First Christian Church of Independence

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Church Staff
The First Christian Church staff provides leadership for our community of faith.  They are known to us as blessings as they serve with us and are faithful to their calling.


 
Pastor Donna Rose-Heim

Pastor Donna Rose-Heim is our interim transitional minister.   

Pastor Donna recently completed an interim ministry at North Kansas City First Christian Church.

 

Pastor Donna is author of the book Dream Walking and Dream Walking for Kids, books about actively praying, dreaming and acting with God. Copies will be available in the church library or visit the website.

 

She is a graduate of Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, MO.  Pastor Donna has been married to Bill Rose-Heim for 25 years.  Together, they have raised 5 children and have been given the gift of 3 grandchildren.


Martha Schmidt, Minister of Visitation
Martha is long-time nurse who is a licensed minister within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She is a longtime church member, Sunday school teacher and church elder.
 
 Mike Beckner, Minister of Music
Mike has directed the music ministry at First Christian Church since 1998. Raised in Harrisonville, MO, Mike holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music education from Northwest Missouri State University, where he studied voice with Drs. Richard Weymuth and Stephen Town, and conducting with Al Sergel and Byron Mitchell. Formerly a vocal music teacher in Iowa and Missouri, he has spent the last 15 years in Information Technology as a project manager and programmer. Mike believes that all people can use their voices to glorify and praise God, singing and making melody in their hearts (Ephesians 5:19). 
 
E-mail: Mike Beckner
 
Dale Rider, Organist
 

Dale has played for many area congregations and is a gifted composer and arranger. He holds a masters degree in sacred music and has been playing professionally since age 12.


Dale also regularly plays and performs on the world class organs at the Community of Christ Temple and Auditorium.

 

Susan Lundquist, Church Musician
Susan provides service music for the 8:30 service, and regularly accompanies soloists and small ensembles in worship. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Piano and Voice from Drury University, Springfield, Missouri. She served as accompanist in several area school districts, including Kansas City, MO; Kansas City, KS; and North Kansas City. For the past ten years, she worked as a Volunteer Coordinator at the Mid-America Regional Council in Kansas City.  E-mail: Susan Lundquist
Carol LaRue, Church Administrator
Carol became the full-time church administrator nad business manager in February 2011.  Her gifts empower the church's ministry as she keeps the publications, finances and communications flowing.
 
E-mail: Carol LaRue 
 
Kari Watkins, Children and Youth Coordinator 
Kari became the part-time children and youth coordinator in February 2011.  She is a gift to our children and their parents as she guides them to experience God with joy.
 
E-mail: Kari Watkins
 
David Wade, Maintenance
David is responsible for the day-to-day upkeep of the building and grounds. He also makes changes to the configuration of the sanctuary for special services, weddings, and concerts.