Hi, I’m Bruce Kochsmeier. I’ve been the senior pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Carson City since 1995. I love the ministry God has given me here. I’m passionate about telling people about God’s amazing grace for us in Jesus Christ. And I love that I get to do this in so many ways. Of course there is preaching and leading worship on Sundays. Getting to open God’s word with people is a privilege for me—whether it is in worship or weekly Bible studies, or in the small groups of which I am a part or counseling sessions, or conversations at the grocery store or motorcycle shop…

Oh yes, I love to ride motorcycles and mountain bikes. Carson City is such a great home. I love to hike in our beautiful Nevada hills with my three dogs or go for a bike ride with my wife Nancy or for a trail bike ride with our daughter Kate. Ministry for me is about connecting people with the saving and discipling grace of Jesus Christ, so I am very open to the spontaneous ways God brings this about. My study is the first door you’ll see when you step into our wonderful Victorian office building. I hope YOU will stop in for a cup of coffee and some conversation any time you are in the area. I look forward to meeting you.

As for my background, I graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1985 with a Master of Divinity degree focused on systematic theology. I served as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Hereford, Texas from 1985-88 and as Associate Pastor for Youth, College and Families at La Jolla Presbyterian Church from 1988-95.
Yours in Christ,
Bruce Kochsmeier

Alan has been called to serve at the:

First Presbyterian Church of Everett
2936 Rochefeller Avenue
Everett, WA 98201-4020
Email: alandorway@yahoo.com

Hi, I’m Nancy Kochsmeier, the Director of Children’s Ministry. It’s my joy to work with kids, sharing with them the truths of Jesus’ wonderful love and grace! I love to hear children laugh and pray. I love their openness to hearing about God’s love and forgiveness. They teach me a lot about being open to God’s work in my own life, and they constantly bring new meaning to Jesus’ words when He said we must come to Him as little children.

I grew up in a Christian home, hearing the story of Jesus’ love and the faith-stories of the men and women in the Bible, and watching Faith be lived out in the life of my family and friends. I taught elementary school for 8 years; then had the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom for our daughter Kate, who is now in college. In my leisure time I like to make beaded jewelry, read, ride my bike and watch movies.

I hope you’ll visit us! I hope you’ll bring your kids! You’re always welcome!

Hello, I'm Deana Ercanbrack and I am thrilled to serve as our Nursery / Child Care Coordinator at the First Presbyterian Church of Carson City. 'Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."' I am always amazed at how much I continue to learn from these little ones. It is with gladness that I share the love of Christ with our babies and toddlers. We use many activities like, stories, music and movement, crafts and play acting to start “planting seeds” about the bible and God's wonderful love for us.

I have worked with all ages in children's ministry since high school after I became a Christian, but I am happy to be serving in this ministry, as it is close to my heart. I have worked in various pre-school settings in Washington, Alaska and California, where I earned my early childhood education units and certification from the University of California, San Diego. I specialized in Montessori training and gained certification from the International Association of Progressive Montessorians through an extension course of study from U of C, San Diego. I have continued to keep my education updated through E.C.E. courses at W.N.C.C.

Our nursery has been blessed with a consistent staff of child care workers and I an pleased that we can work together as a team. We have continued to stay informed and updated on health and safety education, as needed. The staff and I are flexible with the schedule of activities each month to best serve the needs of our church.

Please feel free to visit us. We would love to meet you and your children!

In His Love and Strength,

Deana Ercanbrack  

 Hi - I'm Karen Dahlen and I have the privilege of serving as the Director of Music Ministries at First Presbyterian Church of Carson City.  I love that God has called me through music to magnify Him!  We seek to serve God in our music program and to perform only for the audience of One.  I hope that if you have a gift or talent in music that you would seek me out so we can see just how to get you involved in our music program at the church.  Currently, we have three choral groups, three instrumental groups and a Praise Team at First Presbyterian. Our Chancel Choir meets regularly and our Men’s Chorus and Women’s Choir meet several times per year to assist in worship. Our Handbell group; The Grace Notes is directed by Paul Weaver. Our Celtic Praise group meets periodically and brings its offering of music to our worship service a few times per year. The FPC Instrumental Ensemble, made up of wind instruments, meets regularly during the year and assists in worship periodically.  There is also the opportunity to contribute through smaller sub-groups of the instrumental ensemble.  Our Praise Team meets regularly and is staffed through audition. It is more contemporary in nature and assists with our blended worship service on Sunday mornings. The Praise Team and the Chancel Choir join forces from time to time as well.

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Hi, I'm Pat Hardy and I have offered counseling services here at First Presbyterian Church since the early 90's under the heading "New Hope Counseling Center".  I have been involved in the mental health field for over 30 years and believe that God has entrusted me with some gifts that will help folks realize the freedom promised in Christ and to acknowledge that depression, anxiety, marital problems and just plain "being stuck" do not have the final word. That final word comes from claiming the grace that is given us constantly through the forgiveness offered in Christ and the pure joy of living a life of service.

As for my background, I graduated from Princeton Seminary with a Master of Divinity Degree, the University of North Carolina with a master's degree in psychology and advanced training in a number of therapeutic interventions. I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor, a clergy member of the Presbytery of Nevada and one of the Associate Ministers of First Presbyterian Church. I am available at First Presbyterian Church on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and at Incline on Thursdays.

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