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Staff

Education: BS in Psychology and BA in Religion from Westminster College. M.Div - Pgh Theological Seminary. D.Min from RTS Jackson

Bio: I grew up in Gibsonia, PA and began working in youth ministry when I was in high school (go Richland Rams!), including both church ministry and a large Christian summer recreation program, and continued in that through college. I even worked a couple summers at Fruehauf Trailer Company. During seminary I was a part-time intern at a church (Fox Chapel Presbyterian) and after seminary took a job with Youth Guidance Inc., an organization that worked with troubled youth. In the summer of 1982, I was ordained into the EPC (in the very 1st class taken in) and became an Assistant Pastor at North Park EPC in Wexford, PA. In April of 1985, my young family and I moved across the country to San Diego, CA, where I became the Senior Pastor of a fledgling EPC church - Carmel Valley EPC in Del Mar. In the fall of 1987, the Lord brought us back "east" to Tabernacle EPC in Youngstown, OH where I ministered for almost 12 years. Although we remained at that church for almost 20 years, I followed a call to pursue ministry with FCA - 1st as an area director and then as a regional director. In my last four years in Youngstown, I served as the full-time National Outreach Director for the EPC, overseeing church health, church planting and urban ministry. In September of 2006, I accepted a call from North Park Church (coming full circle) as Pastor of Church Planting to plant a new church in Slippery Rock, PA, which is now Gateway Community EPC.

In addition, I've coached high school sports, taught at the college and seminary level, helped start a Christian school and a charter school, been an NCD (Natural Church Development) trainer and served on multiple boards and committees.

Top 3 Movies: Field of Dreams, ESPN

Top 3 Books: Can't pick my top 3. Recently really enjoyed He Has Made Me Glad

Top 3 Bands: College bands at football games, After Z (our son Nathan's band)

Aspect of your job that you most enjoy: interacting with the community, campus and schools

Favorite Aspect of Gateway: The people and the hot worship leader

In college, you were known for: great sense of humor

On my day off, you will find me...: watching sports live or on TV, hanging out with my wife

What has God taught you over the past year?: The importance of being a blessing to others as a Christian.

Education: BA in vocal performance from Westminster College

Bio: I spent my early years in CT and NJ, then moved to Huron, Ohio in middle school, growing up there and seeing my parents retire there (and still live there). Music has been a part of my life from a very young age, singing, later playing the piano and then guitar. I started writing songs in high school. During my coIlege years, I performed at coffeehouses, sang in a touring choir and various other musical groups, along with the recitals that came with my major. After graduation, I was hired as the Christian Ed Director for Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church in Fox Chapel, PA. The next year, Bob & I were married in that church, and I worked there until he finished seminary. At our next church, North Park EPC, I was involved in music leadership with both children and adults. In our brief years in Carmel Valley Church in Del Mar, CA, God transformed me from a song leader to a worship leader - a critical point in my life. A few years later, Bob accepted a call as Senior Pastor of Tabernacle EPC in Youngstown, OH, and not long after that I was leading worship in the service and then was hired as the choir director. Eventually, I became the Dir. of Worship & Arts, giving leadership to the Praise Team, children's music, the adult choir, and the development of leaders in the various arts. It was also during that time that I wrote many songs of praise and worship that were sung by our congregation. I continued that job even after Bob resigned as Senior Pastor to work for FCA and then the EPC denomination. Now at Gateway Community EPC, I continue to lead worship through music and draw in others - not only those who are gifted in music, but those in drama and dance as well, with the hopes of developing the fine arts/visual arts.

Top 3 Movies: Sabrina, Sound of Music, The Lion, Witch and The Wardrobe

Top 3 Bands: After Z, Beach Boys, Mozart - and other classical music

Aspect of your job that you most enjoy: when I get to be a part of God drawing us as a church family into heartfelt worship as we come together on a Sunday morning

Favorite Aspect of Gateway: the people

In college, I was known for: singing

On my day off, you will find me...: hanging out with Bob

What has God taught you over the past year?: To be more intentionally relational.