New on Staff!
Staff Liaison for Missions & Outreach
Barbara Brice is the newest member of our Staff. She is volunteering her time and will be working as the staff liaison for missions and outreach. Barbara is a member of the first graduating class (May 2010) of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Jacksonville, where she earned the Masters of Divinity and is currently seeking ordination. She has been married to Lee (a Pharmacist) for 26 years and they have two children – Kate (23) and Rob (20). The Brices have been members of Mandarin Presbyterian since April 1997 where Barbara served in Women’s ministry and adult discipleship, and as a Deacon and Elder. From October 2000 until September of this year Barbara worked as a consultant for a Federal pharmacy program for the healthcare safety-net. During her years at GCTS Barbara discovered that God is calling her to a ministry with the disadvantaged.
Barbara has this to say about God’s call in her life:
Jesus tells us (Mt. 22: 37-39) that the greatest commandments are to love God and love your neighbor. I believe that a key issue facing the church is how we follow these commandments. That is, we must ask how and if our words and deeds portray a community who first loves God and then our neighbors. For me, loving God is living in a posture of obedience and accountability. It is looking to Christ’s words and actions for my center. Loving my neighbors includes being in the disciple making business, sharing the impact of Christ in my life by being present in their lives, teaching them about God’s word, acting justly and loving mercy. Loving my neighbors means a ministry of compassion, grace and prayer filled relationships.
I am so very excited to be a part of First Presbyterian and its ministries. I look forward to meeting you all. Please drop by, call (354.8439 ext. 107), or email with any questions. Blessings, Barbara