Staff

FPCK Staff

Dr. James Davis
Senior Pastor

Hi! I've been a Christ-follower since my first year in college in 1971. But the truth is that Jesus was at work in my life long before that. One of my earliest memories is sitting in church as a child and looking at a stained glass window of Jesus teaching his disciples. So I suspect it was always part of God's plan for my life that I would become a pastor and teacher with a passion for discipleship, for building the spiritual habits of Jesus into my life and the lives of people I meet.

I grew up in a relatively small town in northeast Ohio in a loving family of four and learned to love people, books, playing the piano, singing, and basketball. I actually played at the same high school as my father had 40 years before me at the same position! I went to college in Ohio at the College of Wooster. I went there to major in architecture but after a friend introduced me to a personal relationship with Jesus I decided to take a course in the New Testament and couldn't stop!

I'm still a student who loves to spend time meditating on the teaching of Jesus. That's part of what it means to be a Christ-follower. And over the years I've earned a Bachelor's degree, a Master's degree and a Doctoral degree in New Testament. I've had the pleasure of teaching New Testament full and part-time to college and seminary students and many, many people in my congregations over the years. And the joy of helping people understand the Scriptures and the teaching of Jesus, the joy of helping them learn how to live out the truth in their lives never diminishes for me.

So if you're a person who's intrigued by Jesus and his teaching but don't consider yourself a Christ-follower, I hope we'll have the chance to meet. And if you are a Christ-follower whose desire is to go deeper, to understand more of Jesus' heart and build his spiritual habits into your life, I hope we'll meet too.

As the pastor of First Presbyterian, my sense is this church is a place that welcomes seekers and a place that can help Christ-followers grow and I am excited to be here and have the opportunity through my life, my teaching and my preaching to provide leadership to a congregation like that. We're trying to be the kind of disciples who make a difference in our world and I hope you'll consider visiting with us sometime soon.

Frederick Franklin Thrower
Senior Associate Pastor

Rev. Thrower was called to FPCK in 2001, and is the associate pastor. He is involved in most of the activities here. He team-teaches the Couples' Sunday School Class. He is the staff support for our Deacons and Shepherd Groups, and works closely with our Evangelism Committee. His passion is helping people grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Before coming to FPCK, Rev. Thrower served as a solo pastor at the Alabama Presbyterian Church in Choudrant, LA. His first call was to Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Stone Mountain, GA where he focused on Youth Ministry and Missions. He earned a BBA and a BA (English) from Southern Methodist University. He spent two years at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and received a MDiv from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Currently he is working on a Doctor of Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA.

Fred is married to Kitty, and they have two children, Thomas and Kate. Kitty currently is the director of the Spanish Immersion Program in the Humble Independent School District. Fred is a native Texan, growing up in Dallas and attending Highland Park Presbyterian Church. He enjoys traveling, playing with his children, and golf.

Richard George McKinney
Minister of Music

Rich McKinney has chosen to glorify God through music in the church. Before coming to First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood, he served as either a Director/Minister of Music or soloist in many churches. Among those churches are Walden Community Church of Montgomery, College Hill Presbyterian in Cincinnati, Ohio, and First Presbyterian Church of Houston.

As a soloist, Rich studied with William Guthrie, D.M.A. and was coached by Thomas Jaber at Rice University. He has performed with various musical groups including Houston Concert Chorale, Theater Under the Stars, Houston Grand Opera, and the May Festival Chorus of Cincinnati.

Rich earned his Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance and conducting. He considers learning to be a lifelong process; therefore, he is continuing his education by attending seminary classes. Rich's wife Debbie teaches music at Bear Branch Elementary in Kingwood. They have a combined family of three adult children.

Debbie McKinney, ED.D.
Coordinator of the Children's Choirs
and Director of the Junior Choir

Mrs. McKinney says that she considers it an honor and a privilege to teach music in the schools and in the church because it gives her the opportunity to give her students an eternal gift - the gift of music and Jesus Christ. The thrill of seeing the joy of learning and discovering previously hidden talents in her students makes all the hard work worthwhile. Mrs. McKinney serves First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood through singing in the Chancel Choir, Coordinator of the Children's Choirs, and Director of the Junior Choir.

Mrs. McKinney's hobbies are music, decorating, sewing, gardening, and exercising. She has three grown children, and three grandchildren, ages 5, 2, and 1. Her husband, Rich, is the Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood.

Dr. McKinney has taught music and choir for 27 years. She has a Bachelor of Music Degree from Converse College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, a Master of Education Degree from Sam Houston State University, and a Doctorate of Education Degree from Texas A&M University. Her certifications include All-Level Music, Elementary Self-contained Classroom, MId-management Certification, and Instructional Leadership Certification.

Richard N. Palmquist
Organist

He was born in Oakland, California. His father was a United Methodist Pastor, and his mother was a musician. He has a B.S. in Music Education from the University of Maryland, and a Sacred Music Masters Degree from the Union Theologial Seminary in New York City. He was a full time church musician for 40 years, serving Presbyterian and United Methodist Churches in New Jersey, Ohio, and Texas. His first position was when he was in the Army, as Organist at the Post Chapel in Aschaffenburg, Germany in 1954. His last one was Director of Music Ministries at the Woodlands Commnunity Presbyterian Church. He came to FPCK in March 2001.

His responsibilities include playing the organ for three services on Sunday, (and weddings, funerals, and special services) as well as accompanying the Chancel Choir, soloists, and children's choirs. He also directs the Sanctuary Bells. He is married to Carol Ann, who is a retired Professional Public School Teacher and Administrator.

He has three children: Cara Reedy, now a home mom in Katy, Texas. She and her husband John parent three children, Allie, Amanda and Jake. Susan Palmquist is an ordained United Methodist Pastor. She is presently serving as a Hospice Chaplain in St. Louis, Missouri. She has one daughter, Leslie. Gary is married to Katie, and they reside in Arlington, Virginia. He is Legislative Director for Congressman Dennis Cardoza of California's 18th District. Katie is in building management.

Richard's hobbies include gardening, traveling, reading, and fix-it-projects at home.

Chad Erb
Senior Director of Youth Ministry

Chad was hired as Youth Director in April of 2004. A member of First Presbyterian Church since January of 2002, Chad helped to start the 530 worship service assuming the role of worship leader. After graduating last spring with a degree in psychology from the University of Houston, Chad is now beginning seminary at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

During the first years of active service within First Presbyterian Church, Chad volunteered with the youth program and began to establish lasting relationships with students, staff and volunteers. During this time, Chad developed and trained a high school worship team and spent time teaching the youth group as a whole the value of Christ-centered worship.

Chad and his wife Jennifer married in March of 2000 and have recently moved to Kingwood with their son Benjamin.

Mary Lee Irwin
Adult and Children's Ministries

Mary Lee moved to Kingwood after living in Westerville, Ohio, for all of her life. She and her husband, Mike, have two children. Jessica is enjoying her college days in San Marcos at Texas State University. Matthew is active at KHS doing football and baseball. Mike does consultant work for large apartment complexes and is excellent at remodeling.

We joined the church one week after we moved to Kingwood and have been very happy here at FPCK. Our son went to the preschool here and later Mary Lee taught music and p.e. at the preschool for five years. She was the director of Children's First for four years. She has her bachelor's degree from Capital University in Elementary Education and graduate work from Ohio State University.

Mary Lee believes that being an active member a of a church is vital her life. In her home church, First Presbyterian Church in Westerville, she served as an elder, on the Pastor Search Committee, was the Christian Education Director, taught children's Sunday school for 15 years, lead VBS for 7 years, was an active choir member for over 20 years, co-taught the confirmation class, lead the youth group, and really enjoyed the out to lunch bunch after church each Sunday! Her partnts were great role models as they were very active members of her church as was her grandmother.

Sandra Smith
Associate Director of Evangelism and Assimilation

Sandra is a native Texan; born and raised in Galveston. She has lived in the HumblelKingwood area since 1978. She and her husband, Mark, joined First Presbyterian Church Kingwood in 1986. Their three grown children Graham, Meredith, and Laura were active in the FPCK youth group. Sandra has worked as a parttime registered nurse for the past nine years. She has served as an adult leader on high school and college mission trips and most recently participated in the Peru medical mission trip. She has also been involved with the ALPHA course, attended a Cursillo weekend, and sings in the chancel choir. She is excited to be working in the position of Director of Evangelism and Assimilation.

As part of her responsibilities, Sandra will be contacting first-time visitors and repeat visitors and serving to connect current members with church programs.

Ann Findley Kruse
Associate Director of Senior Ministry

With her daughter, Claudia and son-in-law Barry Cooper, Ann Kruse moved to Kingwood from New Orleans in 2004. She worked as a legal secretary and legal administrator in both the private sector and Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal until retirement in 2003. At Metairie Ridge Presbyterian Church she served on the Session, Worship, Stewardship and Education Committees and led the Covenant Class (an adult Sunday School class). She had the honor and privilege of serving as a reader at WRBH, New Orleans Radio Station for the Blind. At FPCK she has been active in the Senior Ministry program, member of the Choir, has attended ALPHA, ALPHA II, FOOTSTEPS, and is attempting to learn to play bells. Since coming to Kingwood she has been a volunteer at May Community Center, member of the May CC adult theater group; HAAM and Family Thrift Center in Porter. She enjoys Bible Study, arts, crafts, reading, classical music, Mah Jong, and bridge.

As Director of Senior Ministries, Ann is responsible for organizing and implementing all activities for all 55 plus members and friends of FPCK. This includes the RAPS (Retired Active Presbyterians) and keeping seniors aware of the multitude of opportunities for study and emichment available in our area. Ann also leads and coordinates the Grief Gathering and the Visitation Team, who minister to those suffering loss or unable to get out and about anymore.

Marsha Wycoff
Secretary to the Senior Pastor

Marsha's primary responsibility at FPCK is secretary to the senior pastor. She schedules weddings and baptisms and assists the senior pastor in coordinating his pilgrimage tours. Marsha grew up in Kansas, but has lived in Texas since 1979. She has three grown children, Jennifer, Angela, and Chris and one grandchild, Elijah. Her husband, Dennis is employed with Exxon-Mobil. The Wycoffs moved to Kingwood in 2000 after living 21 years in Plano. Marsha enjoys reading, gardening, and has a passion for sports.

Gina Alexander
Staff Associate to Dr. Thrower/Newsletter/Membership/Prayer Requests

My husband, Doyle, and I moved to Walden on Lake Houston in August of 2003. We have three children: Brittany, Shelby and Megan. I grew up a minister's daughter in the central Texas town of San Antonio and have worked in church offices for over 15 years. I enjoy swimming, exercising, shopping, eating out and spending time with my family.

My responsibilities include supervising and scheduling the office volunteers; writing articles for church events as well as publication of the newsletter, First Press; and assisting Dr. Fred Thrower where needed. Also, I handle membership duties including attendance records and membership files, and keep track of visitors. I am also responsible for the paperwork required for the Connection's classes. In addition, I take care of the office machine maintenance and order office supplies.

Lisa Cummins
Staff Associate for Accounts Payable and Building and Grounds

Lisa and her husband, Chip, moved to Kingwood from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1998. They have 4 children, Sarah, Olivia, Sam and Jared. Lisa previously went back to work in 2005 after being out of the work force for 13 years to be a stay-at-home mom. She enjoys scrapbooking, traveling, cross stitch and spending quality time with her family.

Lisa's primary responsibilities are Accounts Payable, and assisting with the Building and Grounds Maintenance.

Monica Cvejanovich
Staff Associate for Christian Nurture

Monica and her husband, Ken, moved to Kingwood from New Orleans in 1987. They have two sons, Brian and Michael. Brian graduated from Texas Tech in December 2006 and Michael currently is attending Texas Tech in Lubbock. She enjoys traveling, shopping, reading, and spending time with her family. Monica provides support to all the Christian Nurture Directors and Youth Directors. She also handles the scheduling of the church activities, publicity and web site, and provides notary services.

Paula Trigg
Staff Associate for Contributions

Paula was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and moved to Houston in July of 2001. Since 1969 she and her husband, Tom, have spent most of their time in South Louisiana and a couple of years in Aberdeen, Scotland. Paula and Tom have three children - Brian, a 1999 graduate of USM in Marketing; Mark a 1999 graduate of MSU in chemical engineering and Sally, who attends University of Houston.

Paula is the Staff Associate for Contributions.