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  • deacons

Dottie Aiken  Merlene Benson Mack Bowers Mark Carter Scott Castleberry Fred CavalliZeno Douglas Brian Fisher
 Molly FowlieAllison GilmoreLeo GoodenMickey GoodsonEllen HamrickShellie JohnsonDoug JoryAndy Kennedy
Karen HillAmy Keown Jeannie LippyJenny McCurdyPriscilla Meek Jonathan Milton Scott Moris Bill Neal
Roger OzakiDevita ParnellAnne Smith Beth Smith Carla StanfordMolly TurnerPhil WhitlowBob Woodson   

 


Dottie Aiken Dottie Aiken

I have been a member of the FBCD family since 1980.  I love teaching children and adults about Christ and studying scripture. I also love reaching out to others through missions. My prayer for FBCD is for renewal of existing members and inclusion of those in our community who do not know Christ. I believe in partnerships so I also pray that we will reach out to other churches, our city and organizations in our community to minister to those in need, to understand who we are, and build lasting relationships. 

 



Merlene BensonMerlene Benson

I have been a part of FBCD since March2003.  I married Arnold Benson, from that union two children; Clark Edward and Gloria Lynette.  I have 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.   My passion is Mission work, it makes my heart sing.  One prayer for FBC is that it will continue to make unity, hospitality, following the scriptures of the bible and reaching out to the community a priority.  I would love for God to show us how to reach more people in this community and around the world.

 


Mack BowersMack Bowers

I have been a member of FBC since 1994, and served as a deacon in the past. I work in the Counseling Center at Georgia Tech. I have been married to Rita for 15 years. We have two sons, Jonathan and Christopher. Rita and I sing in the Adult Vocal Ensemble, ring handbells and are members of the Carlson Class. The ministries I enjoy working with are children and music. My prayer for our church is that we continue to be an example of Christian harmony, compassionate care to the community, and a mission-minded church.

 

 


Mark CarterMark Carter

My wife Shannon and I have been members of FBCD since 2006. We have a daughter Julianna. The ministry I love is Financial Peace University. I love that ministry because I get to see God’s work as He changes lives in every class. I pray that God will continue to work through FBCD and the FPU ministry to help people in their own personal relationship with God. I feel that God has big plans for FBCD and I am honored to be part of God’s work here.

 

 


Scott CastleberryScott Castleberry

Hi, I’m Scott Castleberry. I have been part of First Baptist Decatur for 11 years. I met my wonderful wife Jennifer on a blind date and we have been married for 8 years. We have two children, Jason and Samantha. My favorite ministry is working with the sound on Sunday mornings. It is one way to help spread God’s word. My prayer is that our church grows and impact our community by showing Christ’s love in undeniable and relevant ways.

 

 


Fred CavalliFred Cavalli

I am a General Civil Litigation Attorney based in Decatur. I was baptized at Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church in East Point, GA at the age of 12. Mai and I have 3 children; Rich, Joe and Angelina. We joined FBCD in 1986. Teaching SS is a particular love of mine and I pray that God will enhance the scope of FBCD’s ministries in the local Decatur community. Treas., & Bd. Member, Clairmont Oaks, Inc.

 

 


Zeno DouglasZeno Douglas

My wife, Shannon, and I have been worshipping with God’s family at FBCD since 2006. We have two children, Pearson & Bridger. We love Fresh Start Service. My prayer for our church is that we always open our hearts, eyes and minds to what God is doing, not what we thing God would do. Jesus gave an invitation in Matthew 11:28: “Come to Me.” I pray that we are the warm smile, the open arms, the loving welcome, as all those who are called or are seeking – come to Him.

 

 


Brian FisherBrian Fisher

I accepted Christ when I was 8 at Honea Path First Baptist Church in SC. My wife Angela and I started attending FBCD in June 2002.  Angela and I have three little girls, Reese, Libby Grace, and Blythe. I am involved with the Children's ministry, senior ministry, and I am active in Master's Hands. My prayer for our church is that we continue to be willing followers of where God is taking our Church.  I pray that we do not do that and that we continue to let God and His word be the center of direction for this Church.

 

 


Molly FowlieMolly Fowlie

I grew up at FBC Decatur and was baptized at 8. Ron and I have been married for 43 years and we have two children, Drew and Heather. We have three grandchildren. The ministry that I particularly love is greeting and meeting visitors and members, and helping them feel welcomed. The prayer I have for our church is for all who enter this sanctuary to feel the love and care of those around them and for them to see and feel the love of Christ.

 

 


Allison GilmoreAllison Gilmore

I have been a part of the FBCD family for 17 years. I am married to Joel and we have 2 daughters, Savannah and Gracen. I have been active in: S.S. Leadership, Youth Committee, Middle School S.S. and previously, I served as Interim Children’s Ministry Coord. My prayer for FBC is that one day we can restore the good name of “Baptist” and that the community will see us for the loving, inclusive community that we are. I also am asking God to help us extend our ministry beyond our property lines into the greater Decatur community.

 

 


Leo GoodenLeo Gooden

I have been active within First Baptist Church for more than 15 years. I married Elizabeth (Libby) in the church chapel and we have two children, Devin and Garrett. I have served with the video presentation of services as member of the Audio/Visual team. My prayer for FBC is that we become more of a beacon to the surrounding communities. I would love to see us be a place where they can feel welcome and unafraid regardless of their situations.

 




Mickey GoodsonMickey Goodson

I have been a FBC member since 1969. My wife, Carol Hadley, and I have one son, Chris. Among the ministries that grab my heart here are the ones where we reach out to serve the world, including our after-school camp program, our support of Decatur Emergency Assistance Ministry (DEAM), and our Justice-Advocacy ministry. My prayer is that our church will continue to find new ways to engage and be a transforming influence in our world, beginning right here in Decatur.

 

 


Ellen HamrickEllen Hamrick

I have been a member of FBC Decatur for about 7 years. I was baptized at 10 years old at Central Baptist Church in Newman, GA. My husband, John, and I have two girls, Molly, and Riley. We will be welcoming a baby boy in February 2010. I am most involved with the children’s ministry at FBC. I pray on a daily basis for FBCD to continue growing and attracting men and women who can help our church to become an even stronger presence in the Decatur area.

 

 


Karen HillKaren Hill

My husband Scott and I have been members at First Baptist Decatur for 11 years, along with our teenage daughters, Katie and Erin. I am a reporter turned stay-at-home mom. My prayer for our church is that we become even more of a place where everyone can relax and breathe a little easier as soon as they walk through the door.

 

 




Shellie JohnsonShellie Johnson

I have been a follower of Christ since I was 11. My family includes my husband John, and our two children, Kate and Ian. We have been part of the FBC Decatur since 2004.  I pray for all the young people who are learning to love Christ through the meaningful and fun activities our church provides for youth.  I pray that our church will continue to provide a spiritual and loving environment that is safe and fun and where all types of youth and their families will grow as they love and serve the Lord!

 

 



Doug JoryDoug Jory

I grew up in a non-Baptist church family. Shortly after Ginger and I got married in 1986 we joined FBCD and I was baptized into the faith. Ginger and I have two daughters, Katherine and Sarah. I enjoy helping to teach and lead in adult Sunday School. I pray that our church will continue to grow and be a welcoming body of believers so that newcomers will come to know the fellowship of our congregation and the love of Christ.

 

 


Andy KennedyAndy Kennedy

I have been a member at FBC Decatur since 2003.  I have been a follower of Christ since I was in the 4th grade.  My wife Katie and I have two daughters, Maggie and Claire.  I am getting back involved in the music ministry at FBC by working with Children's choir and by re-joining the sanctuary choir.  My prayer for our church right now is that we really minister to those who are discouraged during this recession--members and non-members. 

 

 



Amy KeownAmy Keown

I have been a part of FBCD since 1992, when I married my husband Charles. I have two beautiful children, Chelsea and Chandler. I am very blessed to be a part of our Children’s Ministry. I have learned a lot by teaching Sunday School and choir. My dream and prayer for our church is that we will continue to grow and love those around us, seeking God’s direction in all aspects of our church. I would also love to see the entire church involved in Bible study and excited about God’s word.




Jeannie LippyJeannie Lippy

I started at First Baptist on the cradle roll and was baptized here when I was 12. I am married to Dennis and we have 4 children, Claire, Melissa, Adam and Anna. In years past, I worked with the Tutorial Ministry and have worked many years with the Children’s Ministry and recently started working with the youth group. My prayer is for the sanctuary to be overflowing each Sunday with people and families that have a contagious energy and excitement about being here.




Jenny McCurdyJenny McCurdy

I made my profession of faith at 15, with the Methodist fellowship, but baptized by immersion in the local swimming hole. I have been a member of FBCD since 1961.I have two grandchildren, Virginia Catherine and Robert. The youth program is my favorite ministry. I pray that FBC courageously seek and hear God’s voice as he leads us into new ministries, especially reaching out to the hurting and lonely.

 




Priscilla MeekPriscilla Meek

I’ve been a part of the FBCD for 25 years.  The experiences that I’ve had at FBCD during this time have shaped and influenced my life in so many wonderful ways.  I love our Youth and Fresh Start ministries and am encouraged by their willingness to open their arms and hearts to everyone.  My prayer for our FBC is that we continue to be a Spirit-led, dream-filled, loving, genuine, truth-seeking, prayerful family that serves as an inspiration for each other, our community and anyone who we may encounter on our life journey.

 

 


Jonathan MiltonJonathan Milton

I have been a member of FBCD since 2004. My wife, Ivey, and I two boys, Noah and Carter. I was able to assist with the Habitat for Humanity house which allowed me to use my carpentry skills to do God’s work. One of my dreams for FBC is that we start a sustainability campaign for the church. We not only need to be a beacon for the community but also a leader in the environmental initiatives to lessen energy consumption, to increase building efficiency and promote our local environment.

 



Scott MorisScott Morris

My wife Michelle and I joined First Baptist in 2001. We have been married for 10 years and have a son, Matthew. We are active in the young Married SS class and enjoyed participating in activities such as Master’s Hands and some of the team sport activities. We hope to continue to grow with the church and play and active role as God leads our church family to love and support this community and the world beyond.

 




Bill NealBill Neal

I have been a member of FBCD since 2004. My wife, Judy, and I have a married daughter and three delightful grandchildren who (unfortunately) live in Florida. I love the senior adults at First Baptist and have enjoyed working with them. My prayer for FBC is that we would be open to a diversity of people and meet the needs of people often overlooked by the rest of society. I have a special interest in people with disabilities and I would like to see First Baptist develop a great sensitivity to their needs.

 

 


Roger OzakiRoger Ozaki

I became a Christian as a child in Camden County, Georgia.  I have been an active member of FBC Decatur since 1978, serving as a deacon, Sunday School and Missions teacher, and a member of various church committees.  I particularly enjoy the family ministry of the church. My wife, Karen and I have three children who have grown up at FBC.  My prayer for the church is that it will fulfill its mission of loving and helping others in Jesus’ name.

 

 


Fred PalmerFred Palmer

My wife Laura and I have been members of First Baptist Church Decatur for 39 years. Laura and I have two children and three grandchildren. My favorite ministry of FBC is Clairmont Oaks, Inc. One of my prayers for FBC is that we get out of debt so that we can do more of the mission work in Decatur and the world that God wants us to do.

 

 

 


Devita ParnellDevita Parnell

I have been a follower of Christ since the age of 13. Our family has been a part of FBCD off and on since 2007, but more formally since the summer of 2008. I am married to Mark and together we have two children, Tyler and Julia. Offering ministry to people who are not “insiders” is my passion. My prayer for FBCD is that we would welcome all people as God’s children and provide opportunities for spiritual transformation that lead to intentional missional living.

 

 


Anne SmithAnne Smith

We joined Decatur First Baptist in the winter of 1966. George and I started working in the 3rd grade department and taught there for 17 years. We have two sons, Matt and Stuart, who are both married. First Baptist Decatur is on the brink of being an even stronger witness in Decatur. People who visit are seeing the friendliness of the congregation. My prayer for First Baptist is that every member of this church would be in ministry according to the talents and gifts God has given them.

 

 


Beth SmithBeth Smith

I grew up in FBCD and rejoined with my husband, Derek, in 1993. We have four generations participating in the life of FBCD, including our daughter Lauren. Several ministries are particularly meaningful to me: The Carlson Sunday School class, our stewardship emphasis and Biblically-based financial planning, our Clairmont Oaks ministry and our Children’s Ministry. One of my prayers for FBC is that we have no need for a stewardship campaign because everyone already feels led to give.

 

 


Carla StanfordCarla Stanford

I have been a member of FBCD since 2005. Chris and I have been married 13 years and we have John Griffin and Minnie. I love working with children in our church, in our community and children in need. God’s love shines in their smiles and laughter. One prayer I have for our church is that we continue to reach out to those in need in our community and share the love of Jesus with them. I am asking God to help us be creative in finding ways to help others as we share our talents, time and resources that God has blessed us with.

 

 



Molly Turner Molly Turner

We joined FBCD in 2006. We have 4 children and 8 grandchildren. The ministries I love are prayer and bible study. My prayer and hope for the church is for God to be present in such a mighty and awesome way that people’s lives are transformed and the light of Christ is so visible that God draws many unto himself.

 

 




Phil WhitlowPhil Whitlow

I made my profession of faith in 1956 at Double Branches Baptist Church. Mary Lou and I have been members of FBCD since 1976. Both of our children, Susan and Kathy, grew up in this Church. I have served on various committees and served on the Clairmont Oaks, Inc. board. One of my prayers for this Church is that we will welcome, accept, and nurture every individual that walks in a door of this place of God.

 

 



Bob Woodson Bob Woodson

I was baptized in my early teens when I joined the Rock Baptist Church, in The Rock, GA. I joined FBCD in 1959, following my marriage to Carolyn. Carolyn and I were blessed with three children Scott, Ruth and Joy who all grew up in this church. They each have two children. Our lives have been brightened with five grandsons and one granddaughter. My favorite ministry is finance. My one prayer is that we as a church will discover the blessing and joy of giving God’s money to fund our many ministries.