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Minister
We are currently
searching for a full-time minister who would lead
our congregation. For details, contact the interim
pastor, Rev. Janet Van Lear 269-683-7600
Interim
Pastor
Rev.
Janet Van Lear
Pastor Janet Van Lear
and her husband, Clarence (Bud), come to us from
the Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church and before that,
the First Presbyterian Church of Mishawaka. Prior
to these interims, she and Bud were located in a
western suburb of Chicago where she served the Berkeley-Hillside
Presbyterian Church for over 18 years.
Jan’s first career was education—teaching
mathematics and French. However, 1981-85 found her
at McCormick Seminary while also volunteering at
Cook County Jail, Women’s Division and serving
as a youth director for the Presbyterian Church
in Western Springs, IL. She has served on the board
at McCormick Seminary and supervised over twenty
seminary students. In 2001, she was Moderator of
the Presbytery of Chicago.
Jan and Bud have two daughters in the Chicago area.
They also share an interest in music and enjoy traveling.
Their visits with Jan’s sister in England
and trips to Israel, Egypt and Cuba have been special
to them. Jan also enjoys hiking, cooking and curling
up with a good mystery.
Contact
information: 269-683-7600 ext. 201
Director
of Music
Jason
Branham
Minister of Music
Jason
holds a M.M. in organ performance from the University
of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he studies with Marilyn
Mason. He completed undergraduate work at Eastern
Michigan University in 2006, graduating Magna cum
Laude with degrees in music performance and economics.
Currently, he is working on his doctorate in liturgical,
church and synagogue music. Jason has also been
awarded numerous academic awards, notably the Marilyn
Mason Scholarship. His studies have taken him overseas,
and he was a selected participant in the French
Organ Music Seminar, as well as the Summer Institute
of French Organ Studies in 2005. In recent years,
Jason has received invitations to present at the
University of Michigan Organ Conference, University
of Michigan Church Music Institute, and the American
Guild of Organists National Convention 2008.
Jason
comes to "First Pres" from St. John Lutheran
in Dundee, Michigan, where he served as minister
of music for four years. Jason finds himself extremely
fortunate to be on staff at First Presbyterian,
and has great admiration for the long tradition
and excellent support of
the music ministry.
Contact
Jason Branham (269-683-7600) if you are interested
in taking part in any aspect of the music program,
if you just want to see what it's like in any of
the choirs, or if you have any questions or comments
about any of the music associated with First Presbyterian.
Secretary
Carol
Watson
Carol
holds down the hub position in the office of the First
Presbyterian Church. She has been a friendly face
in the office since 1994 and feels this is the best
job she has had in her lifetime! A native of the Niles-Buchanan
area, Carol is married to Ken Watson and has two sons.
Her pride and joy is her granddaughter, Claire. When
not working, she quilts, sews, decorates cakes, crochets,
and knits. Carol coordinates the bulletin, calendars,
room scheduling, and can help with most general information
questions. If she does not know the answer to your
question, she will know who does! Contact her at 269-683-7600
ext. 200.
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Ray
has felt a calling his entire adult life for the ministry,
particularly outreach work. He is excited that he
now has the opportunity to take several series of
classes (Bethel College, University of DeBuque) which
will help him better assist with the various activities
of the church. Ray is married to Sandi Fulbright,
and has 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Both Ray and
Sandi are active in ministry. Contact Ray if you know
of someone who would like a visit from church members,
if you have prayer concerns, or if you have ideas
for church programs. 269-683-7600 ext. 208
Parish
Nurse
Bea
Herman
We
are excited to have Bea Herman as our Parish Nurse.
Bea has been an R.N. since 1976 with broad experience
in all aspects of hospital nursing as well as
Parish Nursing. Our Parish Nurse program is "top
of the line" in what we have to offer. In
addition to providing flu shots, conducting blood
pressure clinics and CPR workshops, Bea can offer
advice and information on a broad range of health
issues. Bea will be in her office (former Samaritan
Center) from 10:00 - 3:00 on Tuesdays. On Monday,
Wednesday, and Thursday her hours are limited,
so feel free to call for an appointment or to
leave a message at 269-683-7600 ext 209.
Linda
Hoadley
Over
20 years ago, Linda took a part-time position with
the congregation that was to be a maximum 3-6 month
assignment! The fit has obviously been a good one
- Linda feels this has been a very good part-time
job for her. Call Linda with questions about giving
or contributions or for what purposes special offerings
are used. 269-683-7600 ext. 204
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