Brant plans our worship celebrations, leads the worship teams, coordinates media technology, and guides our spiritual formation ministry. Brant has served in church ministry for 14 years. He earned a B.A. in Biblical studies from Philadelphia Biblical University and an M.A. in church leadership from Philadelphia Seminary. He also studied at Jerusalem University. Brant is certified in Spiritual Formation through Oasis Ministry. He has led worship at camps, conferences, and retreats, and led mission trips to six countries. Brant and Erin have been married for 14 years and have 3 children. He enjoys spending time with his family, cheering for the Philadelphia Eagles, playing soccer, writing songs, and reading thoughtful books.
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Joshua Raskin v Student Ministry Pastor
Josh leads the HUB student ministries. His gifts of building community and teaching Biblical truth guide students in building a Biblical worldview and following Christ in everyday life. Josh earned his M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a B.A. from the University of California at San Diego. He recently spent a year at the International Baptist Seminary in Prague, Czech Republic, teaching classes and studying ways to minister to students in Post-Modern culture. Josh and his wife, Alison, met in seminary and share a call to ministry. Josh has ministered to students at Flood Church in San Diego and with Campus Crusade at the University of California. Josh and Alison began serving at First Baptist this year.
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Carolyn Mozel v Children's Pastor
Carolyn guides our KidsWorld Ministry to help make Sunday morning the best time of the week for kids as they have a lot of fun experiencing a life-changing relationship with Christ. She graduated from Western Evangelical Seminary and George Fox University. Carolyn was an elementary school teacher for eight years. She has served in children's ministry, women's ministry, and as a pastor's wife for 25 years. Carolyn has guided the KidsWorld into explosive growth as many families are arriving at First Baptist and there are more trained volunteers than there were children five years ago. She enjoys reading, swimming, walking at the beach, time with her family, and a good cup of tea. Carolyn and Greg (our Lead Pastor) have been married for 25 years and have two children.
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Jeanne Parks v Choir Director
Our classic worship service is enriched by the excellent music and heartfelt worship of the choir. Jeanne selects a variety of music, guides rehearsals, and directs the choir for Sunday worship and concerts throughout the year. Jeanne earned a B.A. in music education from Westchester University, an M.A. in music performance from the University of Massachusetts, and an M.A. in marriage and family therapy from Antioch Graduate School. She teaches music and directs the chorus at Central High School in Springfield. Jeanne's family is filled with gifted musicians. Her husband, George, was the beloved Band Director at the University of Massachusetts for 30 years and her son, Mike, plays drums for the worship band. Jeanne began serving as our Choir Director in 2002.
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Ron Loescher v Care Minister
Ron brings deep compassion for people, boundless energy, and more than forty years as a physician to serve as our Care Minister. Ron was a family practice physician in Amherst for thirty years before establishing the Holyoke Health Clinic to provide medical care for people in need. He has traveled on mission trips with the Christian Medical & Dental Society. Ron leads our Stephen Ministry care team, directs our Medical Ministry, coordinates Communion Visit Teams, and offers pastoral care for people in crisis. Ron has run the Boston Marathon several years and was recently inducted into the Wheaton College sports hall of fame for his record-breaking soccer career. Ron and Nancy have shared 48 years of marriage and are blessed with four children and ten grandchildren.
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Dawn Murry v Bookstore Manager
Dawn serves as the Manager of the Book Nook. Dawn shares time between managing the church bookstore, working in the Religious Affair Department at Amherst College, and earning her Master's degree in Spiritual Formation at Bethel Seminary. Dawn is a graduate of Western Oregon College with a BA in Music, and Elms College with an MA in Education. She taught in the Sunderland School District for nineteen years. Dawn enjoys reading a good book, creating beautiful quilts, camping in the beauty of God's creation, and playing in the church orchestra. You can consult with Dawn in the Book Nook to find the best resource to take the next step in your faith journey.
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Erin Ferry v Administrator
Erin manages the church office, directs church communication, and coordinates use of the campus. She graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a degree in history and has worked as a historical researcher for Plymouth Plantation and as a bank teller at Florence Savings Bank. Erin joined the First Baptist staff team in 2011. Erin grew up on Cape Cod, met her husband (Chris) at UMass, has been married for five years, and leads the "Faith That Works" growth group. Erin's warm personality and professional excellence bless our church.
