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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Fernandina Beach, FL |
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“A caring congregation nurturing
spiritual growth and demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ.” |
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of the lord” Matthew 25:21
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We are blessed to have a friendly and efficient staff to coordinate all God's ministers (clergy and laity) at FPC. |
Interim Pastor - Rev. Dr. Bruce Lancaster
 I am a native of Louisiana, having grown up in the small town of Vidalia, on the banks of the Mississippi River.
I graduated from Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe, Louisiana, in 1973 with a degree in Business
Administration and went to work as the Assistant Director of Lookout Mountain Camp and Conference Center in
Mentone, Alabama. I am 60 years old.
In the fall of 1975 I heard the call to ministry and returned to
Louisiana in order to enter Columbia Theological Seminary as a candidate from my home church. After 25 years
of serving installed pastorates in Prescott, Arkansas; Canton, Mississippi; Decatur, Alabama; and Midlothian,
Virginia, while on a sabbatical, I heard a new call – to enter the field of Interim Ministry. I have served
as Interim Pastor in Darlington, South Carolina; Greenville, Mississippi; and for Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian
Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
I have found the challenges and joys of Interim Ministry to be most fulfilling. A good description of what
needs to happen as a church makes the transition between installed pastors is found in a poem by the late
Mattie Stepanek, “What really matters is choosing what really matters.” My call is to provide guidance,
support, and encouragement as a congregation discerns not just the answers, but the right questions about what
really matters for mission and ministry as the church prepares for life with a new pastor.
My wife, Cathi, and I have been married for 34 years. Cathi works as a consultant for the national Office of
Head Start, serving on Review Teams that evaluate local Head Start programs throughout the nation. We have
two daughters, Eleanor and Emily. Eleanor graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati in 2003 works for
BBDO Advertising in Atlanta, and serves as an Elder at Central Presbyterian Church. Emily graduated from
Queens University in Charlotte in 2007 and works for RAI Ministries, a community rebuilding organization, in
New Orleans as Director of Volunteer Relations.
Cathi and I enjoy traveling and getting together with our extended families. We enjoy photography, the movies,
walking, and entertaining in our home. I like to cook as a way of relaxing. Golf is one activity I always
wish I had more time for, and the way I play shows my wish has never been granted! I enjoy most of the
spectator sports (especially college football and basketball); like to sit back with a good novel or biography
for pleasure reading; am eclectic in my musical playlists; and I drink my coffee black!
Associate Pastor - Dr. Doug Ganyo
The oldest of 12 children, Douglas Richard Ganyo was born in the Red River Valley of North Dakota.
He was baptized and confirmed at the Federated Church of Grafton, ND where, under their Presbyterian pastor, he
was nurtured in the faith. In College he was challenged further and gave his heart and life deeper in a personal
relationship with Christ.
An Air Force Christian Officer’s small group was instrumental in sending Doug to Gordon-Conwell Seminary near Boston, MA
During his first “call” in rural Iowa Doug began further study at Dubuque Seminary leading to a Doctorate in Pastoral Care and
Counseling from Dubuque Presbyterian Seminary.
In the ministry, Doug has served several churches in multiple roles, ranging from solo pastor in a small church, to head of staff and senior pastor positions, and
associate pastor specializing in pastoral care.
He has always been very active at the Presbytery level and was a commissioner to General Assembly.
Director of Youth and Families - Forrest Foxworth
Forrest was born in Amory, Mississippi. His parents worked for Wycliffe Bible Translaters for much
of his childhood, so he split time between Mississippi and Papua New Guinea. He finished high school
in Starkville. His parents, his sister (Laura) and her husband (Eric) live there now. His brother
(Stirling) lives in Jackson, MS. Forrest and his wife (Ginny) both attended Belhaven Univeristy in
Jackson, MS. Forrest double-majored in Biblical Studies and Sports Ministry. During college, he
interned under Gregg Parker in Corinth, MS. Gregg taught him a lot... but did insist on being called
"Bossman". Forrest has since worked in a variety of church settings. Prior to Fernandina, he was
Youth/CLC Director at First Presbyterian Church in Tupelo, MS. Forrest and Ginny have a daughter
(Ruby), a son (Lee), and a boxer (Gunner). He is an avid Arsenal fan, loves music, has walked on the
moon, invented trees, has 12 Olympic medals, and enjoys fabricating details of his website bio.
Pastor's Secretary - Gayle Wood
Gayle joined FPC in May 2009. She has two children and three grandchildren. Always having dreams to live near the beach, she moved to Fernandina in 2006 after having retired from managing the family's jewelry business in a small town in southern Mississippi.
Bookkeeper/Secretary - Rose Anderson
Rose attended the Southwestern Bible College, in Waxahachie, Texas. While living in Wichita Falls, Texas she worked as the Financial Secretary at First Presbyterian Church and Evangel Temple. Her father is a retired pastor so she grew up in church work. She moved to the Fernandina Beach area in August 2002. Rose has two children, Eric 17, and Kelci, 13. Her hobbies include playing the guitar writing songs, and entertaining at children's birthday parties. She has worked at our church since September 2003.
Director or Christian Education/Program Coordinator - Doris Davis
Doris started with us on August 1st, 2006 after serving for several years as Director of Christian Education at a neighboring church and comes with the most positive of references. Having worked on programs presented jointly by that church and First Presbyterian, she is well known to many persons in our congregation. Doris' principal responsibilities will lie in the areas of Christian Education and church program development.
Choir Director - Gabriela Stegman
Gabriela has a broad background in music, with a professional classical music degree, having studied with some of the great masters of music in South America. She is interested in the broad variety of music that our choir enjoys and looks forward to working with our wonderful group to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” Gabriela has work experience as a piano teacher, choir director (leading six choirs in twelve years) and is an accomplished vocal arranger. We look forward to her bringing a new dimension to our music program.
Organist - Carol Whitman
Carol is a graduate of the University of Louisville in Kentucky with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education with honors in violin. Carol not only makes magic at our sanctuary organ and grand piano, she is also a violinist with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Carol has also donated a lot of her time and skills helping with many other church programs.
Nursery Director - Sarah Jane Cripe
Sarah Jane has provided a friendly, caring, loving atmosphere in our nursery for over a decade. All our children enjoy seeing her familiar face while they are separated from their parents.
Sexton - Tony Brewer
Tony has accepted the challenging task of keeping our extensive collection of buildings and systems in good operating condition.
Volunteer of the Month:
Audio Technician/Media Advisor - John Cazell
John has run the multimedia computer for the Contemporary Service.
He has also run the multi-channel sound system during the traditional service in the sanctuary.
He has also been the videographer for mission trips and special events.
He has also created slide shows and Power Point presentations to document and promote special events.
First Presbyterian Church -- a great staff to serve you!
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