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First Presbyterian Church of Garner

 New Hope Presbytery
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Ministers -- The People

Senior Pastor -- Rev. Dr. Jim Ferry

Jim is deeply committed to our church. Having been with us now for many years he loves preaching, teaching and leading worship, but his greatest passion is people. He loves talking with them, sharing with them, comforting them, challenging them, and calling them to deeper faith and service.. Jim constantly strives to encourage us all in our journeys of faith.. His greatest desire is for each of us and this congregation to grow in the depth of our faith and the constancy of our service to others. He feels this church has been such a growing place for him personally. And, he urges you to come join in the journey – “lifting up Christ and building up people”.

Youth Pastor -- Sam Boldenow

Sam recently graduated from Calvin seminary school in Michigan, and has been a wonderful addition to our youth program.  He was born in Costa Rica and is fluent in Spanish.  He moved to North Carolina when his wife was accepted into the University of North Carolina.  He leads Bible lessons and group activites during youth group on Sunday evenings.  He is also helping Jim lead confirmation classes in Sunday School, leads many youth mission projects, and preaches on Sunday every once in awhile!  He enjoys interacting with others and discussing the "important things in life."  In his free time he enjoys reading, hiking, and playing Frisbee.  He and his wife live in Chapel Hill.

Music Director -- Rev. Rose Gurkin

Rose began her ministry with us in September, 2001. She has over 20 years experience on church staffs and brings her love for music and her dedication to her faith together in service as our Music Director. She has a BS in Music Education from Western Carolina University and a M. Div. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Rose believes that every person has music within them and strives to provide multiple opportunities for every person to worship meaningfully with music and to grow in their faith through participation in the Adult Choir, Handbell Choir and Kid's Choir. Rose also works full-time as an Administrative Assistant for the North Carolina Council of Churches. She and her husband Michael live in North Raleigh with three very spoiled cats.

Organist -- Mrs. Gloria Oelke

Gloria has been church organist since April 1992. She grew up in Highland County, VA, met her husband Bruce in Emporia, KS and moved to NC in July 1984. Bruce and Gloria have 2 daughters and 2 granddaughters with a grandson due in December 2004. Gloria’s family background is very musical and her grandmother was a country church pianist for 70+ years so she has quite a bit to strive for. Gloria enjoys playing for church and believes music is her way to minister to others. Gloria has a BS degree in mathematics from Longwood College (now Longwood University) in Farmville, VA and is employed by First Citizens Bank as a senior programmer analyst.

Office Administrator -- Mrs. Barbara Mayette

Information coming soon!