Church Elders


  • Allan Carpenter

    I joined the church in 1959 with my parents. I was 6.   I am serving my 3rd

    3-year term as an Elder. My current term began in 2019. 


    I am serving as the Managing Accountant at our family business, Carpenter Business Services. 


    The scripture passages that guide me are found in Joshua 24:15-17 and Philippians 4:6-7.


    I am an animal lover, especially dogs. Black Labs are my favorite breed. Max is my 7th lab.

  • Christy Cooper

    The first time I joined the church was in 1966, when my family moved to Chattanooga (I was 14). After college life took me elsewhere for sometime. I returned to Chattanooga in 1983 but did not return to FCPC until around 2002.


    I love reading, traveling with my husband and trying to quilt.


    My favorite verse is Colossians 1:17. 

  • Cheryl Faulkner


  • Tim hancock

    I joined the church in July of 2018.  I enjoy backpacking and trail running. I also like Trail building with Cumberland Trail Conference.


    I don't have a single verse that is my favorite but I’ve always liked the Beatitudes - Matthew 5:3-10. 

  • Jackie Kisting

    I joined the church for the second time in 1998 when I moved back from Florida. 


    I became an elder in 2021 and  love reading, computers, talking to people and trying to help others. 


    My favorite Bible verse is "Judge not lest you be judged. For in the same way you judge others you will be judged." Matthew 7 verse 1 & 2.


  • Tim McDonald

    I have been a member since March 2017 and an Elder since January 2020.  I work for Blood Assurance, the local community blood bank.


    My two favorite Bible verses are:

    • 1 Corinthians 15:22 (For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.)
    • 2 Corinthians 5:17 (If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, all things are become new.)
    Serving at First Cumberland is a great honor and my life is enriched and blessed by this church.  My family joined this church early in the 20th century when it was located downtown and 1st Cumberland is a wonderful legacy to me.  Thanks be to God.

  • Lena McNabb

    Rich and I joined the church in  2009.   I am a Senior Commercial Loan Assistant


    My favorite Bible verses is John 3:16-17 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through him.

  • Shannon Twitchell

    My family joined First Cumberland in 2013 after we moved from Texas to Chattanooga.


    My interests include fitness, food & travel & I’m blessed to be able to teach fitness & healthy eating to others!


    My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 119:105: Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. 

Church Deacons


  • Linda Boran

    Jack (my husband) and I joined First Cumberland in January 13, 2013. I was installed as a deacon almost exactly 7 years later on January 12, 2020. I am a retired English teacher of 26 years from Red Bank High School here in Chattanooga. I love the book of Philippians and especially love Phil. 4:6-7. 


    God has blessed me all of my life; first with a Godly mother and grandmother who taught me Jesus' love and saving grace early. Then He blessed me with a wonderful husband, two wonderful sons, and two wonderful daughters by marriage. I am thankful for all of the Godly mentors, ministers, and church members He has graced us with who have been instrumental in our spiritual growth.

  • suzanne carpenter

    I've been attending 1st Cumberland for 40 years. Guy & I were married in the church in 1982. I officially joined the church in 1996.  


    I retired from teaching elementary school after 36 years. I loved teaching reading - my last position was a reading interventionist. I still love reading.

    However, most of my free time is spent with my granddaughter & newborn grandson. Being Gigi is the best!!!


    My favorite Bible verse is John 3:16 because that just says it ALL.


    I am currently serving on the TLC committee. Previously, I was on the Endowment committee.  Many years ago when my grown children were little, I taught Sunday school in the children's department.

  • Mike Craft


  • Kim Rieder

    I have been a member of First Cumberland since August 2006. I am a deacon, on the CYF pool committee, and sing in the church choir.


    I am married to Denny Rieder and have 4 children and 2 grandchildren. My hobbies are enjoying the outdoors and the beach.


    My favorite bible verse is Romans 8:15 - "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!”


    I have worked for Hamilton County Schools for 20 years. My titles include clerical assistant, school secretary, and paraprofessional in a multi~handicap classroom.


  • Angel Schrader

    My husband Todd and myself were married at First Cumberland in July 2009. We joined the church shortly after being married here. We have 2 children. Elizabeth Grace (11) and Charlie (8) who keep us very busy! 


    I have been an educator for 18 years. I currently teach Kindergarten at Brainerd Baptist School and love getting to share my passion for kids and learning every single day!

     

    My favorite Bible verse is 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18. “Be joyful always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”


    In our free time we love visiting the beach and mountains, hiking, and working in the yard.

  • Steve Thompson

    Patty and I joined First Cumberland Presbyterian in January 2018 and I have been a Deacon since January 2020. 


    I am a Financial Advisor at First Horizon Bank.


    My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 121:1, "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. "  Another verse is James 4:8, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."


    Spending time with my grandchildren is always interesting. I learn so much from them. 

  • Chris Topel


  • Colby williams

    I’ve been a member of FCPC since 2014. Bess and I were married here in 2004.  I am an English Teacher with Hamilton County Schools.


    I’m an avid hiker and love traveling.


    My favorite book of the Bible: James. My favorite verse is James 4:1 -- What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?