First United
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Meet the Staff
What brought you to your position at First on Fourth?
I came to First on Fourth after serving for ten years as an associate pastor in Southeast Michigan. I’m a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, and also hold a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in drama from New York University. I’m a cradle Presbyterian and love our tradition even as I am committed to exploring fresh new expressions of Christian community. My writing has been published in several books and blogs, including “The Girlfriends’ Clergy Companion,” about young women learning to survive and thrive in ministry and the second edition of “Friendship and Faith,” a collection of women’s stories about crossing religious and cultural divides to form friendships.
What is something that you love about our church?
I love that First on Fourth knows that we exist to serve the neighbor on our doorstep. We have a beautiful historic building, but our downtown location really connects us to the community, and we lean into that. We also really know how to love people.
What brings you joy outside of work?
I love to read, and I’m learning (slowly) to play guitar (mostly so I can sing along, because I also love to sing). Being in the woods by a river is where I find joy, peace, and wholeness. I’m grateful to live near the sculpture park so I can walk around it every day and marvel at amazing artwork.
Who are your favorite people to work with and why?
The people on our church staff are so gifted and dedicated to their work in the church. I love each of them and appreciate everything they do. But I’m also constantly in awe of our church officers and volunteers. On top of all their other life commitments, they give of their time, talents, and energy to enable our little church to do far more than anyone would expect. All the people I work with at First on Fourth exhibit a generosity of spirit that is truly awe-inspiring.
Do you have any pets?
I have two dogs: Bear and Arthur. They’re a handful, but they’re very loving. And we have tons of birds in the backyard because my husband keeps feeding them.
How many people in your family?
I’m married to Jason, who works in non-profit. We have a son, Dean, who is on the AV staff and is a senior in high school.
How do you feel that the church's location in downtown Loveland affects the greater community?
We are committed to restoring relationships between God, creation, and humanity. Being right downtown puts us in close proximity to our neighbors, and this helps us with this mission. We get to participate in downtown events and activities and open our church building to the wider community. I think people see us as a place of hope and love.
What brought you to your position at First on Fourth?
I first arrived at First on Fourth as their music director in 2013. I kept that position for 7 years. During the height of COVID in 2020, I started doing the Admin duties. Pastor Amy and I realized that it was a good fit and we decided to keep the position permanent. I'm very grateful to be able to stay connected to this church community while perusing my musical theater career across the country.
What is something that you love about our church?
I love how welcoming everyone is. There truly are no strangers. I always feel accepted and cared for at First on Fourth.
What brings you joy outside of work?
In my spare time I love to play video games on my PS5, play with my cats, put together LEGO sets, and cross stitch. I don't think there is anything more calming than cuddling up with a good book.
Who are your favorite people to work with and why?
I love the entire team I work with. I think my favorite thing is the weekly meeting that Amy and myself have. It's always the perfect balance of of work and play.
Do you have any pets?
I have two adorable kitties! 15 year old Amber and 3 year old Karl.
How many people in your family?
My partner Ken and I and our kitties.
How do you feel that the church's location in downtown Loveland affects the greater community?
I think that the presence of the church in downtown Loveland lets the community know that God is always present. Our church building can be a beacon of light for those in the darkness and a safe haven for those who may be passing on rough times.
Maria Sandoval
What brought you to your position at First on Fourth?
I currently work at All Saints Episcopal Church in Loveland, our Reverends' are friends.
What is something that you love about our church?
I love the people I've met thus far, not to mention the architecture, stained glass, location.
What brings you joy outside of work?
I love to take walks and ride my bicycle. I love to listen to Christian music and attend Christian concerts.
Who are your favorite people to work with and why?
I love to work with church leadership and love to serve the parishioners.
Do you have any pets?
I have a dog named Biscuit, he is a Chihuahua, and a dog named Kody, he is an Australian Shephard.
How many people in your family?
My husband and I have 3 daughters, 3 grandsons, and 3 granddaughters.
How do you feel that the church's location in downtown Loveland affects the greater community?
Downtown is where it's happening in most cities. There is a very diverse crowd in the downtown area, so FUPC is in a great location to see and meet the needs of the people.
Dean Morgan
What brought you to your position at First on Fourth?
I was at the church when covid hit. At that time we had to switch over to fully online worship over zoom. we slowly built up our online resources over that time, and had our wonderful system set up by Ken Travis. I was then trained on that system, and have been running it ever sense.
What is something that you love about our church?
I love the people that I work with. They make the job so light and feel a lot like a community.
What brings you joy outside of work?
I love working on electronics and programming in my spare time, and I love building and tinkering with anything I can get my hands on.
Who are your favorite people to work with and why?
I don't want to pick favorites because I love working with everyone at this church.
Do you have any pets?
I have two dogs named Arthur and Bear.
How many people in your family?
I have three people in my family, my mom Amy, and my dad Jason
How do you feel that the church's location in downtown Loveland affects the greater community?
I feel like the location downtown makes our community feel larger and like it has a greater presence in the community.
