About the Church: First Presbyterian Church Kirkwood, Missouri

About the Church

		Rev. Dr. David Holyan Pastor David Holyan grew up in the Seattle area and attended Seattle University, graduating in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies. After a career in Financial Management and Technical Sales, David felt a call to the ministry. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in June 1998. David's first call was as pastor of the Sligo (PA) Presbyterian Church in 1998. He served this rural congregation for three years. In September 2001 David became Associate Pastor at Rolling Bay Presbyterian on Bainbridge Island, Washington. David earned the Doctor of Ministry degree in Christian Spirituality from Columbia Theological Seminary in May 2006 and became Pastor of First Pres, Kirkwood March 1, 2007. He serves as a member of the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance National Response Team. David is currently pursuing (part-time) a PhD in Theology at the University of Exeter (UK). His research project explores the drama of the pastoral interpretation of the gospel. David is a member of the Society for the Study of Theology.

		Rev. Dr. Karen Blanchard Associate Pastor Karen was born in New York City and grew up in Connecticut. She received her B.A. from The College of Wooster (including a semester studying at New College Divinity School in Edinburgh) and then attended Boston University School of Theology where she received her Masters of Divinity degree. She first served at Second Presbyterian Church in the Central West End of St. Louis. She then attended Eden Seminary and received a Doctor of Ministry Degree in 1990. She served as Pastor of Pacific (Missouri) Presbyterian Church for nearly eight years before coming to First Pres in 1999. Karen is married to Scott Martin, a fellow Wooster grad, who is a commercial real estate broker. They are the parents of Zoe Grace and Jonathan, who both attend Middle School. At First Pres, Karen works with the Deacons, the Committee on Congregational Nurture, Stephen Ministers and helping to lead or create small groups. Within the larger church, Karen serves on the Committee on Ministry, is moderator of the Permanent Judicial Commission and serves on the Board of Care and Counseling. Recently back from a sabbatical which included time attending courses at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico and the Omaha School for Preachers, she also spent time enjoying her love of reading, travel, and gardening.

		Bill Stein Director of Music Ministries Bill Stein was raised in German Valley, a small town in northern Illinois. He received degrees in Organ Performance and Sacred Music from Illinois Wesleyan University and Northwestern University. Bill has completed several choir tours of Europe serving as both organist and choral director, performing throughout Italy, Austria, Germany, France, and Ireland. Bill enjoys serving First Presbyterian Church and working with young, old, and everyone in between! He lives in the Tower Grove south neighborhood of Saint Louis, and also serves on the Executive Board of the St. Louis Chapter, American Guild of Organists.

		Beth Dillender Director of Hospitality, Welcome and Operations Beth joins the church after a successful career in the private sector working in the areas of marketing and finance. She and her husband Robb, as well as their daughter Isabella, live in Kirkwood. After attending SLU, she went to Webster University for Masters degrees in Marketing and International Business before working for five years for a national electronics and telecommunications supplier. At First Pres, Beth works in the areas of hospitality, welcome, fellowship and new member assimilation.

		Katie Mullins Director of Youth Ministries Katie Mullins joined us in August, 2008 as the full-time Director of Youth Ministries. Katie brings a deep desire to nurture the faith of the youth of our church and our community. With a Masters Degree in Counseling from the University of Missouri - St. Louis, and years of experience working with youth, Katie brings a unique and desirable set of gifts to her new calling into ministry. Having grown up in the area, attending Parkway West High School, Katie is familiar with Kirkwood and the area, having worked at Kaldi's Coffee while going to school.

		Gayle Taylor Director of Children and Family Ministries Gayle Taylor has served in Youth and Children's Ministries since 1983. Her description of her position is "fun with planning and implementation of all kid stuff." She is a longtime member of First Presbyterian and has four grown children and three grandchildren. In her leisure time, Gayle enjoys walking and having fun with her family.

		Deb Pascal Director of First Presbyterian Church Children's Center Deb has been with the First Pres Preschool Program since fall of 1995. She has been the Director of the Preschool and Kids' Day Out Program (now Children's Center) since June of 2002. She and her husband, Tom, have two children. They reside in Kirkwood

		Jim Madson Coordinator of New Programs (Volunteer) Prior to his retirement, Jim was a scientist and engineering manager with McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing). He joined the staff in 2003 as volunteer Coordinator of New Programs. He and his wife Fran live in Kirkwood and have been members of First Presbyterian since 1968. Jim has served the Presbyterian Church both locally and regionally having been moderator of the presbytery and three times commissioner to the General Assembly. At First Presbyterian, he served as a deacon, on the session twice and has been clerk of session since 1996. Jim and Fran have two grown children and two grandchildren.