Mike Orrill……………………………………………………….Pastor
Hilary Downs……………………………………Associate Pastor
Bev Orrill……………………………Coordinator of Volunteers
Kristina Pesch…………………………….Praise Band Director
Robin French………………………………………..Choir Director
Pam Denison…..Interim Director of Childrens’ Ministry
Lori White……………………………Administrative Assistant
Judy Bullen…………………………………………………. Organist
Mike Orrill – Pastor
mho1957@gmail.comMike has been in Salida and the pastor at FPC for over 20 years. He’s been married for 30 years and has three grown children. Some of his favorite things to do are hiking, skiing, camping, photography and anything connected with Yellowstone National Park.
Hilary Downs – Associate Pastor
I don’t Like: Filing things, assumptions, meanness.
As a kid I thought I’d be: A veterinarian or a writer.
I never thought I’d be: A pastor.
If I’m not at church you’ll find me: Walking my dog, hiking in the mountains, or sitting at Salida Cafe with a cup of tea.
Biggest mistake: Not learning more Spanish.
Hardest part of my job: Speaking the truth in love.
Best part of my job: Watching God’s transforming love at work in young people and the adults who hang out with them.
Bev Orrill – Coordinator of Volunteers
fpcbev@qwestoffice.netBest Book I’ve read recently: Unbroken: A World War Two Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption
Married/Kids: Married to Mike for 30 years, 3 kids Emily (married to Justin) Meghan and Nathan.
Things I like to do: Run, Camp, Hike, Snowshoe, Mountain Bike, Ski and Most anything outdoors.
Favorite Vacation Spot: Yellowstone National Park.
Favorite “Comfort” Food: Mashed Potatoes.
Favorite TV Shows: Survivor, Biggest Loser and American Idol.
A Personal Hero: Maria Runyan (A blind Olympic runner).
Least Favorite Place: On the freeway stuck in traffic.
Something that Scares Me: Watching a family member die.
Kristina Pesch - Praise Band Director
Pam Denison – Interim Children’s Ministry Director
Pam was born and raised in Salida to Mack and Marmiam Witty. She has one sister and nine bothers. Married for 26 years to Jeff, they have three children–Jeremy, Jenifer and Crystal–and two grandchildren–Ezra and Benjamin.
Favorite Movie: An Officer and a Gentleman
Favorite Books: Water for Elephants and The Help
Hobbies: Playing bridge, sewing, quilting, reading, watching movies, camping, hiking, fishing and scrapbooking with all ages.
Hero: My mom.
Favorite Quotes: “Life isn’t about the breaths we take; it’s about the moments that take our breath away.” “What other people think about you is not of your business.”
Lori White - Administrative Assistant
Judy Bullen – Organist
Judy has been one of FPC’s organists since 2010. She is also a Legal Assistant in the Cordova Law Firm.
Hobbies: Hiking, biking, beading, playing piano, singing, reading and any activity outdoors.
Favorite Place: Anyplace in the mountains
Favorite Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11–“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Favorite Part of Playing Organ: Touching the hearts of people
Robin French – Choir Director
My refrigerator is covered with magnets. Don’t worry, not the cutesie souvenir kind. Well, not too many of those, anyway. I have some artwork from a younger Brienz, much to her chagrin, my shopping list, poetry words for my piano students to play with while they wait for their lesson, and the emergency phone numbers for Xcel and Atmos. But mostly, the surface is covered with photographs of my brothers and sisters and daughter, beautiful cards, miniature artwork, and inspirational words. Of those, one of them reminds me that every woman should have a pair of work gloves that fit, and a little black dress; another one says that children learn what they live, and how to help them grow up well. All those things on my refrigerator are special to me, but two in particular sum up who and how I am: “Sing for Joy!” and “Soli Deo Gloria”. I love to sing, I love to sing with other people, I love to sing in church, I love to encourage others to sing. I am grateful every single day that I get to do just that with children at school and now here with the Chancel Choir. And God is the source of It All, so God gets the credit and the honor and the appreciation.
So now you know me.
Let me get to know you by joining us in the Chancel Choir. We’ll be rehearsing on Wednesday nights beginning after Labor Day. I think we have a lot of fun and we’re making some beautiful music together. You are welcome.
Stop by and peek at my refrigerator sometime when you see me
out working in my yard. Sing for Joy!
