Rev. Gary Shoemaker, Senior Pastor

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  Lynne Baxter, Administrator

Mary Ann Teeters, Bookkeeper

  Preston Pinkston, Nursery Attendant

Rev. Gary Shoemaker was born and raised in Montana, near the shores of Flathead Lake. His Montana roots demand frequent trips to the wilderness, where he enjoys photography, hiking, boating (all types), and camping.  He's always planning future backpacking trips, and appreciates any great route ideas that you might be able to share with him.  His dream is to own a sailboat and to explore the San Juan Islands and to journey cross country on his motorcycle

Pastor Gary is also a musician. He's a gifted tenor and serves as our church choir director, fulfilling his long-time dream of pursuing a music ministry.

Education: Gary did his undergraduate work at Northwest Christian College, Texas Christian University and the University of Oregon, receiving his Bachelor of Science from N.C.C.  He received his Master of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology.

Church Background: Fifth generation Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Gary is a "Timothy" of Central Christian Church, Kalispell, Montana, where he also did his graduate internship.  He has served churches in Montana, Oregon, and California. He came to First Christian of Bellingham in September 1999.

Besides his usual duties as pastor at First Christian, Rev. Shoemaker serves on two Regional Task Forces:  Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation and Regional Transformation.  Locally, he serves on the United Ministries in Higher Education at Western Washington University, sings with the Bellingham Chamber Chorale, and helps serve meals to the homeless with C.A.S.T.

Pastor Gary has been married to Tamalyn Kralman for 26+ years.  Also an ordained minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Tamalyn is the Interim Christian Education Minister of St. James Presbyterian Church.   They have two grown children.  Son Zach, who is pursuing a career in law enforcement and a degree in Sociology and daughter Brett , who is an anthropology student.  Both children attend Western Washington University.  Added to the family in August 2005, is daughter-in-law Chelsea, who is studying to become a nurse. 

 You may contact him at Gary@bhamfcc.com.

Lynne Baxter is our Church Administrator and we are delighted that she joined our staff this past year.  Lynne had previous church office experience and has run her own business. She is usually the one to answer the phone when you call the church office. But her duties are much more extensive with our written communications including the Courier and Bulletins, office organization, etc. Lynne has recently expanded her responsibilities to include church finances.

You may contact her at Lynne@bhamfcc.com.

Mary Ann Teeters has been serving as Bookkeeper. She and Lynne Baxter have been working to update the church financial records with a new computer program. Mary Ann is helping Lynne transition into her new finance responsibility - primarily on evenings and weekends. She also has another full time job on weekdays.

Anni Stankovic, Accompanist.  Annie is the newest member of our staff. But she is continuing our tradition of excellent piano performers. She also contributes by assisting the choir director.

Emily Humphrey, Youth Director.  Want an ugly toilet delivered to the front yard of someone you know? Then Emily's your girl.  Working with our middle and high schoolers, Emily provides an active, fun, learning experience for our teens, helping them to put their faith into action.

Preston Pinkston, Nursery Attendant Extraordinaire.  Preston has worked with children for several years, despite his youth.  He provides hugs as needed, is perfectly capable of kissing owies and drying tears, and brings laughter and learning to our youngest little saints.  When Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me," he probably meant to add, "Or, to Preston."