Meet Our Staff

	Reverend John R. Walker Pastor John has served at First English Lutheran Church since April, 1990. A graduate of Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus , Ohio , he has served parishes in Wisconsin and Ohio before coming to First English. Pastor John appreciates the TEAM MINISTRY that he and Pastor Brian have developed; and he values the partnership with the people of God of First English.
	Reverend Brian Derrer Pastor Brian, also a graduate of Trinity Lutheran Seminary, served Hope Lutheran Church in Eastern Pennsylvania prior to arriving at First English in January, 2004. Pastor Brian also deeply values the TEAM MINISTRY approach here at First English; and Pastor Brian is excited about the many new and developing ministries within our congregation.
	Carolyn Ripp, Music Director Carolyn is the newest addition to the staff at First English, beginning her work in August, 2007. She is our Music Director, organist and choir director. Carolyn brings wonderful skills to her position and she has a passion for church music that is contagious. She loves singing and playing the organ and piano; and the people of God of First English are deeply grateful for her presence.
	Karen Pauly, Parish Administrator Karen has been our Parish Administrator since May, 2000. Karen brings wonderful skills and energy to her many duties as an organizer and administrator of our church ministries and facilities. She literally “keeps track” of everything. PLUS: Karen is a brand new bride as she married John Pauly on February 9, 2008. Congratulations!
	Amy Reeves and Barbara Portzline, Servant Coordinators These two Servant Coordinators guide and direct so many of our outreach ministries into the community. Barb and Amy are continually recruiting and inviting others to serve in ministry to the hungry, to the poor, to the needy and to children in our Wayne County area. Their “behind the scenes” work empowers our many ministries to continue in service to others in the name of the kingdom of God
	Donna Reising, Health Ministries Coordinator Donna coordinates the many health ministries (for example: blood pressure screenings) that take place in and around First English. She is a nutritionist by profession and she helps convey that “healthy lifestyle living” here at First English. Donna is a wonderful organizer and a good leader.
	Carol Walker, Handbell Choir Director Carol has been one of First English’s Servant Coordinators for more than 10 years; but since June, 2007, she has stepped into the position of Handbell Choir Director. Her work involves two handbell choirs; and her love for handbell music and her skill for bells is evident in the “ringing” that takes place in the midst of the congregation.
	Linda Schultz, R.E.A.C.H. CoordinatorREACH is the name of First English’s school partnership with Fairview Elementary. The name designation stands for “Reading Ensures All Children’s Happiness.” Linda coordinates this weekly outreach for First English; and she shares a passion for working with children in schools. In addition, Linda has taken on the responsibility of Community Kitchen – our monthly outreach to provide a noon time meal for folks who are hungry in the Richmond “downtown area.” The site is St. Paul ’s Episcopal Church but on a monthly basis we provide and serve the meal.
	Rachel Hooker, Nursery Attendant Rachel takes the lead for First English in our very important ministry of child care! Sunday mornings, especially, you will find Rachel coordinating the nursery and the hands on care for the younger children of our congregation. It is such an important ministry and Rachel does it well and willingly.
	Virginia Coleman, Receptionist Virginia joined the staff of First English in September, 2004. She handles our front desk on weekday mornings. Virginia will greet you with a smile should you stop by the church office OR her pleasant voice will greet you on the telephone if you need to call the office. In addition, she helps out in mailings and other “jobs” as they pop up.
	Ashley Valentine-Derrer, Children's Ministry Coordinator Ashley came on staff in October, 2004, as First English’s Youth Coordinator. But in September, 2005, her duties really increased and she became our Children’s Ministry Coordinator – working with Christian Education, especially in the area of Sunday School and Children’s Church. Three weekday mornings Ashley also coordinates the Adult Day Care’s CARE program, which brings young children into contact with clients in the Adult Day Care. CARE – Children and Adults Reaching Each other. Ashley brings energy and organization to each and all of these roles.
	Margy Smith, Bookkeeper Margy joined the staff of First English in September, 2004. With our increasing budget and detailed finances – Margy is a gift to the church with her skills and ability to keep track of all the financial dealings of the church. She does that in a quiet, efficient manner with such accuracy that it is a blessing to know that our finances are in such good hands.
	Edwin L. Eby, Music Director Emeritus Mr. Eby served as Music Director, choir director and handbell director for First English from June, 1988, until his retirement in June, 2007. What a gift he was! And is! To First English. His new title as Music Director Emeritus not only reflects our admiration for his presence and gifts; but an appreciation for skills and ministry that he will still bring to our congregation. He helps out on a “somewhat regular” basis with Saturday evening church.