Rev. Gary Shoemaker was born and raised in Kalispell,Montana, hence his great interest in the outdoors. He is also a musician: has a great tenor voice, plays guitar, and directs the choir. Gary did his undergraduate work at Northwest Christian College (now University), Texas Christian University and the University of Oregon. He received his Master of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology. Gary has served churches in Montana, Oregon, and California. Besides his duties as pastor at FCC, Rev. Shoemaker serves in many capacities with the Regional Christian Church. He also serves locally on the United Ministries in Higher Education at Western Washington University and participates in many local outreach projects.
Pastor Gary is married to Tamalyn Kralman who is also an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Tamalyn serves as Christian Education Minister at St. James Presbyterian Church in Bellingham. They have two adult children, Zach and Brett.
Lynne Baxter, the Church Administrator, has 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. She keeps our financial records, maintains office organization, and prepares our written communications including the Courier newsletter, calendars, and bulletins for both services.
Annie Mayhew Scherr continues our tradition of excellent piano performance as our newest staff person. She participates in both worship services and also assists the choir director. Annie, recently graduated from Western Washington University, is a piano teacher. Before coming to Bellingham, she lived in Spokane, Washington.