LEADERSHIP VOTE SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2022
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 2025: Eight Deacon Class of 2025: Seventeen Trustees: Two
NOMINATING COMMITTEE John Bass (Chair), Nancy Black, Sallie Guy, Shelley Bass, Gardner Peavy Sara Sharpe, Carter Ray, Chuck Bunn
* Those who will be holding this office for the first time at FPC are identified with an asterisk.
ELDERS IN CLASS 2025 TYLER BURNETT*
Tyler joined FPC in 1990 where he and Maggie met and married. They are blessed with two adult children: Emmy (Raleigh, North Carolina) and Price (Fort Worth, Texas). Tyler has served as a Deacon and on various committees including Personnel, Officer Nominating and Adult Education. He has been involved with greeting, Sunday school teaching, new member classes, deacon training and various other ministries. He currently works for The Menninger Clinic. Service to Christ and FPC are considered an honor by Tyler.
MIKE CHARLTON
Michael Charlton is the Associate Vice President for Facilities, Safety, and Risk Management for the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He holds a bachelors degree in physics and a masters degree in health physics from Texas A&M University and a masters of public health from the University of Texas School of Public Health. He completed a Ph.D. in Health Physics at Texas A&M University. In 2017, he graduated with a Certificate in Theology and Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. Mike served on the Session from 2016 to 2019 and as a Trustee of the FPC Board of Trustees from 2017 to 2020. He has served on the Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Stewardship & Finance, and Christian Education Committees over the past 15 years. I taught Sunday School in the Children’s Ministry area for nearly a decade. He has also been team teaching the “Thirty Minutes of Theology” with Rev. Fuller and Eugene Garcia on Sunday mornings for the past two years.
ELDERS IN CLASS 2025 MARTHA MAYNARD
I started attending FPC San Antonio as a young adult and I like to pretend that I am still a young adult. I currently help lead Sunday School for Middle School and LOVE watching these young people learn and grapple with the Truth of Jesus in today’s culture. Some of my favorite memories are mission trips—building pews in the Yucatan and taking FPC’s first mission trip to Africa in Kitiruni, Kenya (a National Geographic experience!) I treasure how God has worked in the life of this church and can’t wait to see what he has in store for us upcoming. I have devoted my work career to the marketing field and currently consult for businesses wishing to fine tune their marketing plan and team. Outside of work….I mainly just want to be OUTSIDE! I crave the Rocky Mountains and whether it is hiking, fly fishing, snow skiing or just absorbing God’s majesty –it lifts my spirits, clears my head and sparks creativity. I love friend gatherings, college football (Longhorns!) and the great adventure of discovering why I am on this planet, and what’s next.
BEN MCCALEB
Ben is blessed to be called to serve Christ by serving His church in this capacity. He originally joined First Pres with his wife, Teresa, in 1983. They baptized and raised four children in the church. He and Teresa taught Jr. High and High School Sunday School for a number of years. In 1988, Ben went to Kenya on a 1st Pres mission trip, igniting a life-long heart for missions. Ben served on Local Missions, Benevolence Oversight and Personnel and Property Committees and Chaired the Youth Committee. He also served as Moderator of the Board of Deacons and as an Elder. Ben and his family left First Pres for several years to participate in a small, local church plant that became Redeemer Presbyterian. They rejoined First Pres in 2008 and found great joy working with young adults and also assisted with the formation of Life Groups. Ben again served as an Elder, chairing the 1604 Property and Rolls Task Forces. He has chaired the Global Missions Committee and participated in mission trips to the Dominican Republic, Malawi (led with Teresa) and twice to Iraq. Ben’s last service as Elder was during our denominational transition, when he served on the Church Relations Committee and chaired the Benevolence Oversight Committee. Currently, Ben serves on the Global Missions and Church Plant Committees. In 2019 Ben and Teresa traveled to London and Turkey to visit and learn more about PARS Theological Institute, which trains leaders for the underground church in Iran. That relationship has grown and Ben now serves on the PARS Board of Directors. Ben is a transactional attorney who has practiced in San Antonio for the past 40 years.
ELDERS IN CLASS 2025 ED MOORE
Ed is a long time Presbyterian and returning Elder, and he joined FPC in the mid 1980s. His wonderful wife, Trudy, is a lifelong member of FPC, and they met and were married at FPC. He has served as both a deacon and as an Elder with numerous rotations, and has served as a member or chair of many church committees. Ed and Trudy have also chaired the stewardship campaign. Teaching Sunday School and youth group in the high school ministry was a joy for many years, and since then he has attended, and occasionally taught, various adult Sunday school classes. He enjoys playing music for worship and retreats, ministry to young people through FPC and Young Life, and outreach and service to our community. He looks forward to actively serving again and is grateful for the opportunity. He is excited to see where God is moving and challenging our church family to love Christ, one another, and the city/world in these upcoming years.
BILL OLIVER*
Bill and Lorie, his wife of 40 years, joined FPC in 1986 when they moved back to San Antonio. Their prior church home was Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas. They feel so blessed that their three children, Elizabeth, Ashley and Will, were all baptized, confirmed and married at FPC and are now Covenant Partners. Their four grandchildren have also been baptized here. Bill has served on the Personnel Committee, is a regular at the Thursday Morning Men’s Prayer Breakfast and Bible Study, and helps lead the Men’s Ministry. If you ask him (and maybe even if you don’t), he will tell you all you need to know about starting a small group with other men to grow in faith and fellowship together, which is a current passion of Bill’s. He is excited about his new opportunity to serve the church that has meant so much to his family over the years. A third generation San Antonio lawyer, Bill has a business law firm here.
ELDERS IN CLASS 2025 NANCY SCHEIFELE
Nancy Scheifele first joined First Presbyterian Church with her mother and father, Stanley and Mildred Morton, in 1980, during her last year of high school. In her late twenties, she moved to Germany. Even while living in Germany, FPC was an important part of her life. Nancy and her husband, Bernhard, were married and both of their children were baptized at FPC during that time. After returning to San Antonio in 2009, Bernhard and Nancy re-joined FPC. Seeing their children, Benedikt (26) and Natalie (22), mature in their faith among a community of loving believers has been a true joy for them. Nancy is currently serving on the Restructure Task Force, as an officer for Women of the Church and as a High School Girls Mid-Week Bible Study leader. She has previously served as Clerk of Session and on the Youth Committee. She is excited to be actively engaged in the life of the church, as we continue to glorify God, love others and, in all things, point to Jesus Christ as our hope. Outside of church, Nancy assists her family with their business and legal matters.
KIM SMITH*
My husband, Larry, and I joined FPC in 1988. Our now grown sons, Tim, Zander and David were all baptized and confirmed and grew up and learned and played in the halls of FPC. In my early years, I practiced real estate law, then enjoyed being a mom and community volunteer, and am currently a realtor with KuperSIR. I have been blessed to serve FPC in a variety of roles including Deacon, WOC member and officer, global and local missions committee member, VBS teacher and co-chair, youth ministry committee member, Sunday School and Confirmation teacher and Advent Festival Chair. I enjoy the fellowship of being a PBS student, Connections Sunday School member and Circle 1/12 member. Our family was blessed to have been a part of the 2013-14 Israel trip. I have been grateful for each opportunity to serve with and within the FPC community and have been blessed, enriched and refined by each experience. I am looking forward to serving in this new role and seeing how God will continue His work in and through our church.
DEACONS IN CLASS 2025 MARY ALEXANDER*
Mary Alexander is a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church. Her family history dates back to its beginning. She was baptized by Rev. Mauze and married by Rev. Dr. Zbinden. Mary and her husband Jim have just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. They have 2 married sons, and 4 grandsons. Mary retired from Young Life San Antonio several years ago as an office administrator. She looks forward to serving as a Deacon for the first time.
STEVE BARKER*
My name is Steve Barker. I am married to Alison Barker. We have been married 42 years. I worked at Frost Bank for 35 years retiring in 2016. Jonathan and Michele Barker are our son and daughter in law and are members of First Presbyterian too. My involvement includes the Samaritan’s Purse shoe box Christmas project, the Connections Sunday school class, Habitat for Humanity builds, Love 210, providing clothing for the KRL and participation on Saturday mornings feeding the homeless.
TOM BENKE
I am a San Antonio native. I grew up in the Leon Valley area, attended John Marshall H.S. and Trinity University. At Trinity, I met Lecy Barton. We were married in 1974 and are approaching our 48th wedding anniversary. We have one son, Robert David, named after his two uncles. Professional: I have been in sales my entire career, specializing in school sales and service. In an average year I would be the speaker for about 15,000 students per school year. I love working with students, their teachers, and club sponsors. 2021 was my last year of full-time employment. As a self-employed person, my retirement won’t happen on a distinct day and time. Retirement to me is slowing down over months or even a couple years. Service: This will be my fourth rotation serving on the Diaconate. Teaching Children’s Sunday School (4’s, 5’s, and Kinder), was my calling for 17 years. I have headed the FPC Blood Drive and am now Facilitator for the Bridges Sunday School class. I have been an usher on the Nilsson Team for 25+ years. Special Memories: These include many years of Father’s Day weekends at the All-Church Family Retreat at MO Ranch, participating in the bike ride from San Antonio to MO, and mission trips to Acuna, Mexico, to build a youth center.
DEACONS IN CLASS 2025 LEE FOLKES
This will be Lee’s fourth time on rotation as a deacon and he’s passionate about the work the diaconate does for the members of the congregation. Lee and wife Anne have been members of the church for thirty eight years and raised their children Anne Stuart and Leland “Land” in the church. Lee works as a member representative for the National Federation of Independent Business. In his free time, he enjoys exercising and playing with his Boston Terriers, Gladys and Wally.
JESSICA FRITZ*
Jessica grew up in the Presbyterian Church in Southern California and joined FPC in 2014 with her husband, Lance. She is active in the Contemporary Worship Service as a Team Captain for greeters/ushers and a singer. Jessica is a member of FPC’s Connections Committee and the incoming Historian for the Women of First Presbyterian Church. She also served on FPC’s Contemporary Worship Leader Search Committee in 2014-2015. Jessica moved to San Antonio in 2011 from the Washington, DC area, where she worked as an intelligence analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency. She met Lance, prior to his retirement from the US Navy, in Croatia, where both were in language training for their respective jobs. Jessica is blessed to be a step-mom to Lance’s three children (all in their 20s).
GEORGIA HEATH
Georgia joined the church at the time of her marriage to husband, Mike, in 1995 officiated by Rev. Louis Zbinden. She is the daughter of June and Frank Khym. Her mother was a deacon, her father an elder and her deceased husband was serving as a deacon at the time of his untimely death. Georgia is a retired Northside teacher having taught Spanish at Clark High School. After retirement, Georgia hit the volunteer circuit at church, Assistance League San Antonio and Military-Civilian Club. She served as co-chair with CharAn Witten of Care and Concern. She served on the church finance committee and as a church angel in the nursery. She served as a deacon in the class of 2014. Involved with the women of the church, she was previously vice president in charge of the directory and chairman of the Women of the Church Coffee. Currently, she is a member of Circle 5. Georgia is honored to have a second opportunity to serve her church as a deacon. From her days in high school, she has followed a motto, “Teach us delight in Simple things” and the other being: “Whatsoever things be true, whatsoever things be just, whatsoever things be honorable, think on these things.”
DEACONS IN CLASS 2025 MARY HENDERSON
Mary Henderson is looking forward to once again serving FPC as a deacon. She and her husband Garland have two sons, Austin and Benjamin. Mary has a background in elementary education, but currently works at Christian Assistance Ministry. Mary has served on Local Missions, Children’s and Youth Ministry Committees, has been a confirmation leader and mentor, taught VBS, and facilitates a Life Group. One of her favorite hours of the week is teaching 5th grade Sunday School! In response to the great love Christ has shown her, Mary wants to serve FPC members.
LELLEN LANE
Lellen Lane has been part of the First Presbyterian Church community her whole life. Growing up she was baptized, confirmed, attended Sunday school and youth activities. She and husband, Rick, were married in the sanctuary by Louis Zbinden and Ed Walthall. They have three children, Emily, Bill and Minnie who were also raised in the church. Her professional life was with the American Red Cross. Lellen has served on various committees, including the Officer Nominating Committee. She is now active in Women of the Church and small group coordinator and a group leader of the Pastor’s Bible Study. She and her husband have a heart for missionaries serving in Latin America and around the world. Lellen is honored to be nominated to return to the role of deacon.
JUDITH MCNEEL
I was baptized at age 3 months in Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg, Virginia, my home before joining FPC with Douglas McNeel in 1978. During these 44 years I have rejoiced during the baptism of my children, Lewis and Suzanne, as well as mourned the loss of Doug and his parents in the sanctuary of this church. I have served as a Deacon and Elder, serving on the Senior Adult Ministry Committee. I enjoyed years of teaching Children’s Sunday school classes including VBS, through Music with the banjo and singing. Occasionally, I played oboe in the sanctuary during the worship services. Doug and I hosted Sunday School classes, Bible & book studies, and fellowship groups at our ranch home. Later we were drawn to the needs of the homeless population and joined our FPC friends in showing Christ’s love through prayer and fellowship to our neighbors on the street. FPC feeds my soul through the Thursday Morning Bible Study, the Pastor’s Sunday School class, and through the WOC. I look forward to serving as a Deacon in the class of 2025.
DEACONS IN CLASS 2025 STANLEY MEDFORD*
Stanley joined First Presbyterian Church in 2017 after attending for several years and realizing that FPC is where he belonged to learn and serve God’s purpose. He is married to Mary Fruge-Medford, a former Deacon and Stephen Minister at First Presbyterian Church, a Covenant member since 2013. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army. Stanley graduated from Texas A&M University and has worked at several financial institutions in the San Antonio and surrounding area. He retired as the Chief Executive Officer of a Federal Credit Union. He is an active member of KEYS at First Presbyterian Church. He volunteers and has served on several committees for non-profit organizations in San Antonio. Stanley has been a Special Olympics Coach and has served on the Board of Directors of a Sheltered Workshop.
MICHAEL MORSE*
Michael first became a covenant partner of First Presbyterian Church in 1984 with his family. He attended, until May 1993, when he married his wife, Stacia. Their wedding was officiated by Reverend Louis Zbinden. They ventured out for a life in Salt Lake City, Utah, where they raised their two children Kate and Christopher. Michael began his 29 years in Commercial Real Estate career at Pinnacle. Kate is currently working on her degree in Elementary Education and Christopher is a US Marine at Camp Lejeune in NC. Michael moved the family home to San Antonio in 2013 and rejoined FPC as covenant partners. Their children were confirmed, volunteered in multiple mission trips and enjoyed fellowship in youth group and now college ministry. As a family, they’ve loved volunteering on project 240 with FPC’S partnership with Habitat for Humanity for many years. Michael has been a commercial real estate broker at REOC San Antonio for the last eight years and enjoys hunting, fishing, tennis and pickleball and time with family and friends. Michael has served as a greeter at Contemporary service, First Presbyterian Scholarship Committee and has enjoyed being involved in men’s Tribe and ministry dinners. He and Stacia attend the “Deep Dive” Sunday School class. Michael is looking forward to serving, as Deacon, to help give back some of the grace and love this Church has brought his family over the years.
DEACONS IN CLASS 2025 MIKE MUNROE*
Mike first joined the FPC community in high school, and he and Mary Claire met and married here. Career moves took them away from San Antonio for ten years, and during that time, daughters Sarah and Amy were born. In 2007, Mike and Mary Claire rejoined First Pres, and Mike went on to serve as an elder and as chair of global and local missions. Mike has a heart for missions, having served in New Jersey’s Hurricane Sandy cleanup and helping build with our Yucatan mission partner. He has also traveled to India and Malawi to see how God is at work through other mission partners. Mike now looks forward to serving FPC in a new way, hoping to reflect the love and grace of Jesus in ways that FPC members have done for him and the Munroe family throughout all the stages of life.
NANCY PUCKETT
Nancy is a life-long Presbyterian. She grew up in Waco, was baptized, and was an active member of Central Presbyterian. In 1985, her family joined FPC. Her husband, Glenn, is deceased. Her daughter Courtney lives and works in Austin. After a long (35 years) and wonderful career of teaching elementary school, Nancy retired and focused on volunteer work at church and being a reading mentor. Joy is helping a child be a successful reader! Nancy has served in many areas at FPC: Thursday morning Bible study, Church officer nominating committee, associate pastor search committee, President of WOC, and a deacon. She is honored to serve again as a deacon and looks forward to being a part of God’s work at FPC.
MARTI SEAL
Marti has been a lifelong member and is the third generation of her family to serve at FPC. She served recently on Local Missions, is a team captain for Contemporary Service and is responsible for Women’s faith gatherings. Marti is also a Stephen Minister. Marti has one son, Will, who is married and she has two grandsons. Marti works in healthcare and coordinates care for patients needing home health. I’m excited and humbled to be a deacon and look forward to serving!
DEACONS IN CLASS 2025 JANE ANN TEMPLE*
I joined FPC almost 40 years ago before I married my husband, Devereaux. We have two married children, Ginny and Elizabeth, that were raised in this church I taught children’s Sunday School and VBS for many years, but now I am attending Connections Sunday School. I have served on the Children and the Youth Ministry committees and on a search committee for a Youth leader. As a member of WOC, I have had several positions and am a member of Circle 20, and chaired Circles 7 and 5 ( Shawl Ministry). This congregation has supported my family in so many ways. I am honored and excited to serve as a deacon.
NEIL WILLIAMS
Returning Deacon. Member since 1994. An Ohio native, Neil arrived in San Antonio in 1991, and was stationed at Lackland AFB. He retired from the Air Force in 1996 and has been a seasonal employee of H&R Block since 2000 and he became an Enrolled Agent in 2007. During his prior deacon service, he was an active participant in Home Communion for those covenant partners who are unable to attend in-person services. Neil served as an usher for several years at the 8:30am service, and then became an active member of the Sanctuary Choir. He has twice served as president of the choir and has been active in the July 4th picnics sponsored by the choir and KEYS. Neil is the moderator of the Uncomfortable’ Class and for the last few years has been active in various KEYS events—lectures and luncheons.
BEN YOUNG*
Ben Young met Jesus following high school. He was an English major who became a dentist and had an Air Force career, retiring in San Antonio. Ben joined the church in 2017 and currently councils in the DivorceCare ministry. He also writes and posts daily at thestillpoint.substack.com.
TRUSTEES DAVID PEEPLES
David Peeples has been an FPC member since 1977. Over the years he has taught Sunday School and Wednesday classes at all levels, from the elementary grades through classes for adults. He served eight terms on the session and has chaired many committees, including three pastor search committees. He and Emily have three children and two grandchildren. David held different judicial offices for 36 years and is now retired.
DAVID WEST
David West has been a member for 37 years and has served several terms as an Elder of First Presbyterian Church. He currently chairs the Louis H. Zbinden, Jr. Legacy Forum Committee and serves on the Personnel Committee and as a member of a task force created by the Session to look at the possible restructure or reorganization of committees and staff. He recently served as the Clerk of the Session and as a member of the 175th Anniversary Planning Committee. He attends the Thursday morning Men’s Bible Study and the Bridges Class. David is married to Carol West and they have three adult children, all of whom were confirmed at First Presbyterian Church.