Brian Gawf, Pastor
brian@fpcasheboro.org

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” These words from Ephesians 2:8 have given form and shape to my life and have been the foundation to the ministry to which I’ve been called.

I grew up in Boulder, Colorado, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. It was a great place to grow up and I spent countless hours in my childhood and teen years in the mountains: hiking, camping, and skiing. My family was involved at First Presbyterian Church in Boulder where I was fed by the teaching and example of a gifted pastor and youth ministers – they planted seeds that continue to bear fruit in my life.

In spite of their teaching I wrestled with serious questions and doubts that led me to drift away from church and question God in my college years at Colorado State University. It wasn’t until I was 24 years-old that God opened me to the wonder of the gospel of Jesus Christ and I experienced the joy of knowing and being known by him.

Following college I worked in Denver for an insurance company. My wife, Lenore, and I met in 1997 and were married in June of 1998. Our son, Thomas came along in 2000. Being a husband and father are among the greatest joys in my life and I thank God daily for my family.

Soon after our marriage, Lenore and I began working with youth at our church in Denver and it was through that work that I felt called to ordained ministry. In 2001 we moved to Richmond, Virginia where I attended Union Presbyterian Seminary. In seminary I developed a love for the theology of John Calvin and biblical preaching, loves that have only grown over the years. Following graduation I served churches in Tennessee and Pennsylvania.

In the summer of 2010 I was called to First Presbyterian Church, Asheboro– what a blessing! I am excited to see what the Lord plans to do through you and me and all the people at FPCA in the years to come!

Connie Weaver, Associate Pastor
Connie@FPCAsheboro.org

I am a native of Blount County, Tennessee, and a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. My first career was as a news reporter; I also worked in real estate, and for several years was employed in hospital public relations and marketing. My husband and I owned a retail store for a couple of years, and still say it was the best money we ever lost getting an education in the school of hard knocks. MY husband and I have lived in North Carolina, Georgia and South Carolina during our 22 year marriage.

I was brought up a Southern Baptist, but my dad's family was Presbyterian and, well, here I am! I am grateful for my Southern Baptist upbringing, which helped to ground me in Scripture and faith. I am also grateful to the Methodists who loved me for eight years after college, and to some pretty special Episcopalians who shepherded me as I was discerning my call to ordained ministry.

I am a graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. Prior to coming to Asheboro in 2007, I served for 5 years as an associate pastor at Fort Hill Presbyterian Church in Clemson, SC.

My husband and I have three boys. When I am not visiting, writing sermons, attending meetings, or taxi-cabbing children around, I enjoy reading historical novels and learning about different expressions of the Christian faith.   

Rick Morgan, Music Director
Rick@FPCAsheboro.org

I came to FPC in 1970 as interim youth and adult choir director. Taught in Randolph County Schools for 31/2 years in the 1960‚s. Then taught in Asheboro City Schools for 28 years. Taught at Greensboro College as adjunct faculty in the School of Music from 1978 ˆ 1984 while on hiatus from FPC. Returned to FPC in 1984. In 1997 was recognized by the NCACDA with the Lara Hoggard Award for Distinguished Service to Choral Music in North Carolina. Retired from public schools in 1998. Currently Director of Music at FPC.

Elizabeth Snelbaker, Director of Christian Education
Elizabeth@FPCAsheboro.org

I spent the first part of my life in Charlotte, North Carolina and moved to Concord for High School when my father changed jobs.  My parents still reside there and I think of it as home as many grown children think of their parents houses.  I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a double major in Elementary Education and Religious Studies.  Following college I followed God‚s call to Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education (Union-PSCE for short) where I received my Masters in Christian Education.  My call to serve God at First Presbyterian Church came during the summer after Seminary.  I am constantly amazed at how blessed I am.  It is such an honor to be a part of this church family.  This congregation and staff are truly amazing!

Jeff Dempsey, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
Jeff@FPCAsheboro.org

I am excited to be a part of the family here at FPCA! I followed God’s call here all the way from Colorado. I was blessed to grow up going to church each week with my parents, grandparents, and my great-grandmother! They planted a seed of faith that grew from an early age and has held fast through life’s ups and downs. I grew up Baptist, attended a formerly Presbyterian church in high school, and experimented with several churches and traditions in college.
I had an amazing youth group and youth pastor in high school. Some of my dearest friends to this day are from that group. My friends and youth leaders played significant roles in helping me realize my call to ministry and confirming it again and again.
My BA is in Youth Ministry from Colorado Christian University where I fell in love with the Reformed tradition through my theology classes. After college I interned for a year in youth ministry at First Presbyterian Church in Ft Collins, Colorado. Before coming to Asheboro, I passed the time waiting for God’s specific call working as a barista then warehouse manager.
Apart from hanging out with teenagers, college students, and young adults, you will find me in pubs, coffee shops, and other places where I can have a good conversation or read. I am a closet nerd with a love for computers, tinkering, anything DIY, and board games, especially The Settlers of Catan. I enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and anything else that gets me up to the mountains.
I am thrilled to be here in Asheboro and look forward to many years of ministry.

Ann Greene, Secretary:  Ann@FPCAsheboro.org
 

Linda Dietzen, Financial Secretary: Linda@FPCAsheboro.org
 

Sara Brennan, Preschool Director:  Sara@FPCAsheboro.org

I received a BS degree in Early Children Education at Appalachian State University. After teaching for a couple of years and after the birth of two of my three children-- I found my passion--Preschool I taught 4 year olds several years before becoming Preschool Director. First Presbyterian Preschool is blessed with a wonderful staff that loves children and loves to teach them all about the wonders of God's world.