New Church Administrator Hired;
Mary Beth Howard to Begin Role in January

Dear First Church, 

In September we shared that we celebrate our Church Administrator, Liz Temple, as she launches the next phase of her life as a Marriage and Family Counselor. She begins the final portion of her Counselor Education this January with an internship year. Since then, we have been searching for someone to take the baton from Liz and build upon the great foundation she leaves. 

We are happy to provide the update that beginning in January of 2023, Mary Beth Howard will serve at First Church as our Church Administrator.

Mary Beth comes to First Church with nearly 15 years of experience in church administration in United Methodist and Episcopal churches. She is a great fit not only for the work ahead of her, but also for the missional focuses of our faith community. We believe that she will provide robust support to our community, congregation, volunteers, and staff as we seek to be God’s hands and feet in the world. 

A word from Mary Beth: 

I’m thrilled to be joining you soon as your new Church Administrator! I have worked at churches in the Washington, DC area, where I’ve lived for most of my life, and I can’t wait to put my skills to use at First Church. After spending some time in Oregon visiting with friends, I fell in love with the Portland area and feel very blessed that you all have given me the opportunity to relocate there. I look forward to getting to know you all in the coming months.

We have loved getting to learn about Mary Beth’s gifts and graces in the area of church administration and know that you will enjoy working with her as well. If you have any questions about this transition, please reach out our Staff Parish Relations Committee. 

Peace, 

Jessica Kimmet, SPRC Chair

Pastor Karyn, Senior Pastor

Mary Beth Howard, Incoming Church Administrator

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