Our Ministers

Our Pastor, Lay Leaders, and Staff all participate in the ministry of First Christian Church.  We'd like to introduce ourselves, so you can know who does what and how to get in touch with us.

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PASTOR ~ Rev. Rebecca K. Littlejohn has been pastor of First Christian since October, 2001.  She is a native of Eureka, Illinois, and a graduate of Carleton College (B.A.) and Pacific School of Religion (M.Div.).  In addition to her work at our church, she serves on the boards of Interfaith Ministries, Habitat for Humanity and All Saints Interfaith Center of Concern, as Chair of the Regional Committee on the Ministry, and as Chair of the Anti-Racism Team for the Board of Disciples Home Missions.  She is also a popular retreat leader.  She has been married to Todd Lesh since June 2003.  Her passions include helping people actively follow Jesus, community organizing, reading, art, dance, and Mediterranean food.  You may contact Pastor Rebecca by email at pastorbecky@yahoo.com or by calling the church office at 236-1316.
ELDERS ~ The Elders of First Christian Church are considered the spiritual leaders of the congregation.  They serve at the Table during the Lord's Supper in worship and bring that shared meal to members who can no longer attend services.  They can provide counsel to members and serve as assistants to the pastor in worship and other leadership capacities.  Elders currently serving include (first row) Maria Zamarripa, Suzy Spiceland, Mary Elizabeth Johnson (emerita), Judy Bell, (second row) Marie Bittle, Anne Phillips, Robert Soleman and Pastor Rebecca Littlejohn.  Bill Rowland and Sara Carter are Elders emeriti and Ted Waldrep is currently not serving. (not pictured)
DEACONS ~ The deacons of First Christian Church are those called to positions of servant leadership.  Their primary responsibility is the preparation and serving of communion.  Deacons are also encouraged to find other ways to serve the congregation and God's people that fit their particular spiritual gifts.  The 2009 Diaconate includes (first row) Eva McCullough, Janna Sutherland, Janie Morrow, (second row) Jennifer Roszell, Joanne Wells, Lori Hays, (third row) Scott Roszell, Kenny Hays, and Dick Bell.  Not pictured are Colin Green, Don Jones, Karen Reaves and Junior Deacon Lacy Frintner.  Deacons emeriti include Bill Davis, Lela Davis, Gerry Morris and Julia Smith.
COUNCIL ~ The Council of First Christian Church is the decision-making body charged with setting the course of the church's ministry.  It is made up of the congregation's moderator, vice-moderator, secretary, treasurer, chair of the trustees, and representatives from our four Coordinating Teams.  The Council meets once each quarter (in February, May, August and November).  The 2009 Council consists of:  (first row) Moderator Judy Bell, Secretary Janna Sutherland, Treasurer Janie Morrow, Vice-Moderator Kenny Hays, (second row) Stewardship C-Team Rep Arlan Roszell, Fellowship C-Team Rep Suzy Spiceland, Mission C-Team Rep Joanne Wells, and Spiritual Formation C-Team Rep Anne Phillips.  Not pictured is Trustees Chair Bill Rowland.  Officers who do not serve on the Council are Assistant Treasurer Suzy Spiceland and Financial Secretary Anne Phillips.
COORDINATING TEAMS ~ The Coordinating Teams are the groups that envision and plan the ministries of our church.  The four Teams include:  Spiritual Formation ~ Anne Phillips, Karen Reaves (not pictured), Julie Nix; Mission ~ Joanne Wells, Dick Bell, Trace Smith; Fellowship ~ Suzy Spiceland, Deane Albright (not pictured), Maria Zamarripa; Stewardship ~ Arlan Roszell, Janie Morrow, Marie Bittle.
TRUSTEES ~ The Trustees of First Christian Church are those entrusted with legal jurisdiction over the congregation's assets.  They include Sara Carter (not pictured), Robert Soleman, Bill Rowland (not pictured), and Arlan Roszell.
CHURCH SECRETARY ~ Our church's secretary is Judy Engelhart.  She works in the office Mondays through Fridays, from 10:00 to 2:00.  She helps keep us together, calls us to remind us about meetings, and generally enables our ministry to keep going!  Judy is an active member of First United Methodist Church of Saks and serves in Conference leadership roles for the United Methodist Women.
MUSIC DIRECTOR ~ Gerald Roberts has been organist, choir director and multi-talented music man at First Christian for over 20 years.  He is well-known in the community for his talent and has taught piano to hundreds of local students.
NURSERY ATTENDANT ~ Tristan Frintner, our nursery attendant, is a student at Jacksonville State University.  Tristan has many interests including drama,science and sports.  Having grown up in First Christian Church, Tristan has been a member for over eight years.  She is a waitress at Effina's Tuscan Grill in Jacksonville.  She enjoys children and has two younger sisters whom she frequently looks after.
CUSTODIAN ~ Freda Maddox Cobb is our custodian and has worked for the church for many years.  Her hobbies include anything related to plants or animals.  Ask her about her dogs!