Transitional Pastor, Head of Staff

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Rev. Julie Thompson has served congregations in several regions of the U.S., including Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina,
Georgia, and Tennessee.

 

She has also served as a hospice chaplain and Church Relations Director for a campus ministry organization. A specialist in Transitional Ministry, Rev. Thompson serves on the faculty of the Transitional Ministry
Education Consortium, where she has trained hundreds of pastors to guide congregations through seasons of change. She is a graduate of Miami University
(Oxford, Ohio) and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

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Rev. Thompson has three adult children, Sam (29), a filmmaker and producer in Los Angeles, Claire (26), a social worker and therapist in coastal New Jersey, and Ellie (21), who works for a Georgia Congresswoman on Capitol Hill.

Music Director, Organist

 

Brad Thoreson has served as Music Director and Organist at First Church since June 2018. Originally from North Dakota, Brad studied in Springfield, Missouri, and spent several years in a unique career as a dueling piano entertainer before transitioning into church music leadership.

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Brad grew up experiencing a wide range of Christian traditions, which deeply influenced his understanding of worship. A somewhat-lapsed Episcopalian who is now active in Presbyterian life, he brings a rich, eclectic perspective to music ministry—what he calls a "tapestry approach" that blends reverence, creativity, and inclusivity.

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Since moving to Northwest Florida in 2013, Brad has made his home in Lynn Haven. In addition to his role in worship, he works in management for a local retailer and is actively involved in several community organizations. His passion for music, community, and collaborative worship continues to shape his ministry both within and beyond the church walls.

Administrative Assistant

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Terri has served as Administrative Assistant at First Church since 2024. With a warm spirit and a heart for ministry, Terri is often the first welcoming face or voice people encounter when connecting with the church. She brings a deep commitment to supporting the daily life of the congregation—coordinating communications, managing office operations, and assisting staff, members, and visitors with care and efficiency.

Terri’s dedication helps keep the church running smoothly, and her presence reflects the hospitality and faith at the heart of First Church.

Treasurer, Administrative Volunteer

 

If you need someone to make sure something gets done, Janet is the person! As Church Treasurer and dedicated administrative volunteer, she brings reliability, precision, and heart to everything she does. From managing the church’s finances to helping with behind-the-scenes logistics, Janet’s steady presence is essential to the life of First Church. We truly couldn’t get through a week without her support and dedication.

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Willow, along with her sister Wren and their mamma, are First Church’s well-loved feline companions. Unofficially serving as ministers of pest control, they bring joy, charm, and the occasional surprise visit to sanctuary. Their quiet ministry reminds us all that sometimes, God’s helpers have whiskers.