FIRST
PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH
LAURENS, SC 29360
First Presbyterian Church of Laurens, SC Staff
The Rev. Dr. Mike McCracken
Pastor
mike@firstpreslaurens.org
As one who has come to ministry later in life, I continue to marvel at what it means to be called to this particular work as a Minister of Word and Sacrament. I find myself humbled that God has called me to this work and amazed at the sacred places - such as pulpits, hospital rooms and gravesides - where I am able to serve. I am thankful each day for God’s providence and care that have brought me to this place.
The Rev. Dr. Ken Lister
Director Of Music and Chancel Choir Director ken@firstpreslaurens.org
I am a graduate of Furman University with a Bachelor of Arts in Church Music (Church Music, Voice, Conducting). I earned my Masters Degree in Church Music (Church Music Education, Conducting) in 1970 from Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville and my Doctorate in Ministry (Theology and Pastoral Care) in 1995 from Erskine Seminary. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve at First Presbyterian. If you enjoy singing and worshiping God through music, and can carry a tune in a bucket, please bring your bucket to choir rehearsal on Wednesday nights at 7:15 in the choir room downstairs!
Will DeLaney
Director Of Christian Education
will@firstpreslaurens.org
Kay Monroe
Facilities Manager
kmonroe2312@gmail.com
Kay Monroe here. Call me a maintenance engineer or a custodian; either way my job is cleaning the church. I retired in 2001 from Laurens District 55 High School where I taught and coached for 27 years. During my teaching years, I was always cleaning something (my office, locker rooms, the gym, etc.), so it seemed natural to accept the custodial position at my church. I love my job and enjoy working with such a wonderful team. I love helping people and doing what I can to take care of the church God has given our church family. I have been a member at First Presbyterian since 1986, and am now an Elder. I enjoy spending time with my twin brother, two sisters and their families. God has blessed me with a wonderful family and many wonderful friends. I love sports, walking, yard work, playing cards, having dinner with friends and family, and window shopping. I also have a very big, spoiled cat named Sebago. I work so my cat has a place to live and a servant to wait on him. God is good!
John Swofford
Business Manager
john@firstpreslaurens.org
Hello! After twenty-five years in the banking industry, I retired in 2004. In 2015, I became Financial Secretary/Business Manager here at First Presbyterian Church. Mary Ellen and I are the parents of two sons and six grandsons. Working part time gives me ample time with our grandsons and family and for playing golf with friends. I find it very rewarding working with our church staff and our church family.
Jean L. Cann
Organist and Director of Handbells
C762308@gmail.com
Hello! My name is Jean Cann, and I direct the Jubilate Bells. My life has been spent in church music and I have loved it. Formal development of my ‘gift’ began at age 10 with piano studies plus informal organ lessons with the organist at my home church. I obtained a Bachelor of Music degree from Furman University, and earned my Master of Music Education from Winthrop University while working as a high school choral director and piano lab instructor. I also served with the music programs at each of my late husband’s pastorates. For relaxation, I enjoy going to the Blue Ridge Mountains. On my tea mug is a saying, “Success is doing what you love and being true to yourself!” I have only been able to accomplish this because of my faith in God and trying to carry out His will.