Category: Name that Member!

Earlier this week we featured our Monday Member Spotlight Name that Member! through email and on our social media and now it’s time for the BIG REVEAL! In case you missed it, here’s our Member’s story:

• I was born and raised in Green Bay.
• Some of my favorite childhood memories come from time spent up north with my cousins.
• I am the youngest of two siblings.
• I am currently married with three kids and two grandkids.
• My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family watching my kids participate in their activities, relaxing up north, and traveling.
• I love the sense of community in our church. It is such a welcoming environment. Coming to church feels like being at home.
• I have been a member of our church my entire life. I was baptized, confirmed, and married in our church.
• Some of my best vacation memories revolve around a cruise taken with extended family in 2018. Lots of laughs were had!
• I am very passionate about anything that is important to me. When I am doing something, I love to give it my all.
• I had a role in the movie Ed Gein: The Musical. I played a patient in the crazy house (some days, that seems appropriate!). It was a locally filmed, independent movie, and I had the greatest time during shooting!
• In my spare time, I love baking, but oddly enough, I don’t eat much of what I bake. My family and coworkers are usually the benefactors!
• I love dance, and I have been a dance teacher for the past 26 years.
• I am currently working towards my black belt in karate after years of being badgered by one of my kids to start. I loved doing karate so much, I also became an instructor.

Who am I?

Do you give up?

I’m Jill Stenson!

Were you stumped? Or, did you learn something new about Jill?

Tell us your story! Complete our Name that Member Form or email csimonet@firstpresgreenbay.org so you can be featured in an upcoming Monday Member Spotlight of Name that Member!

Earlier this week we featured our Monday Member Spotlight Name that Member through email and on our social media and now it’s time for the BIG REVEAL! In case you missed it, here’s our Member’s story:

• About my childhood – we always had a piano, which my parents were very proficient at (wish I could say the same about me). I tuned into music and Christianity at an early age.
• I grew up watching Billy Graham Crusades.
• We went to church every Sunday followed by my Mom making chicken dinner. In the afternoons we visited relatives at their house, or ours, or those at the cemetery.
• As a family we would visit other churches often. Yes, FPC was on the visit list.
• I was supposed to be a middle child…I have one brother.
• I have one wife (one and only), 3 children and 4 grandchildren.
• I have too many blessings to have just one favorite thing in the world, however I’ve been going to a place of refuge for about 48 years which is an excellent place for mental and physical therapy.
• What I like most about being a member of our church is that it’s Bible based (more than some churches). Prayer, Praise and Worship are in a ‘reverent’ manner.
• I’ve been a member of our church for close to 30 years (though not continuous…been around the block a few times).
• My parent’s wedding was held at FPC. So was mine (one and only).
• Even while being members of another church ‘we’ would regularly spend the closest Sunday of our wedding anniversary ‘here’.
• My favorite place to visit is my place of refuge (located on a road less traveled).
• Couldn’t tell you my ‘best’ vacation spot, because the ones I’ve visited have something special about each one.
• What I’m most passionate about is keeping this little light of mine lit, in an ever increasing windy world (and passing that light on to our kids, grandkids, and whomever else might be interested).
• I’ve attended 4 colleges and went to all the colleges I wanted to attend.
• I have 3 degrees and graduated from one college twice.
• I’ve always graduated college debt free.
• I came very close to enrolling at Wartburg Seminary, Dubuque Iowa. (Did my ministry in another way/career.)
• My family has a very ecumenical history (although in a very conservative way).
• I bought my first car when I was 14 years old for $75 (and still have it!)
• Also, still use my first toaster, a ‘flip flop’ one.
• I’ve already had a ride in a hearse, but not in the back. Great ride!
• I’ve never gambled but if I were to buy a lottery ticket the numbers would be: 1, 13, 15, 40, 53 & 12.
• I’m not comfortable being in the spotlight. I like recognition as much as anyone but I don’t seek or glory in it.
• I’ve participated in 3 polar bear plunges and, yes, for it to be an official plunge, you have to go under.

Who am I?

Do you give up?

I’m Russ Christensen!

I bet you didn’t know I was such an academic or that I use a fire hazard antique toaster!

Tell us your story! Complete our Name that Member Form or email csimonet@firstpresgreenbay.org so you can be featured in an upcoming Monday Member Spotlight of Name that Member!

Earlier this week we featured our Monday Member Spotlight Name that Member through email and on our social media and now it’s time for the BIG REVEAL! In case you missed it, here’s our Member’s story:

• I was born and raised in Eastern South Dakota, North of Sioux Falls.
• I spent a lot of vacation time in the Black Hills, which is my favorite place to be in the world.
• My freshman year in football, I was so bad that my coach told me I should try cross country next season! He made the right call. I still run today.
• I joined choir and theater in high school to get past my fear of being in front of people!
• I have 3 brothers, 2 older and one younger.
• I am divorced, I have four children, one daughter in law, and one grand daughter who oozes cuteness! Three of my children were baptized in this church.
• I love exploring! I spent two summers in Egypt when I was young, and that was huge. I love going to new places, learning new cultures, and seeing new things.
• I’m also a huge football fan, and people around here don’t appreciate my point of view!
• What I love most about being a member of the church is that there are so many good people in this church! I love the way it serves the community and its people. Also most of my best mentors came from this church! It is a pleasure to take an active role in its service!
• I have been a member of First Presbyterian for over 30 years!
• My favorite place to be is Iron Creek Lake in the Northern Black Hills. It is God’s gift, it is so beautiful there. There is a mountain at the end of the lake where the view is so amazing, and when the wind blows, there is a sound the pine needles make, a whisper, it is just beautiful!
• What I’m most passionate about is simple really. I just want to make a difference.
• I say thank you about one hundred times a day, and laugh when God puts an obstacle in my way because I know he’s just trying to slow me down!

Who am I?

Do you give up?

I’m David Young!

Did you know all that about David?

Tell us your story! Complete our Name that Member Form or email csimonet@firstpresgreenbay.org so you can be featured in an upcoming Monday Member Spotlight of Name that Member!

Earlier this week we featured our Monday Member Spotlight Name that Member through email and on our social media and now it’s time for the BIG REVEAL! In case you missed it, here’s our Member’s story:

• I was born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
• My favorite childhood memories was being a leprechaun in the St. Patrick’s Day play in elementary school.
• I am married with two kids (son and daughter).
• I have one sister and no brothers.
• My favorite thing to do is to travel.
• What I love most about being a member of this church is the people–we have such a wonderful community of people in the church.
• I’ve been a member of our church for my entire life.
• My favorite place to visit is Walt Disney World.
• I’m most passionate about my family. Even though my kids are “adults” I am very passionate about my family.
• I failed my driver’s test miserably–I didn’t even make it out of the parking stall on my first try. Must have been the shortest driver’s test on record.

Who am I?

Do you give up?

I’m Amy Wittman!

Betcha didn’t know all that about Amy, did you?

But more importantly – are you comfortable with Amy driving your carpool?

Tell us your story! Complete our Name that Member Form or email csimonet@firstpresgreenbay.org so you can be featured in an upcoming Monday Member Spotlight of Name that Member!

Earlier this week we featured our Monday Member Spotlight Name that Member through email and on our social media and now it’s time for the BIG REVEAL! In case you missed it, here’s our Member’s story:

• I was born and raised in Green Bay.
• Until I was about 14, I spent all my summers at our cottage in Southern Door County. It was idyllic.
• I’m an only child, but am very close to cousins on both sides of my family.
• I have 2 grown sons and 5 grandkids.
• What I aspire to do most in the world is to make a difference.
• At first what I loved most about being part of this church was the music and the camaraderie, but now I think it’s the opportunity to explore my faith with our church family.
• I’ve been a member of the church for 15 years.
• I have been fortunate to have done my share of traveling. My favorite places include Savannah, Charleston and Great Britain.
• What I’m most passionate about is making a difference.
• I was once quite a serious stamp collector.
• If I tell you more everyone will know who I am! (I was purposely circumspect in my answers.)

Who am I?

Do you give up?

I’m Bruce Deadman!

Did I stump you or give too much away? I consider myself to be a wide open book.

Tell us your story! Complete our Name that Member Form or email csimonet@firstpresgreenbay.org so you can be featured in an upcoming Monday Member Spotlight of Name that Member!

Earlier this week we featured our Monday Member Spotlight Name that Member through email and on our social media and now it’s time for the BIG REVEAL! In case you missed it, here’s our Member’s story:

• I was born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
• My favorite childhood memories were being able to fly a plane and I went on three cruises.
• I am the 3rd generation of my family that belongs to this church.
• My favorite thing to do is hang out with friends and family.
• What I love most about being a member of this church is that I get to be included in lots of things.
• I’ve been a member of our church for 12 years.
• My favorite place to visit is my cabin in Northern Wisconsin and it’s my favorite spot in the world!
• I’m most passionate about my service to my country.
• I have Morton’s toe (my big toe is shorter than my middle toe).
• I’m a 2nd degree black belt in karate.
• My best friend is the son of the pastor at another Presbyterian Church.

Who am I?

Do you give up?

I’m Elliott Stenson!

Did you guess correct? What gave it away? Was it the Morton’s toe?

Tell us your story! Complete our Name that Member Form or email csimonet@firstpresgreenbay.org so you can be featured in an upcoming Monday Member Spotlight of Name that Member!

Earlier this week we featured our Monday Member Spotlight Name that Member through email and on our social media and now it’s time for the BIG REVEAL! In case you missed it, here’s our Member’s story:

• I was born and raised in Southeast Wisconsin.
• Growing up, my family loved to camp, and my siblings and I would line up tallest to smallest and sing songs from the Sound of Music for the campers.
• I have seven brothers and one sister.
• I DID NOT marry my high school sweetheart.
• I LOVE to eat sweets! Chocolate cake with buttercream frosting is the best but I do love a powdered paczki.
• I love how our congregation fellowships together. Especially during potluck lunches!
• I have been a member of the church for 32 years.
• My favorite vacation was in Italy visiting the Vatican, seeing the Statue of David, and then being in Assisi. Assisi is one of the most beautiful places ever!
• What I’m most passionate about is my family.
• When I was in college, I punched a guy in the face for picking on my friend.
• I LOVE STEAK and DURKE FRIED ONIONS!
• I love to sit on the beach in the sun.

Who am I?

Do you give up?

I’m Loni McCormick!

Did you guess correct? What gave it away?

Tell us your story! Complete our Name that Member Form or email csimonet@firstpresgreenbay.org so you can be featured in an upcoming Monday Member Spotlight of Name that Member!

Earlier this week we featured our Monday Member Spotlight Name that Member through email and on our social media and now it’s time for the BIG REVEAL! In case you missed it, here’s our Member’s story:

• I was born and raised in Winneconne, Wisconsin
• My favorite childhood memory is playing night games with neighborhood friends. We played kick-the-can, ghost in the graveyard and sardines among others
• I come from a single parent family
• I’m mechanically inclined
• I enjoy playing Magic the Gathering
• I served in the AmeriCorps
• I love my profession and am passionate about the work that I do
• What I love most about being a member of the church is the community and seeing how we serve outside of the church building
• I’ve fixed or repaired 3 Pontiacs and drove all of them for over 200,000 miles so I either like to work on cars or I’m poor, or both
• I’m a diehard Brewer fan and enjoy playing slow pitch softball
• Once when I sat in the front row next to the visitors box at a Brewer game there was an outstanding play followed by 3rd baseman, Bill Hall, throwing me the ball that was played
• I’m also most passionate about my football team, the Badgers and the Bucks
• In my youth I was a Collegiate Track and Field athlete
• It may be hard to picture today, but once upon a time, I had long curly hair

Who am I?

Do you give up?

I’m Joel Morien!

Did you guess correct? What gave it away?

Tell us your story! Complete our Name that Member Form or email csimonet@firstpresgreenbay.org so you can be featured in an upcoming Monday Member Spotlight of Name that Member!

Earlier this week we featured our Monday Member Spotlight Name that Member through email and on our social media and now it’s time for the BIG REVEAL! In case you missed it, here’s our Member’s story:

• I was born in Waterloo, Iowa and grew up in Hudson, about 15 miles south of Waterloo.
• I was a 5 year letter winner in softball (starting in 8th grade).
• I was active in basketball, band and tennis.
• I was president of my class.
• I attended the University of Northern Iowa where I majored in Elementary Education, Spanish, with a coaching minor.
• I grew up attending First Presbyterian Church in Waterloo where I was baptized, attended youth group, got married, and held my dad’s funeral.
• I met my husband at age 16 and we’ve been together since I was 17 and he was 18, so after we graduated from college he proposed and asked me to move to Green Bay for his job.
• My husband and I celebrated 30 years of marriage this year.
• We moved to Green Bay in 1991 where I first taught preschool, then 3rd/4th grade and Spanish at a private school before joining the Green Bay Area Public Schools.
• I joined the church in 2001 and raised my 2 children here, where they were both baptized & confirmed.
• I have served as an Elder and on PNC, as well as several committees here at First Pres.

Who am I?

Do you give up?

I’m Lisa Olson!

How well did you know Lisa?

Tell us your story! Complete our Name that Member Form or email csimonet@firstpresgreenbay.org so you can be featured in an upcoming Monday Member Spotlight of Name that Member!