Meet the Staff


Steve Braden,
Pastor


 

 Steve Braden


... has served our church since September, 2000. He is married to Marjorie Mason Braden, an ordained Presbyterian pastor currently serving as a spiritual care counselor for the Center for Hospice. They have two boys at Elkhart Central High School: Mason (class of 2011) and Andy (class of 2012).

A native Hoosier, Steve served the Presbyterian church in Bedford, Indiana, prior to coming to Elkhart. He was called into ministry while practicing law in Madison, Wisconsin. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan, the University of Wisconsin Law School, and McCormick Theological Seminary. His hobbies include folk music, reading, and family activities.

Email  Steve
Home Phone 574.206.0494

 Nan Morgan Adams, Interim Associate Pastor

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 ...joined our ministry team in April, 2011.  Nan brings 18 years experience in the ministry beginning with work in the inner city of Atlanta, followed by 12 years as the organizing pastor for a new church development in Florida.  Most recently Nan has served as the Interim Associate Pastor for Trinity Presbyterian in Pensacola, FL.

 Nan is an avid reader of historical mysteries, a liturgical quilter, a Southern cook (Sweet Tea, grits and hand-made caramels being among her specialties), a photographer, and a mom of 21-year-old Morgan Adams, and three kitties (only two of which will make the trip to Indiana.)  Morgan lives in Ormond Beach, FL, with her fiancĂ© and dog Bella, and works at the retailer Big Lots.

 Nan serves as lead pastor of the Bridge and works particularly in the areas of spiritual growth and mission.  She will help lead us through the self-study required in preparation for our search for the called associate pastor.   She will also work with the Deacons, Presbyterian Women, and in other areas of the church.

Email Nan

Cell Phone 1-850-218-9252

Celia Weiss,
Music Director and Organist

 WEISS Celia


...has served First Presbyterian Church, Elkhart, as a church musician since 1975.  As an organist, pianist, and accompanist well-known to local audiences, she has combined her love of teaching and performing with a rich background and interest in church music.

In addition to her responsibilities as organist at the church, Celia directs four singing choirs, ages 5 through adults.  She oversees the growing music and drama offerings and encourages the many talents of members.

Mrs. Weiss maintains an active schedule of performing and private studio teaching.  She is an Adjunct Assistance Professor of Music in the Raclin School of the Arts at Indiana University South Bend where she coordinates the piano accompanying program, and teaches classes in pedagogy, piano and organ.

Celia is married to G. Michael Weiss, an educator, and has two married sons:  Jeremy, a physical therapist in Indianapolis, and Benjamin, a violin/viola instructor at the Ashley Hall School and the College of Charleston in SC.


 
Email Celia

 


 

Brigitte Evens,
Children's Ministry Coordinator

 EVENS Brigitte


...is very excited to be your new Children's Ministries Coordinator. Her calling for this ministry began right here at First Presbyterian more than 16 years ago. She held a similar position at another church for eight years and has volunteered in many church programs ever since. She married her husband Will here at this church in 1993. They have a six year old daughter, Erienne, (rhymes with Mary Ann), who is from Guatemala. They adopted her when she was five months old and she is indeed a blessing to them.

She lives in Granger, where she likes to read and garden. She also teaches scrapbooking, card making, and beginning genealogy. "I am looking forward to getting to know you and your families and get reacquainted with those of you who I have known for awhile. Thank you for this opportunity to share the many joys I have found in this ministry with you. God bless you all."


Email Brigitte

 


 

Mary and John  Seddon,
Youth Coordinators

 John & Mary Seddon


...have been members of First Presbyterian church for 20 years, and have worked with Junior and Senior high youth for over 20 years! Our son is Chris and our daughter is Kelsey. We enjoy working with the youth and their parents. We have organized and attended mission trips, Triennium, and Fundraisers. With our own kids involved in the youth program and Sunday school, we know the importance of providing today' s youth with every opportunity to learn more about God, themselves, our community, and the world around us!

All youth in 7th to 12th grade are invited to attend both Sunday school and youth group activities!

Email John & Mary

 


 

Frank Cassella,
Coordinator of Contemporary Music

 /FRANK CASSELLA


... is a well-known local musician and businessman, Frank owns and operates "All About Fitness", located in Easy Shopping Place, Elkhart. He plays both keyboard and guitar and remains active in his Catholic church.

Email Frank

 


 

Todd Miller,
Bridge Media and Technology Coordinator

 MILLER-TODD


... has been the Bridge Technical Coordinator for the past 5 years, but has been involved in developing the sound and video systems of the Bridge since it's inception in 2003. As any Bridge regular can attest, Todd has spent untold hours not only preparing for sound and video for the Bridge services, but building the Bridge sound booth and installing and trouble-shooting the complex sound, video, and lighting systems.  Todd is a mechanical engineer, programmer, designer, Ivy Tech adjunct professor, certified network and PC technician and all-around tech-junkie and gearhead.  Todd is married to Cheryl Ann, another mechanical engineer, and has a daughter Jess 13, and a son Jonathan 10.  In his spare time he also manages to do a little work on our computers, networks, and web sites. 

Email Todd

Cinda Olinger, Church & Financial Secretary


 

OLINGER-CINDA..has served as the church's secretary since August of 1999.  She has been a church secretary since 1985 starting her career across town at Central Christian Church.  Cinda has also been our financial secretary since 2004.  She thought about going back to school to better her career earlier in life, but personally felt that her job as a church secretary was what made her most happy and thought of it as her calling.
 
Cinda was born and raised in Elkhart county.  She married her husband Dan in 1972.  They have three grown children -- Lisa, Lindsay, and Luke and eight grandchildren with another due in October 2011. 
 
Her hobbies include traveling on their Harley motorcycle with friends, reading, and of course spending as much time as possible with her family.


Custodial Staff

Terry BishopSEWARD-STEVESEWARD-STEVE

                                                 Terry Bishop (Sexton)    Steve Seward (Custodian)   Steve Slusser (Custodian)


Nursery Staff

Mary FreedSusan Kendell

                                                          Mary Freed (Coordinator)   Susan Kendel (Nursery Attendants)

                             Ashley Borders