Deacon is one of the highest callings in the presbyterian church. We believe it is a unique opportunity to offer servant leadership, follow jesus and open hearts to the community.
Chelsea Campbell
Hospitality
+ Read More
I was born and raised in Dallas and it means a lot to not only raise our children (Colton – 9, Hudson – 5) in this area, but grow our faiths here as well. After moving to FPCA, I earned my real estate license and have begun pursuing that as a full-time career. Receiving a call to serve as a deacon was a bit of a surprise, but I’m excited to see how God wishes to use me here.
Alexandra Papathopoulos
Fellowship
+ Read More
I am a store manager at Maverick Fine Western Wear in the Fort Worth Stockyards. I’ve been in retail sales all of my adult career. My sister and brother-in-law are Katina and James Gifford. I now have 2 nephews, Emmitt and Ramsey Gifford, and I love being an aunt!
I joined FPCA back in 2019, as I’ve been growing in my faith and seeing how much my family loves being a part of this church. I am excited to serve our Lord and church through this opportunity to be a deacon. I am committed to following Christ and can’t wait to see what He has in store for me during this new chapter of my life! Thank you all for the opportunity to serve our church!
Marla Thomas
Mission and Evangelism
+ Read More
I grew up in the Presbyterian church where I was given a strong, committed faith foundation which I have used throughout my life. I was active in the youth group at FPC in Bryan and served as the youth representative on the pastor search committee.
We joined a different denomination after we were married and recently found our way back to the Presbyterian church. We have been members for just over a year and I am looking forward to becoming more involved in the ministries of FPCA. I am excited about the plans unfolding and am honored to be given the opportunity of working on God’s plan for FPCA.
I grew up in Bryan-College Station and graduated from Texas A&M. (Gig’em!) I have lived in the DFW area for 37 years-33 of them in Arlington. My husband Bob is an IT manager at BNSF. We have two children-Sam who lives in Oklahoma City and Maggie who lives in Orlando.
Shawn LeBlanc
Congregational Nominating Committee
+ Read More
I have been a follower of Jesus since grade school. God has called us (saints) to be Disciples of Christ, which allows us to have a relationship with him. Nothing can separate us from God’s love because of what Jesus sacrificed for us on the Cross. As we celebrate the Season of Advent, can’t imagine what this world would look or be like if Jesus hadn’t been born.
Our family became members of FPCA in 1997 after moving to Arlington, TX from Apple Valley, CA where we were members of Church of the Valley ~ Presbyterian USA ~ (And Roy Rodgers & Dale Evans were members). Been actively involved in the Children’s Ministry ~ teaching Sunday School & VBS, Youth & Agape Ministry, Bazzarnival & served on Nominating Team at FPCA.
Married to my Cajun hubby, Manuel, for 44 years and we have one daughter, Emily, who grew up in FPCA and now resides in Sherman Oaks, CA. Since moving to Arlington, worked 12 years as a pre-school teacher at TELC & 7 years as a Program Assistant for Advocates for Special, Inc.
I’m looking forward to serving as a Deacon at FPCA where we are transforming our church, lives in the Community & being Disciples of Christ.
Melina Pena
Congregational Care
+ Read More
God has been with me my whole life and I am happy to honor Him and serve Him as needed at FPCA and in our community. My husband (Art) and I have been at FPCA for about 10 years and joined as members in 2011. I have served as a Deacon as part of the hospitality team in the past and attend the Foundations Sunday School Class. We have two boys, David and Mateo, ages 8 and 5, who keep us on our toes and I’m so happy that they participate in all the activities that FPCA provides for them. GOD IS SO GOOD!!
Eleanor Schernbeck
Deacon - Fellowship
+ Read More
I was raised in a Godly Presbyterian home by my parents, so I have been a Presbyterian all of my life. My parents believed in prayers, glorifying God and volunteered in the activities of the church. I learned from my parents to love God, and love all people because these are the teachings in the Bible.
I’m thankful that I followed my parent’s teachings, so I’m content in my life and I am blessed. Also, I’m trying to be a blessing to those who need blessing. My goal right now is to find time to read God’s word every day and be thankful to God for all the things he did for me and my family. He answers my prayers and gives me salvation, which is rich and free.
Adrian Rodriguez
Deacon - Congregational Care
+ Read More
Adrian J. Rodriguez is the Director of Youth Ministry at FPCA. He is the oldest of three and was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Adrian grew up a military brat living in Ludwigsburg, Germany and Fort Riley, Kansas before moving to Arlington, Texas at the age of 14. He accepted Christ at the age of 15 and has felt a calling to Youth Ministry ever since. He loves sharing the love and faithfulness of Christ with youth and has been in Youth Ministry for over 10 years. He is a graduate of Sam Houston High School and The University of Texas at Arlington where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Urban Planning and Minority Studies. He is currently in his final year at Fuller Theological Seminary working on a Master of Divinity degree, as he pursues a calling to pastoral ministry within the PCUSA church. Adrian is married to his beautiful and amazing wife, Alecia Rodriguez and they have two daughters, Aileigh (age 8), and Addileigh (age 5). He loves spending time with his family, listening to music, and watching sports, especially the Philadelphia Eagles, Fly Eagles Fly
Kathy McCoy
Deacon - Hospitality
+ Read More
I have been a member of FPCA since March 1984. I am a widow, mother of Suzie and Bill, and grandmother of Caleb, Luke, and Grant. I worked in commercial insurance for over 30 years. I enjoy playing board and card games and spending time with family and friends.
I was born and raised in the Presbyterian Church. My faith journey bagan when I was baptized as an infant. At age 12 I attended confirmation class and joined the church. Over the years the Lord provided an army of believers who impacted my life. At FPCA I served on the Fellowship Team and ushered at early service for many years.
I am currently an active member of the Bible Study Sunday School class. A few weeks ago I felt the Holy Spirit calling me to step out of my confort zone, to go BEYOND. Thank you for the opportunity to further His work and my faith journey.
Philip Hunking
Deacon - Hospitality
+ Read More
Husband to Penny, father to Sterling (10) and Stella (7). Born and raised here in Arlington, TX. My history with the church reaches back as far as I can remember. I grew up in the church where my mother (Joan Reynolds) was the organist and choir director. I also attended school there. So, between school, choir practice, organ practice and church itself, it seemed that I spent every waking moment at church. As a result, I have always found church to be a place of comfort. I have never held any type of position in the church, and I am honored to have been nominated. I had been looking for ways to get more involved and it seems God may have just dropped the answer in my lap.
Shina Heo
Deacon - Hospitality
+ Read More
I came to the US four years ago from South Korea to study my passion, organ music. The organist job at FPCA was a part of my academic curriculum, but I unexpectedly met a wonderful church that fills me with God’s love. The church members showed me how God’s people serve our neighbor. I was amazed and am so thankful that I met a church like FPCA in my life. Now I honorably would like to serve as a deacon just as I learned from here. I have the cutest furry son, Blue.
Lisa Landolt – Deacon Hospitality
Deacon - Hospitality
+ Read More
I am a lifelong Presbyterian, and Jesus Christ has been my Lord and Savior since I was a child. I joined FPCA with my parents, twin sister, brother, and later grandfather, when we moved to Arlington in 1981. I have wonderful memories of the church youth group, volunteering with the five-year-old’s Sunday School class and helping in the nursery. I continued with my Christian faith in college where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, emphasizing Advertising and Public Relations, and then law school, where I was active in the Christian Legal Society.
I have run my own law practice for almost 20 years and love volunteering with other attorneys to help those in need. I also started a non-profit organization to help victims of harassment and bullying. As God has carried me through my own health issues over the years, I created an online prayer group (over 600 members now) where we provide prayer and support 24/7, often helping those in their darkest hours as they deal with Cancer and other chronic conditions. A favorite Bible verse that keeps me motivated in everything I do is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I have always felt God with me, but during the pandemic, it became even more clear that I am here for the purpose of serving Him. I have felt God leading me to become more involved in the church, and I reaffirmed my faith and membership at FPCA in 2021. I would be humbled and blessed to serve as a Deacon and help in any way that I can.