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Dave CarlsonPastorEmail Pastor Dave
I’m a second-career pastor, maybe third, but who’s counting! From journalism to public relations/marketing and, finally and happily, to ministry. My love of ministry began in the 1990s when I developed and facilitated a small group for people who were unemployed and co-led a class on spirituality in the workplace. Today, that desire to come alongside people and help them to find a touchstone to what’s really important to them — God’s love, sense of family, belonging and caring — is present in all that I do. Along the way, I was blessed to study and serve at Princeton Seminary, where I earned my Master of Divinity degree in 2006 and facilitated small groups for Contemplative Prayer and health and wholeness. My earlier studies include a Master’s of Marketing & Communications and a Bachelor’s in Journalism, both in Ohio. I am married to Yuri Ito, a wonderful wife and best friend with a heart for ministry. Yuri is a substitute librarian at the North Independence branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library and has a passion for mission and social justice issues, as well as as sharing her musical talents in worship. The other members of our household are Tabitha, our beloved feline, and Lacey, our corgi extraordinaire. Yuri and I enjoy mountain biking, hitting the gym, taking in movies, and travel. During quieter moments, I can be found happily passing the time with a good book or tackling a project around the house. |
MELISSA ROE-WILSONDirector of Christian Education
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Melissa Roe-Wilson brings a wealth of experience to our ministry of Christian Education, having taught 3- to 5-year-olds Christian education and preschool/ kindergarten, writing curriculum and lesson plans. At her previous church, Melissa founded the LIL LAMBS children’s Bible study and served as co-youth director for children who ranged in age from 3-16 years old, planning youth activities and family picnics. Liturgical dance is a passion and talent that she loves to share in worship settings. Melissa was raised Presbyterian and is happy to have First Presbyterian Church as her church home. Melissa studied at Heart of America Bible College and Theological Seminary and holds an ordained minister’s license from the Universal Life Church. |
NICOLE MURRAYMusic Director
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Nicole Murray has been involved with church music since her first Christmas pageant at age three, and active in leading worship since college. She also enjoys performing as a soloist, choir member and choral conductor. Nicole is a member of the choral faculty at William Jewell College, and she performs with their Cardinalis choral ensemble. She is also the Director of the Community School of Music program at the college. Her formal training includes music degrees from William Jewell College and the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver. Nicole has been married to her husband, Jim, for over 25 years. They both enjoy visiting amusement parks around the world. |
DEBBIE SULLIVANSecretary
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God has truly blessed me with an incredible life. I’ve been married to my husband and best friend for 38 years, we have two young-adult children, a son and a daughter, and I'm a first-time Grandma to a newborn baby boy. We love animals and have a senior black lab and 2 cats. I stay very busy with working at my dream job, projects around the house, my pets and spending time with family and friends, and now watching my grandson whenever I can. Some of my many passions are going to my church, all animals, hockey and all genres of music. I also enjoy cooking, gardening, shopping and going on hikes or long walks with my husband. When time allows, I like to just relax and watch baseball games or true-crime shows. |
GLENNA HAGELINResident Organist
I have been working regularly as a church organist since September 2000, when First Presbyterian hired me as their associate organist. There was a period of about a year when I worked at another church, but in December 2009, I returned to First Presbyterian, this time as resident organist. Playing for services and accompanying the choir are satisfying activities, and I enjoy contributing to the congregational worship. My music training includes music performance degrees in flute (Bachelor of Music, Wichita State University; Master of Music, University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music) and organ (M.M., UMKC Conservatory of Music, 2003). A few of the things that I enjoy doing in my free time include walking/hiking, reading, biking, and playing games at the computer.
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MERRY OLIPHANTSexton
I have been employed with First Presbyterian Church since November 1999. I enjoy working for the church and its members and appreciate the opportunity to do so. I love my family, animals, riding my motorcycle and new-found-love of kayaking.
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