HFPC Staff Directory

NAME	POSITION	EMAIL	EXT
Rev. Nathan Byrd	Pastor		103
Donita Young	Financial Secretary		110
Jack Fernstrum	Director of Property Managment		117
Kevin Smith	Sound & Video Technician
Devon Dresback	Sound and Video Assistant
Wendy Gonzalez	Administrative Coordinator		109
Chob Ajak	Part Time Custodian
Dan Sneed	Part Time Custodian

Having a B.A. in International Relations from University of Delaware, a M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, 12 years experience in population centers, and being an army reserve chaplain, Pastor Byrd is well prepared for ministry in downtown Phoenix.

Regarding working in an urban downtown church:
My experience has always been in Population Centers. Ministry is about people and their lives. Population centers are more densely populated. Diversity of issues, situations and cultural backgrounds make population centers exciting. In fact, I see God's hand in being called to a church in the desert. In the late '80's I fell in love with the desert. Of all of God's landscapes, I love the desert the most. For years I have wanted to live and retire in the desert.

My Faith and Calling:
I grew up in a nominal Christian home. As a child I went to church and had lots of questions. My mother encouraged me to stay in church to get answers. The curiosity I had as a child led me to seminary. My faith is one that continues to grow, is biblical, is reformed in theology, and is influenced by different life experiences, time spent with the poorest of the poor, and a heart for justice.

Interestingly enough, it was that curiosity that led me to participate in a seminary trip to Latin America. I was reflecting on that trip several months later in my dorm room while studying 2 Corinthians 8. I realized, in a flash, that my specific call to ministry is to take that ancient book called the Bible and present it in relevant ways to God's people. I have never lost sight of this sense of call.

Relevancy of the Church in today's world:
I have found that once people focus their attention on their relationship to God, no matter how little or great, they find their physical, mental, economic and family health are better or heightened. There are certain needs and struggles we all have in common. We best navigate through such struggles when we have a growing relationship with the living God.

Young People Fit In an Old Established Church:
When being interviewed, it was noted that Historic First Presbyterian Church was established when Arizona was a territory. It is the first incorporated church in the state - that equates HFPC as history, age and tradition. I was asked the question: "How do young people fit into an old established church?" My reply: There's a certain appeal to some people that there's a rich past grounded in history. They go in knowing that what we do today emerges out of a rich cultural historical past.

My Family:
Beth Beall and I met in 1994 and married in 1995. She is always there to provide honest and constructive feedback. She's my helpmate. She has shared life's experiences with me with all its ups and downs. There is a 12 year bond that exists that is very strong. In this bond there is a mutual leaning on one another. She has a graduate degree in religion, a love for poetry, and a passion to make the world a better place for children.

My Loves and Passion (other than my wife):
I love connecting with people, playing soccer and watching football. I like discovering new ways to express thoughts with words, i.e., poetry, modern spoken word. I enjoy reading biographies. It is fascinating to see how different people engage life.

My Previous Work as a Chaplain:
I served as an army reserve chaplain. In my last assignment, my duties included training reserve component chaplains for duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. My call to ministry is to serve people in the name of God, through Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, regardless of their station in life. I really treasure the freedom we have in this country to assemble. Part of that freedom includes having a military. These folks who participate in the military go to places where their pastor can't get toxall places of world in odd situations, yet they have their religious expression, which we value. I have the training, the uniform, the equipment to get there to serve them, to facilitate their religious expression.

There are many similarities between being a pastor and a war chaplain. The same things that people deal with in civilian life continue when they wear a uniform. They have the same challenges in their relationship with God, in their relationship with each other and their relationship with people.

I hope to be able to assist veterans here in Phoenix. I've been to war (Iraq) and I can identify with some of the issues that Veterans might carry. I'm still active in the army reserve chaplaincy. As part of the Presbytery of Grand Canyon, discussion for comprehensive ministry for folks suffering from adjustment issues related to war is presently taking place.

It is my joy to be God's servant here in Phoenix at Historic First Presbyterian Church.

Donita Young has been HFPC's financial secretary since July 10, 2000. She and Ron, her husband of thirty-five years, are natives of Watertown, NY. They have two grown children, Rachel and Justin, who is married to Tara. Tara and Justin gave them a grandson named Zachary in April 2006. Donita graduated with a B.A. in Accounting from St. Martin's College, Lacey, WA. Donita enjoys decorating, traveling and working out at the gym.

Jack is a shy but industrious man who has made a personal commitment to restoring our 81 year old church building to a condition every member can be proud of. To date, Jack has lead a team of volunteers to restore the parlor, first floor kitchen, and two bathrooms that have not been usable for several years. He has also coordinated contractors to resolve issues with aging plumbing, electrical wiring, and air conditioning. His individual contributions to these projects as well as application of many gallons of paint has made HFPC a truly beautiful place to worship and enjoy fellowship. If you are handy and enjoy building maintenance and restoration, contact Jack. He can put you to work on the many projects yet to be done.

Kevin M. Smith R.T. (R) has served as sound and video technician since March 1997. He and Nancy, wife of eighteen years, were married at HFC. They have three daughters, Karin 9, Kelsey 6 and Kristen 3. Their girls are fourth generation members at HFPC.

Born in Vineland, New Jersey, moved to Phoenix at the age of five, he considers himself a semi-native of Arizona.

Kevin received his Associates of Applied Science degree in Medical Radiography at Gateway Community College in 1994. Employed through the appliance division of General Electric for over thirteen years, he has supported numerous business functions.

Kevin enjoys photography, traveling and spending time with family.

I was born in Cd. Juarez Mexico, but resided in El Paso, Texas for 10 years prior to moving to Phoenix. I was married to Robert Reed in August of 2003 and soon after the wedding, we moved to Phoenix. Many of my relatives such as my brother, sister, nephews and nieces live in Amarillo, while my mother resides in El Paso. I have worked as a Medical Assistant and attended college to become a nurse. I hope that I can return to school soon.

Chob and his family are refugees from Sudan, sponsored by the Lutheran Social Ministry Resettlement Program. Because of the hostile attitude toward Christians in Sudan, Chob lived in a refugee camp in Cairo, Egypt for several years. Chob has a college degree from Khartoum Universitiy in Sudan and taught English and Social Studies at the intermediate school level. He speaks Arabic, Engllish, and Dinka. Chob and his wife Susu have two children, daughter Ajok (Joy), and son Kir.

Dan Sneed is a Native American (Hopi/Pima) and a native Arizonan. Dan grew up in the neighborhood around HFPC and attended grade school just down the street, at the old Adams Elementary School, now called Grace Court School. He graduated from North High School and attended Maricopa Technical College, where he studied Advertising Art.

Dan's father was a retired Presbyterian pastor, who pastored the First Presbyterian Church of Sacaton on the Gila River Indian reservation, where Dan and his family worshipped. Dan has been attending HFPC since the mid-1980's and joined the staff as a custodian, in 1994. In 1997, Dan moved into the Publication Technician's position and left that position in May of 2004.

"I am glad to be back on staff and able to help HFPC in any way I can. I consider the staff and congregation of HFPC my second family."