Leadership

As in most Presbyterian churches, First Presbyterian is led by three groups: elders, deacons, and our staff. Staff profiles and contact information can be found here.

Elders

Our church Session (governing board) is composed of eleven Ruling Elders and one Teaching Elder. The Ruling Elders guide and nurture the church in the worship and wisdom of God, make decisions regarding money and property, and provide for the teaching ministry of the church. Our Teaching Elder is our pastor. They lead the teaching ministries of the church, including worship and preaching, public witness, and pastoral visitation.

Each Elder uses his or her gifts to help encourage and inspire the work of the church, and each is responsible for a different area of ministry.

Rev. Rebecca White Newgren - Moderator

Kelli Bell - Clerk of Session

Al Wiedmer - Treasurer

Bo DeLong - Co-Chair of Finance & Stewardship; Co-Chair of Personnel Committee

Luke DuCharme - Co-Chair of Worship Committee

Carie Waugh - Chair of Christian Ed ( Children & Youth{God Squad})

Doug Hesebeck - Chair of Building & Grounds Committee; Co-Chair of Finance & Stewardship

Ann Brigham - Chair of Mission & Evangelism Committee

John Eliszewski - Chair of Christian Ed (Adult) Committee; Chair of Nominating Committee

Jeff Johnson - Chair of Fellowship Committee

Melissa Manthei - Co-Chair of Personnel Committee

Ann Lankford - Co-Chair of Worship Committee

Deacons

Our Deacons are the “caring arm” of our church. The Deacons nurture the congregation by providing fellowship, relational ministry, and pastoral care. They make home and hospital visits to the sick and lonely, assist in preparing the sacraments, and care for our youth and children.

Each Deacon uses his or her gifts to help encourage and inspire the work of the church, and to care for its members.

Lisa Kalish - Head Moderator

Jena Boerema - Email Prayer Ministry Coordinator

Brianne Kutz

Pam Wellnitz

Kim Bates

Ashley Witte

Dave Grzenia

Kathy Grzenia

Betty Kohls

If you have prayer requests that you’d like to share with our church, feel free to email Jena at 1stpresprayerchain@gmail.com.