, Ohio.

What I Most Like About FPCJC: I am very grateful to be working at FPCJC. I enjoy working with the best staff and I am grateful for the many friends I have made since the good Lord brought me to this church. Of course, my favorite activity is the Wednesday night dinner.

Biographical Information: I spent my childhood in West Virginia. I graduated from Sullins College in Bristol, VA. I moved to Columbus where I raised my children and continued my education. I taught Special Education classes in Franklin County for thirty-two years. I moved to Johnson City whith my sister and her husband when I retired from teaching.

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

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Brenda Brewer
Maintenance and Kitchen

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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 Soduko 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 facorite 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.