Staff

Jack Andrews, Pastor, church7185@bellsouth.net

Pastor Jack is excited about being the New Pastor at First Baptist Church, Newberry. Jack was raised in Hazel Green, AL. He was saved in 1996, and called to preach in 1998. He started attending the Baptist College of Florida in January of 2000 and graduated in 2003 with a B.A. in Theology with a minor in Preaching and Evangelism. He was called to pastor Happy Home Baptist Church in Henagar, AL, in September 2003, and has been there until now. Jack has a lovely wife, Tracey and a energetic four year old, Elijah and their newest baby girl, Emma Leigh. Jack enjoys watching sports (especially football), playing golf, and spending time in God’s word.

Paul Paisley, Student Minister, ppp725@hotmail.com

Bro. Paul was born and raised in Titusville, Fl. Paul surrendered his life to Jesus Christ as a child at Temple Baptist Church in Titusville. Paul enlisted in the US NAVY upon graduation from Astronaut High School in 2001. In the Navy Paul served as an Air Traffic Controller and he was honorably discharged at the end of his enlistment period in July of 2006. In the fall semester of 2006 Paul enrolled at The Baptist College of Florida. Paul and his beautiful wife Hillary were married on June 23, 2007 at their home church of First Baptist Church Merritt Island in Merritt Island, Fl. While attending The Baptist College of Florida Paul was called as Pastor of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Samson, Al. Paul and Hillary served there during his last year of college, and on December 11, 2009 Paul graduated The Baptist College of Florida with his BA in Ministry. Paul enjoys spending time studying God’s word, being with his wife Hillary and their 3 year old guinea pig-daughter - Allie, doing pretty much any activity that involves being outdoors, hanging out with friends, spending time with students, cooking, Florida Gator Football (GO GATORS!!!), and eating Sushi and BBQ (but not at the same time).

Paul and Hillary are so excited about being part of the great things God has planned for the Student Ministry at FBC Newberry.

Mary Bender, Secretary, admin7185@bellsouth.net

Mary has been happy to serve as church secretary at First Baptist Church, Newberry since September 2005. She has over eight years of church office experience as well as vet-tech and business office experience. Mary was born in Pittsburgh, PA, but grew up in Southern California. She and husband Ronnie have two grown children and four wonderful grandchildren! Mary loves to ride her horses, read, paint, quilt and do scrap-booking. (She also hopes to some day go on a real, live cattle-drive!) Ronnie and Mary make their home on ten country acres with horses, cows, dogs and cats.

Kathleen Martin, Pianist and Mission Friends, RAs & GAs Director

Kathleen is a native of Newberry. She and husband, Bill have two boys, Clay and Todd. She was a stay-at-home mom for nine years. She holds a Bachelors in Elementary Education and a Masters in Educational Leadership. She has taught second grade five years, third grade ten years, fifth grade three years, and is now in her sixth year teaching gifted math, 1st - 4th grades. She and Bill enjoy traveling. These travels include many Caribbean cruises, an Alaska cruise, several trips to Maine, Nova Scotia, the area in and around Seattle, Jackson Hole, Wyoming and the southwestern US. She reads for pleasure, teaches a ladies' Sunday School class and facilitates ladies' Bible studies. Most of all she loves to read and study the Bible. Some of her leisure time is used for sewing, crocheting, cooking, gardening and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Marilyn Shaw, Choir Director and Pianist

*upcoming picture*

In addition to my parents, growing up in this church gave me an excellent foundation for learning and service. Away for college and early career, Bob and I returned over twenty years ago. Currently, I teach the "Dorcas by Faith" Sunday School class comprised of our most mature ladies, and have learned far more about faith, service, and the power of prayer from them than I could possibly teach. They are well know prayer warriors and inspire me and many others.

Having played piano in church since I was a teenager, it was natural for me to play at First Baptist Newberry when I came back. Just recently I began directing the choir, also. That has been my challenge! It is, however, also a testimony. When we were without a music minister we feared the choir would dissolve, then be almost impossible to rebuild. I assumed the director's responsibilities out of a sense of duty and with much fear and trepidation!

This took me WAY out of my experience and comfort zones. I'm an English teacher by profession, NOT a musician! Now I realize that working intimately with church music has encouraged and blessed me in ways I'd not expected. The choir members are a great part of that blessing because they work so hard. Many of them are out of their comfort zones, too, because very few have training that prepared them to read music and vocalize, yet they are willing to try most any kind of music, volunteer for solos and ensembles, and contribute such an important element in our worship. Their dedication, faith, caring, and encouragement give me a boost every week.

Newberry First Baptist has traditionally been blessed with quality worship music and our goal is to carry on that tradition. Music and lyrics can teach and inspire in ways that other worship elements cannot. We trust that our small talents will be magnified enough to be meaningful to all who worship with us.