LEADERSHIP VOTE SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021
The life of the congregation is enriched by the many different kinds of service that members offer. This represents an expression of Paul’s great picture of the church as the body of Christ, with each member contributing to the health of the whole. (I Corinthians 12) Congregational leadership is one important area of service in the church. Each year, members of First Presbyterian Church are called by the congregation to exercise a ministry of leadership within the church as Elders, Deacons, and Trustees. These are distinctive leadership roles, calling for particular gifts and commitment.
SELECTION Our collection of nominees for Elders, Deacons and Trustees is the result of a large pool of consideration. Furthermore, our selection has been based on two key attributes - a serving heart, and the talents and skills that each person brings to the First Pres family and leadership. The following leadership positions have been selected: Elder Class of 2024: Eight Deacon Class of 2024: Seventeen Trustees: Two
NOMINATING COMMITTEE Charlotte Milner (Chair), John Carter (Chair-Elect), Jean Swanson, Lynn Thompson, Eugene Garcia, Julia Troy, Charlie Smith, Ben Quirk, Walter Walthall * Those who will be holding this office for the first time at FPC are identified with an asterisk.
ELDERS IN CLASS 2024 JOHN BASS
A lifelong Presbyterian and returning Elder, I grew up attending Northwood Presbyterian Church in San Antonio. I am married to Shelley and blessed with four grown children and a new son and daughter in-law. We joined FPC in 1995. I have served as an Elder on two separate rotations. I was a Member of the Stewardship and Finance Committee and Church Treasurer. Shelley and I also chaired the Stewardship Campaign many years ago. I have taught children’s Sunday School and regularly attended the Mighty Acts of God Sunday School class. I recently joined the Connections Adult Sunday School class and The Tribe - a Men’s Thursday morning Bible study. I have also enjoyed attending the Men’s Ministry Fellowship events. After a 36+ year career with UnitedHealthcare, I am now a health and benefit consultant with McGriff Insurance Services, a national risk and employee benefits consulting firm and subsidiary of Truist Financial.
CHUCK BUNN
My wife Ann Lehr Bunn and I have three daughters between us and three grandchildren as well. Ann is a lifelong member of FPC and I joined in the late 1990s. I have served as both deacon and two rotations as elder and have served on multiple committees. We are currently members of two different Bible studies and fellowships both of which continue to meet by Zoom. As members of FPC, we have witnessed how God has worked in and through this difficult time to bring comfort and challenges to this portion of His family. I am deeply passionate about sharing the news of Jesus in San Antonio. I currently chair FPC’s church plant committee and cannot wait to see how God is going to use our church in spreading the gospel through planting in the years to come.
ELDERS IN CLASS 2024 JIM CLOUSE *
My wife, Grace, and I joined FPC in 2016, after moving here from the midwest. We have been married for 56 years; and we have two children. Mark lives in Philadelphia, and Eleanor, also a member of FPC, resides in San Antonio. I retired after 36 years in the pharmaceutical industry. During our time at FPC, we have been very active in KEYS, and served as greeters on Sunday morning. Also I am a member of the Thursday morning Men’s Prayer group. I am looking forward to serving in God’s work as an Elder of FPC.
SALLIE GUY
Sallie Guy has been a member of First Presbyterian Church for over 40 years, having been raised and confirmed here. She is married to Tom, and they have two adult children, Logan and Maddie. As a child, she sang in the FPC children’s choir, attended VBS and spent many summers at Mo Ranch, and she feels blessed to have continued those traditions with her own family. Sallie has served as an Elder, a Deacon, a member of every “stage” committee from Nursery to College and Young Adults, along with other committee and ministry positions of the church and Bible study groups. She is a student of the Bridges Sunday School Class and the Pastor’s Bible Study, and she’s a proud member of the Handbell Choir. Sallie is humbled to serve again on the Session.
JOBE JACKSON *
Jobe and his wife Ashley are life-long covenant partners at FPC and were married at the church in 2016. Jobe and Ashley have two sons, J.W. (Jobe Warren) and Pearce, and they look forward to raising their children at FPC. Jobe currently serves as the Moderator of the Diaconate, has previously served on various committees at FPC, and he and Ashley have taught Confirmation together since 2014. Jobe looks forward to serving on the Session to continue sharing his love for Christ and being a part of this special church family.
ELDERS IN CLASS 2024 GARDNER PEAVY *
Gardner Peavy is a Managing Director with CBRE, responsible for leading CBRE’s San Antonio office and directing operations for over 20 million square-feet of commercial property in the San Antonio market. Mr. Peavy has been active in the commercial real estate industry for over 20 years and has completed over $500 million in commercial transactions inclusive of large regional property and major corporate leases. Mr. Peavy holds a BBA in Marketing from Baylor University - Hankamer School of Business and an MBA in Marketing/Finance from Texas Christian University - M.J. Neeley School of Business. Mr. Peavy has a long history of public service which includes San Antonio Rotary Club Member, Real Estate Council of San Antonio Member, Texas Biomedical Founders Council, UT Health Science Center, Development Board Member, Texas Cavaliers Member, and Goodwill Industries – San Antonio Board Member. Mr. Peavy is married to Jill (Laman) Peavy and they have three sons, Kyle, Keller and Caleb.
TRIPP STUART (NORTON A. STUART III, MD)
Tripp is excited for the chance to return to the Session. He most recently served as Clerk of the Session, and in the past has also served on the Diaconate, as Chair of the Adult Education and Discipleship Committee, and has taught Sunday School. He is married to Chaney, a deacon, and they have three children, Campbell 30, Harrison, 20, and Jennings, 18. The Stuart family moved to San Antonio and joined FPC in 1998. Tripp is a civilian anesthesiologist at BAMC.
HOLLY YOUNGQUIST
Holly and her husband David met at FPC through the Young Adult Ministry and were married in the Sanctuary May 1990. They have two married children and one grandchild. Hunt, Eliza and Jack live in Dallas. Lucy and Josh recently moved back to San Antonio and attend FPC. Holly was a stay-at-home mom and volunteered at San Antonio Christian Schools where both Hunt and Lucy attended school and at First Presbyterian Church. Holly also taught in the Children’s Day Out program at FPC for 11 years. Holly and David have a heart for Young Adult Ministry and love hosting fellowship gatherings in their home. She looks forward to serving as an elder and is humbled at the opportunity. She is open and excited to see where God is growing, changing and challenging our congregation.
DEACONS IN CLASS 2024 LAUREL BROCKSCHMIDT *
My husband, Branson, and I joined the church in 2016 shortly after moving to San Antonio from our home state of North Carolina. Knowing no one in the great state of Texas, we came to FPC seeking a church family. God provided us with so much more than that – authentic Christian community, a deeper knowledge of who Christ is, opportunities to serve in our community and world, and more. I currently serve on the Young Adult/College committee and captain a Sunday morning greeting team with Branson. I have participated in local and global mission trips and held leadership roles in the young adult community.
EVA ECKBURG *
Eva and Jim joined FPC in 2018. Born in Bochum, Germany; the Lutheran Church in Dows, Iowa sponsored her family’s immigration to the United States. After graduating from the University of Iowa, she joined the Air Force where she met her B-52 pilot husband of 39 years. They have one daughter, Erika. As the Consultant to the Air Force Surgeon General for Physical/ Occupational Therapy and Medical Rapid Response Force Commander for Humanitarian Relief, she retired after 30 years of service. Her therapy passion took her on six medical missions to Port-au-Prince, Haiti under Project Medishare and a Lutheran Mission Haiti project in Gonaives/Jubilee. She headed the International PTA program development for Haiti following the earthquake. Eva also works throughout Alaska as a traveling PT. While in Alaska, she and Jim worked with Samaritan’s Purse to build a church in Nome and headed a charity project in Dillingham AK providing over $4,000 in food, clothing and blankets. She has been an elder, Clerk of Session, deacon, Sunday school co-superintendent, Sunday school teacher, VBS teacher, Christmas pageant director, choir member, Bible study leader for Chinese students, and participates in Emmaus. She has served as a volunteer at the House of Neighborly Services and has been a CAM volunteer for 14 years.
WILL ETHEREDGE *
Will joined wife Marilyn at First Presbyterian in October of 2014. Now retired, Will enjoys spending time with Marilyn and the grandkids. He is an avid hunter and fisherman. Will enjoys participating in a small group, the Arthur Gray Jones Sunday school class and serving in various ways at First Presbyterian.
DEACONS IN CLASS 2024 NANCY GERFERS *
Nancy joined her husband, Butch as a First Pres covenant partner over two years ago. After retiring as a school psychologist working with special education populations and their families at Northside and Ft. Sam Houston, Nancy is pursuing her life-long love of art through painting and collage, gardening, and reading. Nancy is the mom of wonderful twin daughters, Fran and Andrea and has been blessed with the addition of Butch’s three sons, Trey, Andrew, and Joe, his wife, Meredith and granddaughter Emaline to complete her new family. Participating in the Gleneagles Small group, Friday Singers, and the Shawl Ministry, Nancy is also using her counselling skills with Butch as a facilitator of the DivorceCare ministry.
ROBIN HUDNALL *
Robin and husband Clayton joined FPC in 1986. Their now grown children, Caroline and Clark, were both baptized and confirmed in this church. After retiring as Fashion Editor of the Express-News in 1989, Robin focused her volunteer work at church and her children’s schools in the AHISD. Robin has served FPC as an Elder in the Class of 2011, Chair of the Children’s Ministry Committee, Chair of the Nursery Committee, Co-Chair of Vacation Bible School, Confirmation teacher and mentor, Thursday Morning Bible Study leader, Officer Nominating Committee member, Chair of an Associate Pastor Search Committee, Co-Chair of WOC luncheons, Circle 20 and a reading mentor through FPC/SA Youth Literacy. She looks forward to reaching out to church members with care and compassion in her new role as deacon.
KIECH JUNG *
Kiech and Susan have been members since 2019. Kiech is a San Antonio native and Susan is a Midland native whom he met and married while in Midland from 19771990. They are proud parents of two wonderful, grown daughters Gretchen McAlister and Lindsay Jung living in Midland and San Antonio. Kiech works for Mesa Southern Well Service and Susan is an Interior Designer. The whole family has grown up as members of Presbyterian Churches in Midland and San Antonio. Kiech was a Deacon at First Presbyterian Church in Midland from 1986-1990. Kiech is honored to be a Deacon and looks forward to serving the Lord and assisting FPC in its mission in service to God’s people.
DEACONS IN CLASS 2024 KIRK ODEN *
The son and grandson of Presbyterians, Kirk Oden was born in El Paso, Texas and moved to San Antonio in 1993. He and his wife Kasey joined First Presbyterian in 2002, and all four of their children have been baptized in the church; two have been confirmed (Callie and Isaac), one is currently in confirmation (Everett) and the youngest will get his chance in a few years (Reeves). Kirk has acted as a mentor for confirmands in the past and is looking forward to this opportunity to serve as a Deacon of the church. Kirk founded and is a partner at Trinity Real Estate Finance, a commercial mortgage banking firm focused on the markets and communities in Texas. Currently he can be found Sunday mornings attending the confirmation class with his 8th grader (a great refresher!).
BLAIR PERRY *
Blair Perry joined First Presbyterian Church in 1989. She has had the privilege to serve in many areas of the church from co-chairing Vacation Bible School to being an elementary and middle school Sunday School teacher. She has worked on WOC luncheon committees, as a greeter, and has been on the Children’s Ministry Committee. She is grateful that her two daughters, Paige and Peyton, built a strong faith foundation while growing up in FPC. Blair is delighted to have the opportunity as a deacon to Love Christ, Love One Another, and Love the City!
JOHN PETERS *
I am a life-long Presbyterian. I grew up in New Braunfels where my father was the senior pastor at New Braunfels Presbyterian Church for many years (he knew and had great respect for the late Rev. Zbinden). After finishing high school, I moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas. I lived there for many years and relocated to San Antonio in 2018. That same year I joined FPC. It has been a truly wonderful church to be a part of. The level of faithfulness I have witnessed from the membership has been truly inspiring. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking and exploring the great outdoors, listening to classical music and opera, reading history, and studying the sciences. The passage of scripture which I focus on more than any other to guide me in life is Proverbs 9:10 which says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” I am employed by United Parcel Service.
DEACONS IN CLASS 2024 NANCY RICE *
I originally joined FPC in 1986; and after being gone for a number of years I rejoined in the fall of 2015. I currently serve on the greeting team, and the hospital flower committee; and I am a member of Circle 11, and the Connections Sunday School Class. I retired last March and have been seeking ways to better serve the body of Christ; therefore I am excited to have the opportunity to serve as a new deacon.
MARIANNE RYAN *
Marianne and her husband Don joined FPC in 2018 when they moved from the Boerne area to Southtown. They have been married 32 years and have one son Jacob who is married and lives in Memphis. Marianne enjoys volunteering as well as hiking, playing tennis, traveling and reading. She serves on the local missions and prayer ministry committees. She also is a greeter/ usher for the 11:02 service and is involved with SA Heals and KRL. The mission and love of FPC drew Marianne and Don to become covenant partners and she is looking forward to serving as a deacon.
YELENA (ALVARADO) SELETSKAYA *
Yelena was born in Gomel, Belarus and relocated to San Antonio in 1994. Yelena is daughter of Aaron and Irina Villastrigo, who are also covenant partners at FPC. She is married to Chris Alvarado and they have two young children, Kingston Gio and Talia. Yelena is an attorney representing clients in complex commercial real estate and business transactions. Prior to joining FPC, she was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church of San Antonio, where she was a continued participant in “The Mission Belarus”. At FPC, she is a participant in “The Mission Poland” and attends Sunday School Bible Study. Yelena is humbled by the opportunity to be of service to FPC and our community as a deacon by sharing the love and the good news of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
DEACONS IN CLASS 2024 MARTHA SMITH *
I joined FPC in 1976 and have sat in the same pew ever since! I’ve served on various committees (Nursery, Children’s Ministry, College Ministry). I co-chaired VBS with Melinda Biggs. I’m a member of Circle 20 and have recently started to participate in the Literature Circle. My husband Gordon and I have many happy memories of teaching Sunday School and helping with Wee Worship. Gordon and I have two grown children, Helen and Graham, who were baptized and confirmed at FPC. I teach Freshman Composition at UTSA.
ZACH SMITH *
I am married to Kelsey Ray Smith and we have two daughters, Caroline (4) and Molly (2), and a third child due in July. Kelsey grew up at FPC and I became a Covenant Partner when we moved to San Antonio in 2015. When not practicing dentistry, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, as well as watching Aggie football. I have had the privilege to serve as a member of the Local Missions Committee, a confirmation mentor, a greeter, and I attend the Tribe men’s gatherings. I look forward to serving the Lord, this church, and community as a Deacon.
CHERI STITH
I am so excited to be serving as a deacon again for FPC. My husband Russell and I have been members of FPC for 36 years. We have raised all three of our children in the church. We are proud parents of Christina, who recently got married to Marshall Heins in November at the church, and Maricarolyn and Sutherland. I have served in many places around our church. Sunday school, youth leaders, Vacation Bible school, Bible studies and women’s ministry church luncheon decorations etc. I look forward to being more involved again this year.
DEACONS IN CLASS 2024 KATHY TIMBERLAKE *
Kathy Timberlake is excited to begin serving as a Deacon. She has been a member since 2000 and served as the Director of Children’s Ministry for over 12 years. While on staff Kathy was a part of the Children’s Ministry committee, Nursery Committee, Stewardship Committee and helped develop the J.O.Y. Ministry (for special needs). She has been a co-leader of a Bible study/small group here at FPC for 20 years. Kathy currently is serving as a coordinator for the 2nd Sunday Greeter team, as part of the WOC’s decorating team, and is very interested in women’s ministry. Kathy has two grown children and four grandchildren. She is the author of the book ‘The Hand Prayer’ and has led and spoken at women’s retreats, Cursillo, and Faith Alive weekends.
MARY WILDE *
Mary Wilde is a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church. She grew up in the church, having been baptized as an infant, attended Sunday school, as well as being involved in youth activities. Her greatgrandfather, grandfather, and mother and father were very active in the life of First Presbyterian. She and her husband of 18 years were married by Dr. Louis Zbinden, his last ceremony prior to retirement. Mary recently retired from San Antonio Academy after a 32 year career. She looks forward to serving as a Deacon for the first time.
TRUSTEES BUDDY JOHNSON
My wife Pat and I have been members of First Presbyterian Church, San Antonio since 1986. An Elder on rotation for the second time, I have served as Chair of the Personnel and Property Committees, taught various children and youth Sunday School classes through the years, and have been an usher and/or usher team captain for over 30 years. Pat and I have two sons, Matt and Brad, a daughter-in-law, Lisa and three grandchildren, Field, Margaret Ann and Clara. I am honored to serve this Church in any capacity for it has meant so much to our family and I am eternally grateful for the many lifelong, Christian friendships we have formed at FPC.
STUART SEAL
Having been a part of First Presbyterian Church my entire life, I am blessed to know and feel the love of the church with its fi rm foundations, and congregation with Jesus Christ in its hearts. I am married to Sharon Bell Seal and we have 2 daughters, Marianna and Virginia - all are FPC members. I have been an Elder and a Deacon, taught Sunday School, served as a leader in Confi rmation Class, chaired the Youth Committee, served on the Flower Committee, taught adult Bible Study and Wednesday night classes, and more. Each experience showed me how God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ works through our dedicated and faithfully convicted fellow Covenant Partners, and see Christ in those whose lives that are touched by the love emanating from First Presbyterian Church.