Staff
Jeff Arnold is our Senior Pastor, beginning his ministry at FPC in 1997. Before coming to Beaver he had seventeen years of ministry experience, encompassing everything from youth ministry to church planting. He has authored eight books in the areas of small group ministry and leadership development. Jeff was born and raised in the D.C. area. He has been involved in ministry since 1979 with a variety of ministry experiences. His main areas of ministry here at First Church are preaching, leadership, administration, and pastoral ministries. Jeff completed his Master’s of Divinity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Jeff is married to Karen, and they have 3 children: Brett, Heather and Hannah. Jeff can be reached at the church by dialing (724) 774-6398, ext. 12.
Henry Knapp has been our Associate Pastor since June 2000. Henry's main area of ministry includes Adult Nurture and Discipleship. Henry also preaches and is involved in pastoral ministries. Henry has a number of years of ministry experience in a variety of para-church and church settings. Henry completed his Master’s of Divinity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and has his PhD. in Theology from Calvin College. Henry is married to Kelly, and they have 2 children: Sabrina and Jason. Henry can be reached at the church by dialing (724) 774-6398, ext. 13.
Marc de Jeu - Associate Pastor of Outreach and Evangelism
E-mail MarcMarc de Jeu has served as an Associate Pastor at FPC since July of 2009. Before coming to Beaver he served for two years as a pastor in Franklin, PA. Marc was born in Columbus, OH and has lived in the Cleveland area, Indianapolis, IN, and most recently here in Western PA. His main areas of ministry here at FPC deal with Outreach, Young Adults, and the Multi-Site Worship Service. Marc completed his Master’s of Divinity at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. He is married to Emily, and they have 2 boys: Joey & Will. Marc can be reached at the church by dialing (724) 774-6398, ext. 18.
Emily Gedman is our Director of Music Ministries. Her main area of ministry includes nurture and discipleship through planning worship services, directing choirs and leading the praise team. Emily received her Master's degree in Sacred Music from Duquesne University in June 2005.
Emily is a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church and is married to Andy. They have a young daughter and two spoiled dogs. Emily can be reached at the church by dialing (724) 774-6398, ext. 11.
Martha Schartner is our new Director of Student Ministries. Martha’s main area of ministry includes middle school and high school youth and support of our children’s ministry. Martha has been a member of FPC since 1991. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and has over 20 years of experience in para-church and church settings. Martha is married to Dale and they live in Beaver with their three daughters Abby, Rachel and Grace.
Jenny Samuel is our Director of Children's Ministry. She was born and raised in Beaver County and is a graduate of BCCS and Grove City College. Since graduating, she has been working in the education field and has been actively involved in missions and other church activities.
Jenny's main areas of ministry include after-school programs, Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School for children through grade six. She has been a member of FPC since 2001. Jenny can be reached at the church by dialing (724) 774-6398, ext. 22.
Jim Buck is our Minister of Visitation. He has been employed at FPC since 1976 and has served as a Deacon for 3 terms (9 years) specializing in visitation. Jim has 4 children and 8 grandchildren ranging from 3 - 18 years of age. He is married to the former Margaret Graham, now Margaret Buck (Stephen Minister at FPC).
Jim visits the hospital daily and also visits nursing homes and private homes when needed. He assists the Pastor and Associate Pastor with visits and communion to homes. He also assists Deacons and Care Committee with visits and helping other members. Jim can be reached at the church by dialing (724) 774-6398, and leaving a message at ext.10.
Rebecca Matsco - Coordinator, Marriage & Parenting Ministries
E-mail Rebecca Rebecca coordinates marriage and parenting education programs in the community through a partnership with TWOgether Pittsburgh, as well as opportunities for couples and parents at FPC. She is a graduate in Management & Organizational Development from Spring Arbor University and has been a member of the congregation since 2001. A resident of Potter Twp, Rebecca is married to Mark, mom to three sons and two daughters-in-law and proud grandma of (almost) three.
W. Scott Miser is our Office Manager.
Scott was born and raised in Beaver, PA. He graduated from Beaver High School in 1986 and was involved extensively in the music programs. He was selected for District and Regional Chorus. He was also selected for District and Regional Band and was the drummer for the Bopcats Jazz band.
Scott attended the Community College of Beaver County for Business. He was named to the President's List for exceptional academic acheivement.
Scott has extensive HR management and administrative experience. He began working at US Airways as a Human Resources Specialist and eventually became the Asst. Manager of Station Administration. After 9 years at US Airways and the downfall of the airline bacause of the events on 9/11 he moved to a company called NVR Building Products. Scott was the Human Resources & Administrative Coordinator at NVR. He was in charge of all aspects of hiring, payroll, benefits admin., employee relations, attendance control, and vacation tracking.
Scott is married to his wife Colette and they have four children: Maria, Joshua, Alaina and Noah. All attend Beaver School District except Noah who is still only interested in sleeping, eating and playing (he is only 1). Scott's family attends church in Center Township each week and enjoy listening to their son Joshua who is in the Children's Choir.
You may be surprised to know that Scott is also an entertainer on weekends. He performs at roughly 70 weddings each year and many other events.
Lucinda Pelka maintains our Church Compass, Bulletins, Web Page and Church data base. She is also the Wedding Coordinator here at the church. Lucinda serves in the Nursery and teaches Sunday School. Her family moved here in 2000 and she became a member of FPC in 2001. She resides in Chippewa with her husband Greg and three daughters: Mercedes, Camille and Justine. Her hobbies include photographing and painting ceramics. Lucinda can be reached at the church by dialing (724) 774-6398, ext. 26.
Carla Figas is our Morning Secretary. She is responsible for answering phones, mailings, record keeping and various other office functions. Carla lives in Beaver with her husband Richard and daughter Stacey. She has been a member of FPC since 2001. Carla has been on two short term mission trips to Kenya and is a Stephen Minister serving our congregation. In addition to working at FPC, she also works in the Medical Office of the Beaver County Jail. Her hobbies are reading, crafts and antiques. Carla can be reached at the church by dialing (724) 774-6398, ext. 10, from 8:30am - 12:30pm.
Arlene Williams is our Afternoon Secretary. Her duties include answering phones, mailings, attendance, record keeping and other office functions. Arlene grew up in the church, is married to Robin, has 2 children and 3 grandchildren. She came to work at FPC in June 1992. Arlene can be reached at the church by dialing (724) 774-6398, ext. 10, from 12:30 - 4:30.
Lynnette Shuster is our Financial Secretary. She is responsible for entering, maintaining, tracking and reporting contributions. She is a graduate from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with a degree in Finance and Economics. Lynnette lives in Beaver with her husband Jon and her 2 sons, Jacob and Vaughn. Lynnette works on Tuesdays and Fridays and can be reached at the church by dialing (724) 774-6398, ext 19.
April Petrucci is our Building Coordinator. She assigns rooms for meetings, updates the church calendar, and cleans the building. April is originally from Sauquoit, N.Y., but graduated from Beaver High School. She also graduated from Geneva College with a Major in Business and a Minor in Accounting. April lives in New Brighton with her husband Steve and her three daughters: Anita, Melanie, and Renee. Her hobbies include scrapbooking and quilting. April can be reached at the church by dialing (724) 774-6398, and leaving a message with the secretary at ext. 10.
Tom Bradshaw is our Custodian. He has been a member of First Presbyterian Church since 1980. He is married to Barb and has three sons: David, Scott and Brett. Tom enjoys fishing in his spare time. Tom can be reached at the church between the hours 8 am - 12 pm, by dialing (724) 774-6398, and leaving a message with the secretary at ext. 10.
