 |
 |
|
| HFPC Staff Directory | Click on Staff Directory below to see a listing of staff members, emails, and extentions to the 602 254-6356 main number. Click on the names below to learn some things about our staff. |
| NAME | POSITION | EXT |
|
| Rev. Nathan Byrd | Pastor | 103 | |
| Donita Young | Financial Secretary | 110 | |
| Kim Wagner-Hemmes | Co-Administrative Coordinator | 104 | |
| Julie Fernstrum | Praise Team Director | 118 | |
| Donna Marie Hartley | Organist | ||
| Kathleen Harris | Children's Ministry Consultant | ||
| Jack Fernstrum | Director of Property Managment | 117 | |
| Kevin Smith | Sound & Video Technician | ||
| Wendy Gonzalez | Co-Administrative Coordinator | 109 | |
| Pat Latty | Co-Wedding Coordinator | ||
| Kathy Schuff | Co-Wedding Coordinator | ||
| Chob Ajak | Full Time Custodian | ||
| Dan Sneed | Sunday Custodian | ||
| Neil Smith | Maintenance Assistant |
Having a B.A. in International Relations from University of Delaware, a M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, 12 years experience in population centers, and being an army reserve chaplain, Pastor Byrd is well prepared for ministry in downtown Phoenix.
Regarding working in an urban downtown church:
My experience has always been in Population Centers. Ministry is about people and their lives. Population centers are more densely populated. Diversity of issues, situations and cultural backgrounds make population centers exciting. In fact, I see God's hand in being called to a church in the desert. In the late '80's I fell in love with the desert. Of all of God's landscapes, I love the desert the most. For years I have wanted to live and retire in the desert.
My Faith and Calling:
I grew up in a nominal Christian home. As a child I went to church and had lots of questions. My mother encouraged me to stay in church to get answers. The curiosity I had as a child led me to seminary. My faith is one that continues to grow, is biblical, is reformed in theology, and is influenced by different life experiences, time spent with the poorest of the poor, and a heart for justice.
Interestingly enough, it was that curiosity that led me to participate in a seminary trip to Latin America. I was reflecting on that trip several months later in my dorm room while studying 2 Corinthians 8. I realized, in a flash, that my specific call to ministry is to take that ancient book called the Bible and present it in relevant ways to God's people. I have never lost sight of this sense of call.
Relevancy of the Church in today's world:
I have found that once people focus their attention on their relationship to God, no matter how little or great, they find their physical, mental, economic and family health are better or heightened. There are certain needs and struggles we all have in common. We best navigate through such struggles when we have a growing relationship with the living God.
Young People Fit In an Old Established Church:
When being interviewed, it was noted that Historic First Presbyterian Church was established when Arizona was a territory. It is the first incorporated church in the state - that equates HFPC as history, age and tradition. I was asked the question: "How do young people fit into an old established church?" My reply: There's a certain appeal to some people that there's a rich past grounded in history. They go in knowing that what we do today emerges out of a rich cultural historical past.
My Family:
Beth Beall and I met in 1994 and married in 1995. She is always there to provide honest and constructive feedback. She's my helpmate. She has shared life's experiences with me with all its ups and downs. There is a 12 year bond that exists that is very strong. In this bond there is a mutual leaning on one another. She has a graduate degree in religion, a love for poetry, and a passion to make the world a better place for children.
My Loves and Passion (other than my wife):
I love connecting with people, playing soccer and watching football. I like discovering new ways to express thoughts with words, i.e., poetry, modern spoken word. I enjoy reading biographies. It is fascinating to see how different people engage life.
My Previous Work as a Chaplain:
I served as an army reserve chaplain. In my last assignment, my duties included training reserve component chaplains for duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. My call to ministry is to serve people in the name of God, through Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, regardless of their station in life. I really treasure the freedom we have in this country to assemble. Part of that freedom includes having a military. These folks who participate in the military go to places where their pastor can't get toxall places of world in odd situations, yet they have their religious expression, which we value. I have the training, the uniform, the equipment to get there to serve them, to facilitate their religious expression.
There are many similarities between being a pastor and a war chaplain. The same things that people deal with in civilian life continue when they wear a uniform. They have the same challenges in their relationship with God, in their relationship with each other and their relationship with people.
I hope to be able to assist veterans here in Phoenix. I've been to war (Iraq) and I can identify with some of the issues that Veterans might carry. I'm still active in the army reserve chaplaincy. As part of the Presbytery of Grand Canyon, discussion for comprehensive ministry for folks suffering from adjustment issues related to war is presently taking place.
It is my joy to be God's servant here in Phoenix at Historic First Presbyterian Church.
Donita Young has been HFPC's financial secretary since July 10, 2000. She and Ron, her husband of thirty-five years, are natives of Watertown, NY. They have two grown children, Rachel and Justin, who is married to Tara. Tara and Justin gave them a grandson named Zachary in April 2006. Donita graduated with a B.A. in Accounting from St. Martin's College, Lacey, WA. Donita enjoys decorating, traveling and working out at the gym.
Kim Wagner-Hemmes joined the HFPC staff as the part-time co-administrative coordinator in March 2007. A Chicago native born and raised for 26 years, she now resides in Goodyear with her husband Paul, stepson Kyle, and a whole host of pets.
While not at HFPC, Kim is busy working towards her accreditation as a personal property appraiser. She recently completed her requirements for a Certificate in Appraisal Studies of Fine and Decorative Arts. Additional educational credits include a Certificate in Museum Studies, a M.A. in Art History, and a B.A. in the History of Art and Architecture.
Other hobbies include film, herpetology, music and photography.
Julie Fernstrum, Director of Music, started singing at the age of three in her local church. After receiving the Hammit Music Award as a high school student, she majored in music and business education at the University of South Dakota and graduated with a Master's Degree in Business Education.Julie taught high school business for 20 years in Colorado, during which time she also conducted a 140-voice, Sweet Adelines International women's chorus and sang in a barbershop quartet. Both groups won their respective international competitions. She worked as a corporate trainer after moving to Arizona and assumed the Director of Music position on an interim basis in January, 2003 at Historic First Church.
Julie is married to Jack Fernstrum, a mergers and acquisitions intermediary, and they have three married children and three grandchildren.
Music continues to be a cornerstone of HFPC's personality. Donna Marie Hartley, our "world class" organist, was a child prodigy. She began her study of piano at a church, when she was four. Because her family had no piano she had to practice at the church or on a piece of cardboard on a table at home. Her first public performance was when she was six, and she became the pianist/organist of that church when she was eight.Donna Marie was chosen the accompanist of the Lake County (IL) Philharmonic Chorus at age 14. And at age 15 she was the youngest student ever accepted into the Eastman School of Music, where she became a George Eastman Scholar, studying both piano and organ. At age 20 she became the accompanist for the Paris (France) Philharmonic Chorus
Donna Marie also studied at Northwestern University, DePauw University, the American Conservatory of Music, Roosevelt University, the Juilliard School, the Ecole Normale de Musique and the Paris Conservatory in Paris, France. She received her Bachelor Degree of Music and her Masters Degree of Music, both with Distinction.
As a professional pianist, Donna Marie has performed as a soloist and with orchestras and other ensembles in the United States and Europe. Her repertoire reaches from the seventeenth to the twenty-first century.
Donna Marie moved to Arizona from Illinois, in 1998, having been chosen from among all the Nordstrom pianists to open the Fashion Square Store. In 1999 she became the organist at Historic First Presbyterian Church in Phoenix. In 2000 Donna Marie became the pianist for the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort's 5-Diamond Marquesa Restaurant. Every Sunday morning, Donna Marie plays a fifteen minute prelude beginning at 9:00 a.m. to prepare the congregation for worship.
Kathleen Harris is the Interim Program Director for the DUCK program. Kathleen has lived in the valley for 8 years and serves as the Director of Children's Ministry at Valley Presbyterian Church in Paradise Valley. Kathleen was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. Prior to moving to Arizona, Kathleen was the Director of Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church in El Paso, Texas . Kathleen is an ordained elder and deacon in the Presbyterian Church. Kathleen and her husband Tom have 2 children, Christopher and Ashley who are both students at Arizona State University.
Jack is a shy but industrious man who has made a personal commitment to restoring our 81 year old church building to a condition every member can be proud of. To date, Jack has lead a team of volunteers to restore the parlor, first floor kitchen, and two bathrooms that have not been usable for several years. He has also coordinated contractors to resolve issues with aging plumbing, electrical wiring, and air conditioning. His individual contributions to these projects as well as application of many gallons of paint has made HFPC a truly beautiful place to worship and enjoy fellowship. If you are handy and enjoy building maintenance and restoration, contact Jack. He can put you to work on the many projects yet to be done.Our only picture of Jack is one of him celebrating his northern roots. Perhaps when he has time to relax and comb his hair we can obtain a more current picture for this page.
Kevin M. Smith R.T. (R) has served as sound and video technician since March 1997. He and Nancy, wife of eighteen years, were married at HFC. They have three daughters, Karin 9, Kelsey 6 and Kristen 3. Their girls are fourth generation members at HFPC.Born in Vineland, New Jersey, moved to Phoenix at the age of five, he considers himself a semi-native of Arizona.
Kevin received his Associates of Applied Science degree in Medical Radiography at Gateway Community College in 1994. Employed through the appliance division of General Electric for over thirteen years, he has supported numerous business functions.
Kevin enjoys photography, traveling and spending time with family.
I was born in Cd. Juarez Mexico, but resided in El Paso, Texas for 10 years prior to moving to Phoenix. I was married to Robert Reed in August of 2003 and soon after the wedding, we moved to Phoenix. Many of my relatives such as my brother, sister, nephews and nieces live in Amarillo, while my mother resides in El Paso. I have worked as a Medical Assistant and attended college to become a nurse. I hope that I can return to school soon.
Pat Latty first attended Historic First Presbyterian Church in 1994 when a friendly neighbor invited her to join her at church. Pat became a member of HFPC in 1996 and since then has been involved in a variety of ministry areas. Pat has served as an Elder on Session and was specifically assigned to lead the church in the area of Special Projects. While an active Elder, Pat was also active in assisting the refreshment team, was the Session liaison to the Board of Deacons and continues as the HFPC wedding coordinator.Pat has two adult children and four grandsons who live in Calgary, Alberta. She is married to the Rev. Allan Latty whom she met at HFPC during the time Allan was employed by the church. It was during the time that Pat and Allan were planning their own wedding at Historic First Presbyterian Church in 1999 that Pat developed the interest and passion to serve as the HFPC wedding coordinator. Together they have eleven grandchildren.
Pat has been the wedding coordinator since 2000 and loves being involved in all the drama, fun and challenges of weddings. She has done weddings as small as 60 people and as large as 400
Historic First Presbyterian Church is a beautiful and stately historic building, providing the traditional setting many couples desire when planning their wedding. If you are interested in having your wedding at Historic First Presbyterian Church, please call the church office for an information packet at 602-254-6356 or download it using the link below.
Download Wedding Manual
Kathy Schuff first attended Historic First Presbyterian Church in 1994 when her nieces were attending First Presbyterian Academy. Kathy joined her sisters, mother, aunt, and husband by becoming a member of HFPC in 1997.
Kathy and Schuyler have one adult daughter who lives in Phoenix. Kathy is employed by Wilson Elementary School District as a Special Education teacher. She loves working with her students and maintains contact with many of her former students.
Kathy has been the summer wedding coordinator since 2005 and loves being involved in all the beauty and fun of weddings. She has coordinated weddings as large as 300 and loves the challenge of helping the new couple make their special day perfect.
Historic First Presbyterian Church is a beautiful and stately historic building, providing the traditional setting many couples desire when planning their wedding. If you are interested in having your wedding at Historic First Presbyterian Church, please call the church office for an information packet at 602-254-6356 or download it using the link below.
Download Wedding Manual
Chob and his family are refugees from Sudan, sponsored by the Lutheran Social Ministry Resettlement Program. Because of the hostile attitude toward Christians in Sudan, Chob lived in a refugee camp in Cairo, Egypt for several years. Chob has a college degree from Khartoum Universitiy in Sudan and taught English and Social Studies at the intermediate school level. He speaks Arabic, Engllish, and Dinka. Chob and his wife Susu have two children, daughter Ajok (Joy), and son Kir.
Dan Sneed is a Native American (Hopi/Pima) and a native Arizonan. Dan grew up in the neighborhood around HFPC and attended grade school just down the street, at the old Adams Elementary School, now called Grace Court School. He graduated from North High School and attended Maricopa Technical College, where he studied Advertising Art.Dan's father was a retired Presbyterian pastor, who pastored the First Presbyterian Church of Sacaton on the Gila River Indian reservation, where Dan and his family worshipped. Dan has been attending HFPC since the mid-1980's and joined the staff as a custodian, in 1994. In 1997, Dan moved into the Publication Technician's position and left that position in May of 2004.
"I am glad to be back on staff and able to help HFPC in any way I can. I consider the staff and congregation of HFPC my second family."
Neil Smith brings a vast experience in construction and plumbing. Neil replaced a plugged condensation drain pipe that ran all the way from the third floor to the basement, fixing an old problem which has been causing water damage for some time. He has been instrumental in replacing all of the old plumbing in the church. Neil was born and raised in Indiana. He came to Arizona in 1979 to work at the Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant. He has 44 years of plumbing experience and loves to fix things! Neil, a widower for 27 years, has one son living here, a daughter in Indiana and 2 grandchildren.