“Together, we seek God’s guidance and serve Christ’s church.”
First Presbyterian Church is governed through a system of shared leadership called Presbyterian polity. Rather than placing responsibility in the hands of one person, the congregation elects ruling elders to serve on the Session, the church’s governing council. Ruling elders serve alongside teaching elders; ordained pastors responsible for preaching, worship, the sacraments, and pastoral care. Together, they pray, discern God’s direction, establish policies, oversee the church’s ministries and resources, and make decisions on behalf of the congregation.
Our staff supports the church’s worship, ministry, communication, and daily operations. Much of the Session’s work is organized through five committees: Christian Education, House, Membership, Stewardship, and Worship. The chairpersons listed below help lead these committees and coordinate their work with the Session, staff, and congregation.
Session Leadership
Barb Mogren
Clerk of Session
Steve Nelson
Treasurer
Benson Tabi
House Committee Chair
Allison Creech
Christian Ed. Committee Chair
Debby Cox
Membership Committee Chair
Ken Simeral
Stewardship Committee Chair
Beth Wiggall
Worship Committee Chair
Pete Forbes
Personnel Committee Chair
Our Staff
Rev. Wendy McCormick
Transitional Pastor
Greetings!
I am so glad to be part of this wonderful church as the congregation "transitions" from one established long-term pastor to the next. For about a year, you will see me leading worship on Sundays, showing up at various church and community activities and supporting the church leaders.
I am a lifelong Buckeye -- I grew up in Dayton and served as a Pastor in the Dayton and Cincinnati areas for about 10 years before moving to southern Indiana for 26 years. I returned to Ohio in 2023, and I live in northwest Columbus.
I am a widow with grown triplet daughters and two sons in law. I enjoy cooking, Netflix, learning to knit and exploring Columbus. So far, I really like the metro parks, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the zoo, and the pizza. Give me your best recommendations!
See you in church!
812-455-9556
Chris Dederer
Director of Music & Organist
I am looking forward to seeing what unfolds as we evolve out of the pandemic and have the possibility to redefine what we want our worship to be as we embrace the future and seek to glorify God through praise, prayer, and adoration. While I appreciate our past traditions, I am not afraid to ‘sing to the Lord a new song,’ as the psalmist exclaims! It is important to bring to God a musical offering that expresses all that we are and paint an image of God using a wide brush, not a narrow one, so that our spiritual growth may thrive and the human condition is fully expressed. We are what we sing. This year, my wife, Nancy, (pastor at a sister PCUSA congregation in Circleville, OH) are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary. Nancy and I enjoy catching a musical whether it is at a local middle school or on a Broadway stage in NYC. We both love to travel and have been to nearly all the states in the US except for Hawaii. Nancy has been to France, Scotland, and Ireland, while Chris has been to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Together they have travelled to the southern Caribbean, Bermuda, and Nova Scotia. Chris enjoys oil painting and is looking forward to getting back to painting once we are settled. Nancy and Chris have designed and led Hymn Festivals for the American Guild of Organists (AGO). Chris has performed organ recitals in 9 states, and has been a member of several professional organizations including the AGO, American Choral Directors Association, Presbyterian Association of Musicians, Choristers Guild, and Handbell Musicians of America. Chris holds a MM on Church Music degree from Westminster Choir and a BS in Music Education from Towson University. Keep a joyful song ringing in your heart,
John Noss II
Office Administrator
I am grateful to serve as the Administrator at First Presbyterian Church of Grove City and to be part of a church community that cares deeply about its people and its mission. In my role, I support the day-to-day operations of the church and help coordinate ministries, communication, and outreach so that the work of the church can happen smoothly and faithfully.
My background includes experience in the financial services industry, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Technology. That combination has shaped how I approach this work: with attention to detail, a focus on stewardship, and a desire to use practical systems in service of meaningful ministry. I enjoy helping behind the scenes, making connections, and supporting staff and volunteers as we work together.
I look forward to continuing to serve alongside you and to supporting the life of this church in both its everyday rhythms and its special moments.
614-871-7037