About Us

Our Staff

Pastor
	Rev. Pam Novelly Temporary Pastor Rev. Pam joined us in May, 2011 as we begin our Pastor Search. She will be preaching on the first and third Sundays each month. Pam has served as a Temporary Pastor for other congregations in the Presbytery of the Redwoods and other presbyteries in the PC(USA). Pam has also served as the Executive Director of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Sonoma County and with the Alzhiemer's Association of Sonoma County. Although she won't be keeping regular hours at the church, she is available for emergencies via email at pam@petalumafirst.com
Children's Ministry Staff
	Grete Hansen Children's Sunday School Coordinator Grete was born and raised in Petaluma. She is the oldest of 3 girls. Her sisters, Emma and Lara, are also members of the church. After attending Pepperdine University, she met her husband, Eddy. They made the decision to move back to Sonoma County to start a family of their own. Grete has a background in event planning and Eddy is the Technical Director at a local performing arts venue. They have one son, Trey, who is a bundle of fun! Grete became a member of the church in 2008 and has also worked as a Nursery Care Provider. She loves working with children and is looking forward to reaching out to the community through Children’s Ministries.. Email: grete[at]petalumafirst.com
Worship Staff
"I have enjoyed, sung and directed both children's and adult choirs as well a bell group. My sisters and I grew up around the piano."	Kay Fish, Choir Coordinator Kay has directed children's and adult choirs as well a bell group. Kay and her husband, Jim, moved back to California from Indiana in 2007 to be closer to grandchildren in Novato and Los Angeles. (I know you'll want to hear stories about how talented they are!) Jim is a retired Lutheran pastor (1LCA) and has retired to Oakmont. Kay has worked for the church for twenty-five years plus a life time of volunteering. Kay was a program director and administrator in a theological seminary. She and Jim have lived in Lodi and San Jose, as well as Washington, Iowa, Oklahoma and Indiana. Born in Indiana and growing up in Michigan, her 93 year old father is a retired Presbyterian pastor. Along with my mother, I have three sisters, one of whom is a Presbyterian pastor. We are a close family. She attended Adrian College in Michigan and received a Masters from Arizona State. Email Kay[at]spetalumafirst.com
	Jenny Smith, Organist As a Petaluma native, Jenny has attended our church since she was an infant. She served as organist here during her high school years. Jenny received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Chico State University in 1979 and returned here to be our organist in 1987. Her children, Lauren and Jared, were raised in this church family.
	Dan Ancheta, Praise Music Leader
Administrative Staff
	Ted Arntz, Facilities Coordinator Ted takes care of the church campus, including cleaning, room set-up, groundskeeping, maintenance, volunteer coordinating and construction projects. Ted and his wife, Judy, have been active members for over 10 years. Ted can be contacted at Ted[at]petalumafirst.com
	Lori Fox , Office Coordinator Lori has been the Office Coordinator for five years. She enjoys spending time with her three children and is very active in her church in Santa Rosa. Lori is available in the church office during business hours and is always happy to assist you with your questions and needs. Lori can be contacted at Lori[at]petalumafirst.com
	Becky Tillman, Bookkeeper Becky joined us in April, 2011 and has over 20 years of experience working with church and business books. She has been active in her church in Sonoma, where she grew up. Becky can be contacted at becky@petalumafirst.com