Pastor:
Rev. Joan W. Gandy, Minister
Joan began her call at First Presbyterian Natchez on January 1, 2018. However, her history with the church extends many years before that. She was baptized at First Presbyterian and her faith was formed at FPC Natchez. Prior to leaving her hometown to pursue the Master of Divinity degree, she was an elder and worship leader at First Presbyterian Natchez. Before returning to Natchez, Joan served for about seven years as solo pastor at a church in East Tennessee. Joan holds the M.Div. degree from Columbia Theological Seminary, where she now is enrolled as a student in the Doctor of Ministry program.
Joan's statement of faith includes this statement of her belief in God's timeless call to the Church and God's expectations of the work of the Church in the world: "God gathers people as the Church, equipping them through Christ in the Holy Spirit to exhibit God’s kingdom to the world through worship, fellowship; and through acts of love, justice, and hospitality. The faithful and caring deeds of the Church in the world are acts of gratitude for God’s benevolence and are testimony to God’s promise of redemption and life eternal. God calls every generation to pass on the faith as a God-given inheritance."
Director of Music & Youth Development:
Darrell Day
Darrell is originally from Versailles, Indiana. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Eastern Kentucky University with an emphasis on voice and choral conducting. His Master’s degree in Music Education is from Butler University – also with an emphasis on voice and conducting. Darrell is also a published composer with over 300 works including the opera, “Lizzie Lloyd”, the musical “The Great Christmas Giveaway”, and many choral and handbell pieces. Mr. Day is a handbell conductor and soloist and loves introducing handbells to churches, schools, and communities. He also plays all of the brass instruments, guitar, piano and organ. Darrell’s role at First Presbyterian is, as the chief musician, to serve as organist, pianist, and director of choirs. He is also assisting with the development of the Youth Ministry, along with adult volunteers, and with the help of his beautiful wife, Lisa. Darrell and Lisa have 5 children – Ryan, Megan, Tom, Garrett, and Nick.
Office Administrator:
pam mcneil
Financial Secretary:
Mary Ann Peoples
Playschool Director:
Aretha Davis
Sexton:
Deon Buford
Elders and Session MINISTRIES:
Rosemary Hall - Clerk of Session & Administration
Hal Hicks - Business Affairs
Ann Vidal Willet - Business Affairs
Stratton Bull - Business Affairs
Leigh Anderson - Congregational Life & Evangelism
Lane Feltus - Congregational Life & Evangelism
Chuck Borum - Mission
Danna Mooney - Mission
Helen Smith - Spiritual Life
Phyllis Mashburn - Spiritual Life
Bobby Meason - Worship
Cara Serio
Deacons:
Sandra Burkes
Denise Seale
Sarah Smith
Edie Christian
Ryan Sharp
Gwen Washington
Spencer Holder
Frances Meason
Everette Ratcliffe
Treasurer:
Hal Hicks
Session Ministry Responsibilities:
Administration - Includes the work of clerk of Session, such as organizing the agenda for Session meetings; recording and keeping minutes for all Session and congregational meetings; and keeping and updating church membership records such as births, baptisms, marriages, and deaths.
Business & Property - Oversees the care and maintenance of church buildings and grounds; keeps, records, and reports church financial activity; oversees a stewardship committee; prepares an annual budget; and reports monthly to the Session.
Congregational Life & Evangelism - Plans and organizes fellowship events for the congregation and the community; welcomes new visitors and encourages new membership through visitation and providing church information.
Mission - Reviews and recommends plans for both foreign and local missions. This ministry oversees funds allocated for missions and makes recommendations on their disbursement. This ministry also organizes and recommends disaster relief efforts.
Spiritual Life - Coordinates Christian education programs, including Sunday school classes, adult study groups, and retreats. This ministry selects study materials and sponsors guest speakers and programs of educational interest.
Worship - Oversees the congregation's worship services, including the music program; organizes ushers and greeters; provides the nursery for young children during worship services; and regular and special offerings collected at services.