Getting To Know You!

Getting To Know You!

FCPC has an exciting article called “Getting To Know You!” where each
month we feature someone from our FCPC family on our social media so we all can “get to know” each other a little better!

Please email Nici (nici@fcpc.us) if you are interested in participating, and she will email you a list of questions to choose from.

We look forward to “Getting To Know YOU!” : )

Getting To Know You!

In our "Getting To Know You" series we are getting to know a FCPC staffer each month!

In March we are getting to know...

Chet!

Name: Chet Karas

Nickname: none

Family members: Brenda, Chris/Darcy, Andrew/Katie

Pets: none

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite flavor: Peanut Butter

Hire date: October of 2016

Title: Welcome Monitor

What your job entails: Greeting families for the Preschool and welcoming visitors to the Church. Teaching the kids how to give high fives!

µ  What energizes you outside of work?

The smiles of the Preschool kids and interacting with them.
 

µ  What’s a trip that changed you, and why?

2 mission trips to New Orleans. The first because of the fun and moving experiences. The second one because that’s how I met Brenda!!
 

µ  What’s one of your favorite memories from the past year?

Being on Omaha Beach in Normandy where my Uncle Stanley landed on D-Day.

Me and my family at Omaha Beach.

µ  What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I grew up in Newark, NJ and attended Seton Hall Prep for two years, before my family moved to Pennsylvania.
 

µ  What’s something you’ve done, but will never do again?

Parasailing in Cancun, Mexico.
  

µ  What’s one item you can’t leave your home without?

My cell phone (unfortunately)

µ  What’s one song you have completely memorized?

I’ve Got You Under My Skin 

µ  What’s your favorite place to eat around here?

The Original Hot Dog Shop in Oakland!

Getting To Know You

In our "Getting To Know You" series we are getting to know a FCPC staffer each month!

In February we are getting to know...

Ali!

Name: Alianna Whiteaker-Chudecke

Nickname: Ali

Family Members: 6 Year old little girl named Linley

Pets: 2 cats; Bella and Pippin

Favorite Color: Pink

Hire Date: Dec. 3, 2019

Title: Administrative Coordinator for Christian Nurture

What do you do to turn things around when you’re having a bad day?
Sing, listen to music and pray.

What energizes you outside of work?
Singing, spending time with my daughter and teaching.

What’s a trip that changed you, and why?
Going to China, I got to experience a big difference in culture.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you? 
I love meteorology- if I didn’t go to school for music I would have been a meteorologist. Weather fascinates me!

What’s something- big or small- that  you’re really good at? 
I decorate cakes and cupcakes.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when  you grew up?
An opera singer or meteorologist

What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Perfectionist, kind, there for others.

What’s one item you can’t leave your home without?
When I travel, my baby blanket, it’s very worn out but it brings me security.

What’s one song you have completely memorized?
LOTS! Including in 4 different languages. Opera singer…

What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?
England, Ireland, New Zealand.

What’s your favorite place to eat around here?
Chain- Chipotle (my kiddo can eat there even with all her food allergies), Favorite restaurant is Piccolo Forno.

Thanks for sharing Ali-it was neat learning a little bit about you...and we are always happy to eat any cakes or cupcakes you want to decorate for us : )

Say hello to Ali!

Getting To Know You

In our "Getting To Know You" series we are getting to know a FCPC staffer each month!

In January we are getting to know...

Bobbie!

Name: Bobbie D. Cubbage

Nickname: Bobbie D. / Shorty

Family members: Parents -Mr. and Mrs. Norman, sister -Terri--they live across town. And husband Samuel. No children.

Pets: None

Favorite color:  Purple

Favorite flavor:  Chocolate

Title:  Preschool Teacher

Hire date:  February, 17th 2007

What your job entails: (just a brief sentence or two that highlights what you do around here : )  Our main job is to be in charge of the safety and well-being of the children in our care; along with love, support; teaching spiritually, academics and physical fitness. Partnering with the families, every step of the way. We are shaping the minds of tomorrow's leaders. It's an awesome responsibility! One I take delicately AND seriously.

What’s a trip that changed you, and why?  Visiting Niagara Falls, Canada as an adult. I always knew that GOD is an awesome GOD; but, when I visit Niagara Falls, I know that not only is HE amazing. But, HE is ALL around there.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?  A TV celebrity.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?  Talkative, caring, loving.

Who would play you in a movie about your life?  ? Nia Long. She's an amazing actress. And we have similar values. And when I was younger, people said that we looked alike.

What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend?  ? Enjoying time with my husband, family, or close friends.  Writing. Working on our podcast. Going to church, or helping a worthy cause (of some sort.)

What’s one song you have completely memorized?  ? Almost any song from the 1980's (I don't think I can pick just one! lol!)

 

Getting To Know...

In our "Getting To Know You" series we are getting to know a FCPC staffer each month!

In December we are getting to know...

Renee!

Name:  Renee Wallace

Nickname:

Family members: husband, Brian and two kids, Andrew (12) and Meredith (10)

Pets:  Bella the Fierce, the great feline predator

Favorite color:  turquoise

Title:  Director of Children and Family Ministries

What your job entails: (just a brief sentence or two that highlights what you do around here : )   I’m responsible for making the FCPC Kids programming happen here at the church.  The means I coordinate all that happens for kids on Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights, and at VBS.  I also lead chapel for  the Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church Preschool kids during the week.   

Hire date:  I was originally hired to be the Administrative Assistant for Christian Nurture in April of 2016.  In April for 2018 I took over at Director of Children and Family Ministries when Delinda Donovan retired. 

µ If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?  I would be able to sing!  It is a constant frustration for me in my job and in my life in general that I do not have even an inkling of musical ability. 

µ What’s a trip that changed you, and why?   In 8^th grade my dad and I were part of an inter-generational mission trip to the dumps of Mexico city.  The adults on our team provided free basic medical, dental, and hair care services while the teens organized sports and crafts for the children of the community.   It was a trip that opened my eyes to cultural differences and issues of privilege in a way that shaped me on a deep and personal level. 

µ What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?  When I was a kid I had pet goats named Robin Hood and Little John. 

µ What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit?  Laughter.  Can I say that?  It sounds dumb, but I don’t laugh enough.  So I’m trying to laugh more.  This weekend I went to Fall Run Park and sat on the swings while the kids were playing.  I started swinging, like really swinging, …and I can’t even tell you the last time I did that…and I got the giggles so bad!  It was fantastic! 

µ What’s one thing you’re learning now, and why is it important?  I’m learning that even as an adult, faith can change.  That sometimes there is a lot of doubt wrapped up in faith, and that that is okay.  That sometimes believing means hoping in the best story possible, even when all of the details don’t seem to line up the way you used to think they did.  And this is important stuff.  I’m not the only person who has experienced this.  Adults and teens and kids all over the world are on this same journey of faith and hope and doubt.  This is stuff we need to talk about.  There is strength in admitting we don’t always know all the answers.  There is strength in coming together to search for them. 

µ What’s something you’ve done, but will never do again?  Flew in and out of LaGuardia Airport.

µ What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?  My dad told me that I should get a job waiting tables after high school because it was likely to teach me things about people and hard work that would be valuable to me for the rest of my life.  He was right. 

µ What trend do you hope makes a comeback?  Crimped hair!  I’ve hauled my crimper around for almost 30 years to every dorm, house and apartment I’ve lived in.  I keep thinking that one of these days I’m going to want it or my daughter will want it to dress up for a flashback dance or costume party.  Hasn’t happened yet. 

Getting To Know...

In our "Getting To Know You" series we are getting to know a FCPC staffer each month!

In November we are getting to know...

Hannah!

Name: Hannah Roux

Family members: mom (Christine), dad (Louis), brother (Blake), step-dad (Dan), step-sister (Abbey), significant other (Brandon)
Pets: Zoey
Favorite color: turquoise 
Title: Children's Choir Director
What your job entails: I have the great opportunity of teaching and directing the children of FCPC in song every Sunday!
Hire date: January 2018

What’s a trip that changed you, and why? My study abroad to Rome, Italy last summer! Being submerged in another culture gave me a broader appreciation for people and the world we live in.

 

What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit? Taking the word "should" out of my daily vocabulary.

What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from? Brandon's grandparents once told us to never end the day mad at each other - we stick to that wholeheartedly!

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? A teacher (funny how life works out)!

What’s the top destination on your must-visit list? Africa and Ireland.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you? I love to bake and try new recipes! My favorite to make (and eat) are homemade nutter butters.

What energizes you outside of work? Reading and writing - any book I can get my hands on, really.

What’s one hobby you’d love to get into? Painting - water or acrylic!

Zoey!

 

Getting To Know...

In our "Getting To Know You" series we are getting to know a FCPC staffer each month!

In September we are getting to know...

Ryan!

Ryan & Rachel!

Name: Ryan Lancia
Family Members: Wife – Rachel

Pets: Cat – Toothless (like the dragon)   Dog – Buster

Favorite Color: I don’t know, blue? Red?

Title: Director of Student Ministries

Job Entails: I lead, steward, and develop ministries and students involving middle school, high school, and college age students.

Hire Date: August 2017

µ If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?   I would become an expert at learning new skills so I could eventually become an expert at anything I wanted.

µ If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be and why? Boy Meets World (if the copy right isn’t an issue). That show is awesome, but the title also is applicable to almost anyone’s life story.

µ What do you do to turn things around when you’re having a bad day? Sleep, enjoy the outdoors with my wife and dog, or binge watch the office, 30 Rock, or friends.

µ What energizes you outside of work? Sleep tends to give me energy… But for real, hanging out with friends and family.

µ What’s a trip that changed you, and why? A mission trip to Nicaragua. I experienced God in an entirely new way than I ever had before. When you get out of the states your view of God tends to expand.

µ What’s one of your favorite memories from the past year? Going to Hawaii with Rachel will always have a special place in my heart. The relaxed nature of the island life mixed with the natural beauty that is everywhere really does make a paradise.

µ What’s something—big or small—that you’re really good at? It’s random, but I am good at doing that cookie face game as featured on Minute to Win It. Also accents.

µ What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from? You can only control yourself and your reactions, so don’t let other people and their reactions (which you cannot control) dictate your life. I have no clue who this was from haha.

µ What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received? When my hair is the right length I have been told I look similar to Liam Hemsworth. I have always wished I was Australian.

Can you see the resemblance?

µ When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? A cop or an actor

µ Who would play you in a movie about your life? One of three people, Paul Rudd, Chris Pratt, or Liam Hemsworth.

µ If you could choose a name for yourself, what would it be? Ryan means “little king” so I am not sure I can do much better than that.

µ If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? Super Strength

µ What trend do you hope makes a comeback? 100% Mullets.

µ What’s one item you can’t leave your home without? Pants, that would be embarrassing to leave home without them.

µ What’s one item you want to own that you don’t? A robot butler sounds pretty awesome.

µ What’s one song you have completely memorized? The song that never ends.

µ What’s the top destination on your must-visit list? Italy. BTW going there in August! So next on the list would be either Australia or the moon.

µ What’s your favorite place to eat around here? Burgatory. Must have the burgers, chips, and a shake. Food heaven on earth.

Getting To Know...Ellen!

Get to know a FCPC staffer each month 

This month we are getting to know...

Ellen!

 

Name: Ellen Nickname(s): El, El-Bell, Smellen, El-Train, Onion Family members: I come from a large family. I have 4 biological sisters, a step-brother and step-sister, and they live all over the southern US! My dad & his wife live with my oldest sister in Mississippi, and my mom & her husband live in the Hermitage area. I am also close with my Aunt (my mom’s twin) who lives in Prospect, PA. Pets: Many of you have met Ziggy, my sweet and scruffy recue dog. He’s an Airedale Terrier mix with a great “dogstache.” Favorite color: red Title: Associate Pastor for Membership & Mission What your job entails: So many different things that I love to do—preaching, teaching, leading worship, organizing mission opportunities, and more –but mostly, my job entails building relationships and getting to know how I can help the members of our church and community share their God-given gifts and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Hire date: July 8, 2016. Installed October 2, 2017   The amazing Ziggy!!

µ If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be? Carpentry.

µ What’s a trip that changed you, and why? Nepal, 2013 as part of the Summer Service for New Wilmington Mission Conference. It was amazing to see how God is at work and the church is growing in a country that is only 5% Christian.

µ What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from? When I was in my mid-20s, a wise woman at my church said to me, “Ellen, when you use the word ‘should,’ you are putting other people’s expectations first. Stop using that word and stop letting others’ expectations make decisions for you.”

µ What trend do you hope makes a comeback? Banana clips. Wore them all the time in 6^th and 7^th grade.

µ What’s one hobby you’d love to get into? I really do want to get back into knitting so I can contribute to the prayer shawl ministry.

µ What’s one song you have completely memorized? Not just one song…the entire soundtrack of the movie The Sound of Music.

µ What’s your favorite place to eat around here? Pub 333 in Oakmont

           

Get To Know...Linda!

Get to know a FCPC staffer each month

Name: Linda Helfferich

Nickname: Linda Lou 

Family members: Husband Michael; Sons – Caleb Everett (17); Dylan Anthony(16); Branden Alexander(13) and Joseph Robert(12)

Pets: Lincoln who is a Mountain Cur Dog – Four Beagles Molly Mae; SkyGirl; Tucker and River – Cat Keesha – 4 rabbits; 8 chickens and a rooster

Favorite color: Purple(s)

Title: Finance Administrator

The highlights of what your job entails: Numbers and more numbers.

Started: April 2018

µ What do you do to turn things around when you’re having a bad day? Take a long walk with my dog Lincoln.

µ What energizes you outside of work? My husband and my children

µ What’s one of your favorite memories from the past year? Marrying my best friend.

µ What’s one thing most people don’t know about you? I love to hunt.

µ What’s one thing you’re currently trying to make a habit? Walking

µ What’s one thing you’re learning now, and why is it important? How to let things go – find peace and enjoy life

     

µ What’s something you saw recently that made you smile? Beagle puppy

µ When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? An Accountant – how ironic…..

µ What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend? Anything outdoors – usually running our Beagles.

µ If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? Being able to teleport (then I could be at all of my kid’s functions at least to make an appearance)

µ What trend do you hope makes a comeback? 80’s hair….  Lol

µ What’s one hobby you’d love to get into? Archery

µ What’s the top destination on your must-visit list? Ireland

 

Getting To Know...Tara!

Get to know a FCPC staffer each month!

   

Name: Tara       Nickname: TJ, Teej, The Rev, Mama T Title: Associate Pastor for Christian Nurture Family members: Derek, Eli (8), Josiah (11)  Pets: Margot recently passed away into doggie heaven Favorite color: Depends on the day J

µ If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be and why?

“I Went to Pony Camp but Got a Mule” – A funny, true story that pretty much sums up my life.

µ What energizes you outside of work?

Taking walks alone in Nature.

µ What’s one of your favorite memories from the past year?

A solo road trip on the south island of New Zealand.

µ What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I’m an introvert. I’m a loud introvert, but I’m still an introvert.

µ What’s something—big or small—that you’re really good at?

I’m good at being with people when they are sad.

µ What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Genuine. Creative. Curious.

µ What trend do you hope makes a comeback?

Hip Holsters aka: Fanny Packs (They can look COOL. I promise. And they are super practical.)

µ What’s one item you can’t leave your home without?

My phone. So predictable, right?