With a Master of Divinity degree from Yale and a PhD in American History from Arizona State University, Rev. Miller most recently served at Calvary Presbyterian Church in NE Portland. As Calvary is in process to merge with Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church, she was able to accept our invitation that she serve First Presbyterian Church as our Interim Pastor.  One of the highlights of her time at Calvary was the development of Recovery Café Roseway.

Joan and her husband Dan lived in Arizona prior to relocating to Portland in 2018. She served several United Methodist churches in a variety of roles during their time in the Southwest. She also worked as an educator and hospice chaplain. She began her ministry as a chaplain in the US Navy.

Joan and Dan live in SE Portland near their son Jeremiah, his wife, Tyne, and their grand dog, Jezzy.

Joan enjoys all things athletic, especially anything that takes her outdoors. She recently resumed downhill skiing and has occasionally played pickleball. Unless you are a professional cycling fan it is best to avoid casual conversation with her in July lest you receive an extensive update on the day’s Tour de France stage.

Rev. Brenna Dykman serves as the Associate Pastor for mission and outreach, helps with pastoral care, and leads in worship.

Education:

She received her Bachelor of Science at Portland State, and her Master’s degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary in Divinity, Christian Education, and Theology & Philosophy. She is currently working on her Doctorate of Ministry in Christian Spirituality.

Brenna’s Favorites:

Favorite thing about Portland: Forest Park and all the trails to explore right in the city!

Favorite hobbies: Traveling, hiking, doing most things outdoors, reading, podcasts, and more!

Favorite Portland restaurant: How can you have a favorite restaurant in Portland when there are too many good ones to choose from?

Since 2001, Aaron has had the privilege of working in a variety of settings including Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian Churches, interfaith community initiatives, and hospitals. He currently works full time providing spiritual care as a chaplain and bereavement coordinator and hospice. Aaron has a BS in Education from Baylor University and a ThM in New Testament Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. He will work with the Deacon board and assist with pastoral care. Aaron is married to Kara, and they have three children cresting into adulthood.

Rev. Andrew Wall is a nerd. He loves playing board games and video games with his 6 and 8-year-old kids, geeking out over the bible and theology, and spending time just hanging out with his wife of 13 years. He graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary with his MDiv and MA in Christian Education and is extremely passionate about helping people encounter the bible as the fascinating and transformative collection of stories, laws, and poetry that it is. Currently, Andrew and his family are residents of Vancouver, WA from where he and his wife, Katie, run their business together while Andrew does his best to support churches around Presbytery by filling pulpits as needed.

Greg works closely with the clergy and staff of FPC to provide opportunities for spiritual growth for the congregation. More specifically, he assists in planning worship services, prepares members of the music ministry to lead worship music, and, of course, plays the organ/piano and leads the choirs. He does this all for the glory of God and in service to God’s people…and loves it!

Education:

Greg has a Master’s degree in Organ Performance (2002), and Bachelor’s degree in Cello Performance (1999), both from Indiana University Bloomington. He also earned the “Associate” certification (AAGO) from the American Guild of Organists in 2004.

Family:

Greg has an amazing wife (Leah), two amazing parents (Eli and Mary Jean) in Gainesville, FL, an older brother (Drew) in FL, an older sister (Amy) in GA, and a clowder of kitty-cats.​