|
Rev. Leon Bloder, Pastor
Leon was called as the pastor of 1st Presbyterian Church
in August of 2008. Leon has a B.A. in History and
English Literature from Florida State University and has
spent the past 12 years in church ministry. Leon
graduated with an M.Div degree from McCormick
Theological Seminary in Chicago in 2003. Leon is
married to Merideth and has two boys, Jay & Jackson.
Email Leon at
lbloder@mac.com
Cynthia D. Curtis, Director of Music
Cindy has been the director of Music at 1st Presbyterian
Church since 1978, and has a Bachelor of Music
Performance from the University of Central Florida, and
has engaged in post-graduate studies at Westminster
Choir College, Princeton. Cindy leads all of the choirs
at First Church including our Chancel Choir, Gold
Handbell Choir and Youth Ringers.
Jay Crouch, Director of Student Ministries
Jay
Crouch joined us in March 2009 as our Director of
Student Ministries (middle school, high school and
college-age students). Jay is a 13-year student
ministry veteran who is a huge Ohio State Buckeyes fan
and who has three children, all of whom will be/are
attending Florida Southern University. Jay once
worked as a blacksmith--a skill that not that many
student ministers can claim to have! He also worked
for Group Publishing and has served as a pastor in the
Disciples of Christ Church and as a student minister
in churches from all denominations and backgrounds.
Email Jay at
youthdirector@yahoo.com
Melanie Howard, Parish Administrator
Melanie
joined the FPCE staff in July 2010 as our church's
full time administrator. Melanie has a BS from
Bates College in Lewiston Maine and has done
Master's work in Administration at St. Joseph's
College, Maine. She's also earned a degree in
Nursing. Melanie served for seven years as a Clerk
of Session in the Philadelphia Presbytery, and has
many years of experience as a church administrator.
Melanie is also an ordained deacon and elder in the
Presbyterian Church (USA). Email Melanie at
Melanie@fpceustis.com
Laurel Climo, Director of Children's Ministries
Laurel hails from the great Buckeye State, Ohio. She
was born and raised in Monclova, a small suburb just
outside of Toledo. She met her husband Ryan in High
school and they have been married 12 years. They are
blessed with 2 wonderful boys. Laurel has a BBA from
the University of Toledo and in her spare time she
coaches co-ed softball and youth soccer. Laurel has
served in a variety ministries to children and as a
Church Administrator. You can email Laurel at
lclimo9779@gmail.com
Rob Wilcox, Technology Coordinator
Rob
Wilcox is a former graduate of Eustis High
School, who went on to attend Everest University
where he received a degree in Film & Video. Rob
has been working with media in churches since he
was a freshmen in high school, and currently
works for PSAV, a company that provides audio
and video support for several hotels at Lake
Buena Vista. Rob also has his own media company
that provides a number of media-related services
to companies and individuals. Rob
coordinates all of the audio/video production
for our worship services as well as recruiting,
training and leading volunteer media
specialists.
Email Rob at
wilcoxrob@yahoo.com
Nancy MacDonald, Nursery Director
Nancy
has been the Nursery Director at First
Presbyterian Church for over 34 years. Some of the
little ones she's cared for over the years have had the
privilege of bringing their own children to her now.
Nancy is completely dedicated to the growth, nurture
and well-being of all of the children in her care. A
few years ago, in appreciation for her dedication and
her hard work, the congregation dedicated the nursery in
her name and in her honor. We are blessed to have Nancy
on our staff and serving in ministry at First
Presbyterian Church.
Doug McMichael, Caretaker
Doug has been the caretaker at First Church since 1998
when he came to do some remodeling in our church office
building, and did such a good job he was offered the
position shortly thereafter. Doug has a B.A. from the
University of Florida in Mechanical Engineering, and he
has spent time working in Sales and even a stint as a
camp director for the United Methodist Church. He is
married to Carol, and says that they are a “matched
set.”
Support Staff
Joyce Delabar, Financial Secretary
Autumn Driggers, Nursery Attendant
Melissa Curry, Librarian
B. Grassel, Parish Nurse
Maggie, Church Cat
Maggie is our church cat, who spends a great deal of
time sitting on the front porch of the church office,
and on our Administrator’s desk. Maggie writes a column
for our church newsletter, Tower Bells, and enjoys
sitting in the sun, and giving the pastor advice. |