First Christian Church, Wilson N.C. Staff

Leadership

Our tradition believes in the "ministry of all believers".
That is, we believe that all of the staff and members of FCC
are truly intended to be ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Professional Staff

Interim Senior Minister - Rev. Jamie Brame

We welcome Rev. Brame (or as he prefers, 'Jamie') who will be with us until FCC finds our next Senior Minister.

First Christian is entering into a period of transition. As we celebrate Rev. Gary Walling's ministry retirement, 10 years of which has been with First Christian, we begin a search process. We ask that you hold First Christian Wilson, the Search Committee and those who are being called in your prayers.

Casey Whaley Childers | Minister of Music & Organist

Casey has been serving First Christian since 2007 when she arrived as organist. She served this position while gaining the Masters of Music degree in Organ Performance and Sacred Music from East Carolina University as well as the Colleagues' Certification (CAGO) through the American Guild of Organists. Prior to this she received Bachelor of Music degrees from Appalachian State University in both Music (Clarinet) Performance and Music Education (K-12). She came onto the FCC Staff full time in 2009 where she continued her ministry as organist and also became director of the Chancel Choir and children's choirs. Since then she has revived The Chalice Ringers handbell choir, has established a group of leaders (Encounter) who assist in leading more contemporary music, has provided a meaningful Mobile Music Ministry which visits members in need of spiritual nourishment in their home, and has created a seasonal music series called, "A Space for Grace". Casey feels that authentic ministry and worship experiences are vital in a gospel that calls us to be community. She also believe that though the past can be comprised of long lasting memories, new memories can also be created with the right heart and spirit.

In time aside from First Christian, Casey serves as accompanist for the Beddingfield and Hunt High School Choirs. Her piano students in the Gloria Piano Studio participate in the North Carolina Federation of Music Club performance at ECU. She has served on the boards of the East Carolina Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and the East Carolina Musical Arts Education Foundation. Casey is a member of the American Guild of Organists, Wilson Church Musician's Guild, St. Cecilia Music Club, National Federation of Teachers of Music and Pi Kappa Lambda. She has performed as organist in England, France, Germany and Spain. She loves spending time with her husband, Andrew, sons, Jackson & Phillip, loves raking, sweeping, getting her hands in the flower beds and all things photography.

Casey may be reached at cwchilders@fccwilson.org or EXT #202

Office Administrator | Charles Cauley

We have welcomed Charles in this role in February 2021. As a valued choir member he stepped forward as this position opened. First Christian is so fortunate to have his skills and personality as a forefront in our leadership.

Charles has been a member of FCC since 1976. He is married to Gilda and has one daughter, Madison. He has served in various capacities in the church including Elder, Deacon, Chairman of the Board, etc. and has been a choir member for most of his time at FCC. He retired as an engineer with NCDOT at the end of last year. Charles enjoys photography, working in his yard and house and going to the beach.
He is very happy to be serving FCC as Interim Office Administrator.
He can be reached at officestaff2@fccwilson.org or EXT #200.

Financial Secretary | Connie Farris

Connie keeps all of the finances and bills of the church current and up-to-date! Whether you need a reimbursement from a church related purchase or a check on your committee's budget, Connie is an organized blessing to us!

Connie may be reached at bookkeeper@fccwilson.org or EXT #203

Custodial Staff | Esmerelda & Maria Salazar

Esmerelda has been with us since 2016 with Maria following shortly after.

They keep First Christian clean, sanitized and so very organized. If one were to ever doubt their beautiful spirits and commitment, they are also known for keeping our indoor plants healthy and alive! We are fortunate to have them with us.

2022 Congregational Officers

Theresa Mathis | Board Chairperson

Theresa shares, "My family moved to Wilson 15 years ago from the mountain end of VA. We took a solid year searching for a church that would help my children see the love of God. From our first experience during a spaghetti dinner by the youth to 15 years later, FCC has been a blessing in our lives. The congregation has become my second family. My passion is around bringing people together. From my event planning for the City of Wilson, to my volunteer work directing the Whirligig Festival, to my involvement at FCC with Vacation Bible, Small Groups and annual celebrations – it’s all about connecting people. It’s like a family reunion every Sunday. Yes, we do have that crazy Uncle and the Cousin that gets on everyone’s nerves, but just as we love our family, so does FCC - we love everyone. My partner and I have found FCC to continuously be an open and affirming place of worship. "

Christy Proctor | Board Vice-Chairperson

Tim Sharp | Treasurer

Tim is a native Wilsonian and lifelong member of FCC Wilson. He has served in numerous leadership positions including Board Chair, Elder, Trustee, Deacon and Treasurer. Tim graduated from Fike High School and Barton College where he met his wife, Steffanie. He and Steffanie have one daughter, Taylor. He has been an independent insurance agent in Wilson for 30 years. As Treasurer, Tim works closely with the Financial Secretary and the Financial Affairs Committee to help oversee the finances of the church.

Beth Williams | Secretary

Beth shares, "I joined First Christian Church (FCC) as a Barton College student when my family returned to Wilson NC after living in Jamestown NC. My Mom attended FCC as a child with her family and I have watched her lead by example as a deacon, elder and in many other roles. After graduating from Barton College, I married and had two sons who participated in Sunday School, FCC Youth Group, Camp Caroline, celebrated baptisms, graduations and learned about giving back by sharing their love of God through mission trips and other youth activities.

My grandson looks forward to Vacation Bible School (VBS) each summer and enjoys meeting other children from the community. I have served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, VBS Leader, and currently serve as Board Secretary. Professionally, I work in the Financial Services Industry and have also worked in the non-profit sector as United Way Communications/Marketing Director and have volunteered as President of Wilson Community Council and President of Wilson County Office of Senior Citizen Affairs. FCC is truly a family and welcomes ALL to join us and worship!"

2022 Team Leaders

Christian Nurture + Growth | Melissa Boyce-Inscoe

Christian Women's Fellowship | Nelda Bardin

Christian Women's Fellowship is an active ministry with 1 regular meeting group. They meet Tuesdays at 2PM in the Education Building. They have a strong support of CHEW, Hope Station, Westview House, Church Women United, Soup Kitchen, Pastor's Fund, Camp Caroline and the Latham House. They provides funds to purchase cakes for the Community Christmas dinner each year and they provide bake sales when CMF has their Boston Butt sale. The FCC CWF rotates hosting the May friendship luncheon with local churches. They collect the Least coin offering from CWF members at meetings whuch is turned in at this May friendship luncheon. On a monthly basis, they take desserts to Flynn Home for men. A Flynn home for women has been opened and they visited the home and delivered hygiene products in April, and will collect again in May.

Compassion & Service | Wendy Wingrove & Carol Steffa

This team seeks to create and foster a vision of service in our community and beyond, with responsibility for advocating for the compassionate ministries of Christ. Do mission trips get your energy up? Do you care deeply about helping beyond our walls? Do blood drive, shoe box drives and food drives get your passions going? This team is for you! Wendy and Carol will be thrilled to have you help gather energy around needs beyond our walls!

Deacons | Ricky Brown

Elders | Bob Kendall

The Elders serve as spiritual leaders of the congregation. Through bi-weekly meetings, they surround themselves in prayer around the concerns, the sick and the homebound. Bob says, "There are seven of us who are somewhere along our three-year terms. Todd Brame, Wanda Brown, Jeannette Etheridge, Kathy Sandifer, Tish Scott and Wanda Sutton. And me. Our role as spiritual leaders is suddenly very different … much broader and deeper … during this period without a senior minister. We remain at the point of prayer ministry and stand up front as we walk our spiritual journey as a congregation."

Facilities & Maintenance | Dennis Daniels

The Facilities and Maintenance goal is to help provide a safe and comfortable area for our members and friends to worship and serve. Dennis has been a church member for 40+ years. Boy Scouts and youth groups were helpful and formulative in his church growth in the church. He married his wife Jeanne in First Christian 32 years ago.

This teams meets on the first Monday of each month at 5:30PM.

Financial Affairs | Tish Scott

Financial Affairs oversees the finances of the church, with responsibility for administering all the income and expenses related to church operations.

Tish shares, "I was born and grew up in Wilson and am the 4th generation of my family to be a member of First Christian Church. I graduated from Greenfield School and UNC-Chapel Hill after which I returned to Wilson. I have worked in computer programming, manufacturing sales & marketing, public relations, college foundation, and office management and accounting.

At First Christian I have been an active member serving as a deacon, committee chair, treasurer, board chair (following both my parents who also served as board chair) and elder. I currently serve as the chair of Financial Affairs. I am also a member of the Chalice Ringers handbell choir and enjoy the music ministries at our church as well as the many other opportunities to spend time with my church family. As chair of Financial Affairs my hope is to be blessed with offerings that cover our needs as well as our plans and dreams for our ministries. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family (husband, David, and our daughters, sons-in-law, grand-daughter, grand-dogs and grand-cat), going to the river, and attending events where David plays his saxophone.

Hospitality | Leslie Kendall

The Hospitality Team consists of FCC family members who are deeply moved to serve others through food, fellowship, and service. Joining our team at every gathering are the many hands who come out to help no matter what the event. We all have one desire - to serve any who enter our midst in the same way Christ served, welcoming all to the table in friendship and love.

Leslie and Bob joined FCC in 1998 and fell in love with the congregation on their first Sunday. A graduate of Atlantic Christian College and a retired teacher, I taught children who are deaf or hard of hearing for 35 years before retiring in 2009.

I.T. | Kenneth Dildy

Spiritual Worship & Expressions | Gilda Cauley

This team promotes and guides Christian worship and enriches the devotional life of the entire congregation, with responsibilities centering on the worship and music. The seasons of the Christian year are reflected visually throughout the worship spaces and this team helps to accentuate these seasons. Gilda is welcoming you to the future of what it means to fully worship.

Trustees | Clayton Bardin

This team has a heavy responsibility and care for the financial investments of the church that have been trusted to our care. The trustees of First Christian Church Wilson NC receive, manage, maintain and make recommendations regarding the disbursement of the.Trustee Funds. The trustees are authorized to make changes in the manner in which the trustee funds are invested.

Meet our IT Team

First Christian is incredibly fortunate to have these members share in their time and their gifts week upon week. If you have been able to partake in worship via YouTube, this team has made it happen!