Personnel

Today we offer a new feature “Staff Spotlight” and we begin with Sharman Pfaus, our Executive Office Manager. Of Sharman, who has faithfully served our congregation for close to thirteen years, Senior Pastor Craig Goodrich says: “Sharman is exceptional. She has a strong work ethic, amazing commitment and excellent judgment. During the pandemic she has led us well, involved in every major decision and overseeing all administrative matters. Sharman resources our Reopening Task Force, the Personnel Committee and the Session. A team player, Sharman serves our church with integrity, perseverance and compassion. A calm, steady and trustworthy presence, Sharman is a gift to our congregation and staff.”

Sharman grew up in the small town of Chelsea, Michigan. She began serving the church in high school at the Zion Lutheran Church in her hometown as a secretary, producing bulletins, newsletters and other administrative tasks. She also was a volunteer Sunday School Superintendent and teacher for several years. She married her husband, Bill, in 1976. They have four grown daughters and five granddaughters. They joined the Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Manchester, Michigan where her husband was Treasurer and President of the congregation. Sharman was also the Deacon Moderator as well as the church’s Administrator. Bill and Sharman enjoyed being youth leaders for over five years and were instrumental in developing the UCC statewide camp program and serving as leaders at the camp for several summers. Sharman was a member of several teams to organize State, Regional, and National Youth events, providing workshops in building successful youth programs and groups. Sharman attended courses in STEM (Systematic Training for Effective Ministry) through the Michigan UCC Conference. In 1997 and 1998 Sharman and Bill co-led two groups of over 80 people on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. In 1999 they organized and led a group to Germany, Switzerland and France prior to their move to Naples. They have also spent time touring London, however, their most memorable trips were when they were in Israel and sharing those experiences with many of their close friends. In 1999, Sharman accepted a position at Naples UCC as their Administrator. She eventually found her way to FPCN in 2004, served for 3½ years as Administrator before leaving to pursue another opportunity. In 2010, she returned to FPCN and has since been serving as the church’s Executive Office Manager. Sharman holds two professional human resource certifications from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). Sharman is also a member of HR Collier, a chapter of the SHRM institute for Human Resources. Other working experiences have found Sharman working in the medical field as a coding and insurance biller. However, her passion and calling continues to be in church work. Sharman enjoys spending time with her family, reading and walking on the beach.