Resources

Meet the FCC Staff

	Senior Minister Rev. Dr. E. Scott Jones, has served First Central as Senior Minister since July 6, 2010. He and his husband Michael moved here from Oklahoma City, where Scott was Pastor of the Cathedral of Hope for five years while also writing as a columnist for the Oklahoma Gazette newspaper. Scott previously served churches in Arkansas and Texas and was ordained in 1997. A native Oklahoman, Scott earned a B.A. in Religion and Philosophy at Oklahoma Baptist University, graduating summa cum laude in 1996, and an M.A. (1997) and Ph.D. (2001) in Philosophy from the University of Oklahoma. Yes, he is a Sooner fan. In Omaha Scott has been involved in various community organizations and projects. He is a member of the Core Team for Neighbors United, an organization of area faith groups working on community development projects, and serves on the Mayor's Clergy Advisory Board. Scott was also an organizer of Heartland Clergy for Inclusion and an author of the Heartland Proclamation. This organization won a 2011 Flag Bearer Award from the national office of PFLAG (Parents, Family, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). Scott actively blogs and uses social media and enjoys hiking, reading, home remodeling, and travel. You may read some of Scott's sermon's on our Sermons page.
	Director of Christian Education Elizabeth Wearin is our Christian Education Director, responsible for development and oversight of programming for our chuildren, youth, and adults. Elizabeth has extensive experience in education, and is a long-time member of our congregation.
	Minister of Visitation Rev. Dr. Jim Harmon is our Minister of Visitation. Jim has a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary, and has worked over 30 years in full time ministry. He currently works full time as an Account Executive for Yellow Book, and part time at First Central as our Minister of Visitation. Jim calls on our homebound members, and will also bring communion on request.
	Minister of Spiritual Formation Rev. Donald G. Wester a native of Texas, earned a B.A in History at the University of Arkansas, graduating with departmental honors for academic excellence in 1991. Donald completed his Seminary training at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, with an MDiv in 1994, receiving the Druid Hills Award for Prophetic Preaching. Donald served as a licensed pastor in the United Methodist Church from 1988-1994 serving two rural churches in Northwest Arkansas, and a suburban church in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1994 Donald co-founded an interfaith coalition, Friends of Prison Families, to reach out to the families of individuals incarcerated by the Georgia State Department of Corrections. Donald joined our congregation in 2004 and became Minister of Spiritual Formation on March 9, 2011. He is currently planting a church in Conway, Arkansas.
	Church Office Administrator Sara Sharpe is our Office Administrator. A native of Omaha, Sara graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha with a BS in social work. Sara has been a member of First Central for 23 years, and Office Manager for 8 years.
	Director of Music Stephen Bouma is our Director of Music and Organist. Stephen is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University, and holds a MM in piano performance from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He currently sings with the Omaha Chamber Singers. Stephen is also a composer, and has had works commissioned by Central High School, Hastings High School, and the Clarion Chamber Chorale.
	Pastoral Intern Clyde McNeal Before and after high school graduation in Texas, Clyde worked for Youth For Christ/Campus Life. He then enlisted in the U. S. Air Force, where he served as a linguist. Clyde has based out of Omaha since 1975, when after his honorable discharge, he visited USAF friends stationed at Offutt Air Force Base. There, he was introduced to Metropolitan Community Church of Omaha, where he is now a member and student clergy. Clyde has earned undergraduate degrees in Computer Programing, Network Management, Bible, and Ministry, graduating summa cum laude from Amridge University (formerly “Southern Christian University”) in 2008. There, McNeal was awarded the Humanities and Philosophy Award. McNeal has also been employed as a professional actor (20+ years), Sheriff’s Deputy, Realtor (licensed in Nebraska and Iowa), Business Office Manager, and Church Administrative Assistant at MCC churches in Denver and St. Louis. Clyde has volunteered within his local church, doing solo singing and assisting with the Liturgy. He is currently a second-year Master of Divinity (M.Div.) student at Iliff Theological School in Denver Colorado, preparing for pastoral ministry. Clyde is serving his student internship with us from September 2012-May 2013.

News and Events

Annual Super Sale! May 11 & 12, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Plants, books, furniture, clothing, household items, art. come and shop! More info here.

Online giving now available!

Click here for more information.

Fair Trade Statement

Equal Exchange is at a crossroads in the Fair Trade movement. We are asking you to speak out for authentic small farmer-centered Fair Trade. Read more and take action here.

"Sanctuary" Spirituality Group, Wednesdays from 6 - 7 p.m.

A monthly opportunity for spiritual formation and development, “Sanctuary” is a time for prayer, study, reflection, and worship. Read more here.

More Resources

	Now make contributions and pledge online! Just click the blue button. To make your 2013 pledge, please click here for an email link - just specify the total amount donated for the year, and the frequency of your payments.
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	Phone Directory You can now view FCC members public contact information online. (contact the office for the password) Download the Phone Directory
	United Church of Christ Coffee Project We serve only fair trade coffee through The United Church of Christ Coffee Project. To support this program at home, coffee may be ordered at Equal Exchange. Olive oil, tea, and chocolate are also available for purchase. This program enables farmers to earn a fair price for their products, have access to affordable credit, and gain a long- term trading partner they can trust. Visit the UCC Coffee Project official site for more information.