MEET THE STAFF |
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Dr. Bill Stepp
Co-Pastor
Office: 832-3631 ext 301
Email: wmrstepp@aol.com
Dr. William Stepp was ordained in 1968 in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and has served as pastor of our Memorial Presbyterian Church since 1982, and co-pastor since 2009. He serves on the Board of Governors of Northwood University and in leadership throughout the denomination, especially in the Presbytery of Tropical Florida and Presbyterians for Renewal. His love of people and far reaching leadership ministers in organizations as diverse as scouting, care for people with Alzheimer's, Kiwanis International, and includes 6 1/2 years as an administrator and pastor of the Thornwell Home and School for Children in Clinton, S. C. Bill's education includes a B.S. in Biology, a Masters of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. Bill and his wife, Bettie Ann have 4 sons who are ministers and 4 grandchildren. On his day off you may find Bill fishing, oil painting, walking, riding his motorcycle or helping someone.
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Rev. Randy Bare
Co-Pastor
Office: 832-3631 ext 302
Email: randy@gompc.org
Rev. J. Randolph (Randy) Bare graduated from U.C. Berkeley and then joined the staff of InterVarsity as a campus minister. He was the first National Director of InterVarsity’s Graduate Student Ministry. After attending Fuller Seminary (Master of Divinity degree, 1990), he was ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He served as Co-Pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis and then was called to be Presbyterian Campus Pastor at U.C. Berkeley. Randy is a film buff and has taught college courses in Theology and film and religious studies. Randy served on the Board of John Stott Ministries for ten years, and currently serves as a founding member of the Board of the Consortium of Christian Study Centers USA. Randy and his wife, Carrie live in West Palm Beach; they have two grown sons and are thrilled to be part of the Memorial family.
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Drew Hanley
Student Ministry Director and Young Adults
Office: 832-3631 ext 303
Email: E-mail: drew@gompc.org
Drew came to Memorial Presbyterian in 2008, and is a local native. He has been married to his wife, Lee, since 1998. Not only are they partners in life, but they are partners in ministry, and were even partners in the real estate business for seven years. Drew has served in student ministry since 2001 and, prior to coming to MPC, was an associate minister to students at First Baptist of West Palm Beach, assisting in the oversight of separate middle school and high school ministries and serving as residential director of the College Ministry Apprenticeship Program.
Drew's passion is for seeing young people move into more authentic, more vibrant, and more fruitful walks with God. His interests include teaching and preaching, mission trips, sports, Thai food, and good music. Drew graduated from the pastoral ministry program at Calvary Chapel Bible Institute in May 2008, and also attended the University of Florida, where he earned his Bachelor's ('97), Juris Doctor ('00), and Master's Degree in Real Estate ('00). He maintains his active membership in the Florida Bar Association. To get to know Drew more, add him as a friend on Facebook (www.facebook.com/drew.hanley) or follow him on Twitter (www.twitter.com/drewhanley).
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Veronica "Ronnie" Johnson
Music Director
Office: 832-3631
Veronica R. Johnson graduated from Howard University's College of Fine Arts with a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Music, as a vocal performance major, with an interest in choral conducting. She began her formal vocal training with her mother, Patricia Adams Johnson, also a graduate of Howard University's College of Fine Arts. While a student at Howard University, Veronica studied Choral Conducting under Mrs. Evelyn D. White, who is known internationally for her conducting and vast knowledge of choral music. She continued to sing in the Evelyn White Chorale and Chamber Singers, as well as with many churches in the District of Columbia and metropolitan area. In addition to her vocal and choral music studies, she worked as a personal staff assistant to Senator Bob Graham in the United States Senate for several years. Knowing that her calling was really in music, Veronica returned to West Palm Beach to sing and teach with her mother. Currently, in addition to her position with Memorial Presbyterian Church, Veronica is the Chorus and Handbell director at Crestwood Middle School in Royal Palm Beach, Florida.
Veronica's love of singing and conducting has always been deeply rooted in the church. In fact, it has always been a calling to offer her gift of music for the love of God, and the people of God. Ronnie counts it a privilege to be a part of the music ministry at Memorial Presbyterian Church. The members of the Chancel Choir and pianist/organist Ms. Gay Dedo make the offering of music such a pleasure. Music is a gift from God, a prayer in motion, and an offering of love and peace. God has graciously blessed Veronica with the opportunity to work with people who are genuinely interested in sharing their talents to glorify and worship our triune God here at Memorial.
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Gay Dedo
Organist/Pianist
Phone:
Email:
Gay has been a part of the Memorial Presbyterian Church family for twenty-six years. In addition to working her wonders on the keys, she directs the Joyful Noise children’s choir and the Bell Choir. Gay graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelors of Music. Since that time she has been an accompanist for numerous public and private schools as well as musicals performed at the Serendipity Theatre and Admirals Cove Shows to name a few. She has also been the pianist for vocal teachers, CD recordings and “Karaoke” tracks. Mrs. Dedo teaches piano and is the accompanist in the Musical Theatre Department at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
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Elaine Haugan
Director of Nursery and Children's Ministries and Director of Administration
Elaine Haugan is one of those few and far between Florida “crackers.” Born in West Palm Beach, Florida, she is a 5th generation native Floridian. She attended Palm Beach Atlantic University, majoring in vocal music. She served on the staff of First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach for 20 years, 12 of those as Director of the Child Development Center and then the Preschool Ministry. Her passion is for young children to know God and develop a strong Biblical foundation upon which they can develop a future personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Elaine has been married to Jack for 25 years. They have three children; two girls in college and a son in high school. Her interests include singing barbershop harmony as a member of Sweet Adelines International, Inc. As a member of the award-winning Women of Note Chorus, she serves as Assistant Director. She has also competed in several award-winning quartets, including one which placed in the top 20 at the international level. In her “spare” time, Elaine also likes to walk, read, and cook.
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Edward Jenkins
Sunday Coordinator
Edward is a West Palm Beach native and grew up at Memorial. He's currently a senior at the King's Academy and plays on the football team. Edward is an Eagle Scout and has been a member of several short-term missions teams. His diligent faithfulness working behind the scenes keeps everything running smoothly.
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Jim Trasport
Chef
Chef Jim has been using his culinary skills to the glory of God for many years. Jim is also a loving husband, father, grandfather and an accomplished musician. The Memorial family is blessed to have him oversee our Wednesday night dinners and other special events throughout the church year.
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