We are shepherds and equippers. The people of First Pres are the ministers of this church.
Where is God calling you to Serve the World? We can help!
Where is God calling you to Serve the World? We can help!

Hanna Peterson Shearer
Senior Pastor - Serving at First Pres since 2017
Ordained in 2002, Pastor Hanna has served churches in California, Washington, and Oklahoma. She is a wife and mother, sister and daughter, and no-drama pastor mama. Proclaiming the Word of God to transform lives through the power of God’s love is Pastor Hanna’s mission and passion.

Sara Benedetti
Associate Pastor for Student and Family Ministries – Serving at First Pres since 2024
Ordained in 2013, Pastor Sara discovered her calling to ministry while still in high school and has been serving God ever since. She has ministered in California, Oklahoma, Kentucky, New Jersey and Washington. Fueled by Diet Coke and the love of Jesus, she loves working with students, exploring faith with people of all ages, and helping them discover how the Word of God applies to their lives today.
Bob Merriman
Commissioned Lay Pastor - since 2011
Served his clients for 34 years as a lawyer before being called to serve God’s people in new way, in the church he has been a part of since he was a child. A 70.3 Ironman triathlete, husband, father and most importantly, grandfather. And, Go Cougs.
Staff
Executive Assistant - Libby Lord
Christian Education Director - Nikki Wilson
Choir Director - Chelsea Spence-Crane
Praise Team Leader - Lilli Arzate
Organist - Steve Canaday
Bell Choir Director - Susan Wood
Christian Education Director - Nikki Wilson
Choir Director - Chelsea Spence-Crane
Praise Team Leader - Lilli Arzate
Organist - Steve Canaday
Bell Choir Director - Susan Wood
Elders and Deacons
The Presbyterian Church takes its name from the New Testament Greek word for "Elder": presbuteros. It describes the way the church is governed, with oversight resting on elected bodies at the congregational, regional and national levels. In the Presbyterian tradition, church members elect ruling elders, leaders who are responsible for helping everyone in our church family grow in their faith, and encouraging them in worship, service, mission and care. The elders make up the Session (in some churches called a governing board), which consists of the ruling elders and pastors.
Our Deacons seeks to show God’s love in action. The Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Order states, “The ministry of deacons as set forth in scripture is one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress.” Our Deacons get to know other church members in a deeper way, serving alongside them and growing in your understanding of the burdens people carry and how the church can help.