Meet the Staff

... was called as pastor in September, 2000. He has a strong interest in church revitalization and a love for both traditional and newer forms of worship and congregational life.

Steve is married to Marjorie Mason Braden, an ordained Presbyterian pastor and Healing Touch practitioner. They have two boys: Mason  and Andy.

A native Hoosier, Steve pastored a church in Bedford, Indiana, prior to coming to Elkhart. He was called into ministry while practicing law in Madison, Wisconsin. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan, the University of Wisconsin Law School, and McCormick Theological Seminary. His hobbies include folk music, reading,and family activities.

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Home Phone 574.206.0494

...has served First Presbyterian Church, Elkhart as Associate Pastor since March 1996. She enjoys working with all ages, and is involved in caring ministries, adult & youth education, and small group development.

Prior to coming to Elkhart, Kathleen was an Associate Pastor in Valparaiso, Indiana, and has also worked as an Interim Pastor and as a hospital and nursing home chaplain. She is a graduate of Valparaiso University, with a degree in Social Work, and McCormick Theological Seminary.

Kathleen has one son, Patrick, and is married to Kip Lytle. Her personal interests include historical recreation, crafts, camping/fishing & reading.

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...has served First Presbyterian Church as a church musician since 1975. An organist, pianist, and accompanist well-known to local audiences, she has combined her love of teaching and performing with a rich background and interest in church music.

In addition to her responsibilities as organist, Mrs. Weiss directs four singing choirs ranging in age from children through adults. She oversees the growing music and arts program at the church which involves handbells, instrumental ensembles, liturgical dance, drama, and other offerings shared by people of all ages.

Celia maintains an active schedule of performing arts throughout the Michiana area and private teaching of organ and piano. Celia is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music in the Raclin School of the Arts at Indiana University South Bend where she coordinates the piano accompanying program and teaches organ and piano.
 

She is married to G. Michael Weiss, a teacher, and has two sons: Jeremy, a physical therapist, and Benjamin, a student at Indiana University who is pursuing a career as a professional violinist.

Email Celia

...is very excited to be your new Children's Ministries Coordinator. Her calling for this ministry began right here at First Presbyterian more than 16 years ago. She held a similar position at another church for eight years and has volunteered in many church programs ever since. She married her husband Will here at this church in 1993. They have a six year old daughter, Erienne, (rhymes with Mary Ann), who is from Guatemala. They adopted her when she was five months old and she is indeed a blessing to them.

She lives in Granger, where she likes to read and garden. She also teaches scrapbooking, card making, and beginning genealogy. "I am looking forward to getting to know you and your families and get reacquainted with those of you who I have known for awhile. Thank you for this opportunity to share the many joys I have found in this ministry with you. God bless you all."

...have been members of First Presbyterian church for 20 years, and have worked with Junior and Senior high youth for over 20 years! Our son Chris is 18, and our daughter Kelsey is 13. We enjoy working with the youth and their parents. We have organized and attended mission trips, Triennium, and Fundraisers. With our own kids involved in the youth program and Sunday school, we know the importance of providing today's youth with every opportunity to learn more about God, themselves, our community, and the world around us!

All youth in 7th to 12th grade are invited to attend both Sunday school and youth group activities!

Email John & Mary

 We welcome Frank Cassella as music coordinator for the Bridge. A well-known local musician and businessman, Frank owns and operates
"All About Fitness", located in Easy Shopping Place, Elkhart. He plays both keyboard and guitar and remains active in his Catholic church.

Email Frank

We welcome Todd Miller in the newly-created position of Bridge Technical Coordinator. As any Bridge regular can attest, Todd has spent untold hours not only preparing for sound and video for the Bridge services, but building the Bridge sound booth and installing and trouble-shooting the complex sound, video, and lighting systems.

Email Todd