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Youth Director - Jennifer Gordon

     My name is Jenny Gordon, and I am the part-time Director of Youth Ministries at FPCH. I am excited to work with the youth and leaders of FPCH to help spiritually grow the 7-12 graders in our community! I have a Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry, have worked with youth in varying capacities for over 10 years, and have also served as the leader of many weeklong mission trips, retreats and summer camps. I am an elder in the PCUSA and have held several different committee and staff positions in Presbyterian churches in the past. My husband is Aaron Gordon who is a Pastor (teaching elder) in the PCUSA church, and we enjoy serving together. We have been married for 20 plus years, and we have two children; Josiah, who is at Hammond High school in the IB program, and Zeke who is currently attending high school at Brighthouse Learning Academy in Abita Spring. Our boys are both neurodivergent (having brain differences such as ASD and ADHD) and we also have a neurotic little rescue dog named Ms. Wags! We enjoy hiking, biking and traveling when possible.

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Campus Ministry Director - Janet Moran

     I’m Janet Moran and I’m your part-time Campus Ministry Director. I’ve been a member of First Presbyterian for 40 years and was married to my husband, Richard in this church. Our son, Jeffrey was baptized as an infant here. I have served as choir director, and organist and pianist for the early service. Richard and I enjoy working with and supporting the youth ministry and have been chaperones on trips to Montreat for several years. Richard and I look forward to many more years of service to the glory of God. 

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Choir Director - Chuck Effler

     I was the director of the opera program at Southeastern Louisiana University for 20 years, which included training and conducting large and small opera choruses. I was also the pianist for choral groups at Southeastern and learned from many choral conductors for over 25 years as a graduate student in music and as a member of the accompanying staff. This training and experience directly relates to his work as choir director for the Chancel Choir at FPC.

     I was awarded the 2009 Creative Achievement in Opera award from the New Orleans based A Tribute to the Classical Arts. I also prepared the casts and orchestras for three operatic world premiers at Southeastern.

     I enjoy cooking for friends, reading, and occasionally composing or arranging music for the Chancel Choir.


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Sexton - Ellis Neal

     I have been the Sexton of FPC Hammond for many years. I am responsible for the upkeep of the church building and grounds, ensuring a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. 


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Administrator - Chrissie McGhee

     My name is Chrissie McGhee. I have been the Office Administrator at FPCH since January of 2023. I am responsible for administrative support to the Church staff. My duties include scheduling calendar events, creating bulletins, publishing the weekly newsletter, bookkeeping, payroll, all general office duties and assisting the congregation as needed. Before joining the staff at FPCH, I spent 27 years at Southeastern Louisiana University where I was an Administrative Assistant to the President. After retiring from Southeastern and being at home for a year, I became aware of this position at the Church. I wasn't really looking for a job, but eventually felt led to apply. This position is more than a job to me - it is a calling, a place to serve. My husband and I moved here from Arkansas in 1991 and our two children grew up here and still live nearby. We have three wonderful grandchildren and two spoiled dogs! I enjoy Women's Bible studies, reading, listening to all types of music and being home with my family. 


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Interim Pastor - Rev. Dr. Keith Alan Uffman

     I am am responsible for preaching, teaching, and equipping the saints to do the work of God. I recently retired as senior pastor from Webster Presbyterian Church in Webster, Texas. Twenty-seven years ago, I faithfully served as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Hammond. It is great to be back.


     I graduated from Broadmoor High School in Baton Rouge in 1976 and attended Louisiana State University. I have attended LSU and Duke. I obtained a Doctorate in Ministry with an emphasis in ethics from Union Theological Seminary. I have taught philosophy and ethics at several higher education institutions including Southeastern Louisiana University.


     I am married to Mary Helen and we have four daughters – Gracey, Kristi, Sarah Frances and Molly – who are grown and live in Raleigh, North Carolina.


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Sexton - Jennifer Rubio

     I am responsible for the care of our campus and physical plant. I use a wide range of skills to make sure FPC Hammond is ready for worship of God, use by the community, or a place to gather. My previous experience includes serving as a sexton for three years in a church setting. I enjoy fixing things and I am good at it. I have two children and I love the animals and the outdoors.