Pastor Karen Roberts - Pastor of Disability Ministries

Karen provides pastoral support and care for individuals and families affected by disability in our congregation and community. Her passion is for First Pres to be a church where people of all abilities come to faith in Jesus Christ, worship, and serve together. She leads our Disability Ministry and seeks to equip our church so that  people impacted by disability are welcomed, included, and become an integral part of our church family. 

Karen and her husband Dale have three grown children, four grandchildren and have been part of First Pres. since the 70’s. She holds a Doctorate in Worship Studies from The Robert E. Webber Institute of Worship Studies, a MWS from Northern Theological Seminary and a MME (Music Education for Special Learners) from Wichita State University. 

Music is an important part of Karen’s life. She loves being involved with the worship and music ministry of FPC. Her most recent musical interest is learning to play the cello.

Email: kroberts@firstpresaurora.org

Dan Wegehaupt - Director of Operations

Dan is our Director of Operations working in the areas of facilities, finances, and business operations. His work background and education were heavily concentrated in Accounting and Business Management, which suits him well for the many functions which are a part of his position. He also owned his own remodeling business and enjoys working with the multiple buildings of the FPC facilities. Dan thrives on the variety of tasks his position with the church brings, and is especially grateful for the opportunity to work with the wonderful staff, church leadership and volunteers that make this congregation what it is. Dan has been a member of the church since 1990, worshiping and serving with his wife Valerie, and adult sons Evan and Nate.

Dan’s hobbies include golfing, fishing, woodworking, and working on cars and trucks with his sons. 

Email: dwegehaupt@firstpresaurora.org  

Elizabeth Kapitaniuk - Director of Worship and Music

Elizabeth is our Director of Worship and Music. An aspiring musician, Elizabeth is finishing a Masters degree in clarinet performance from DePaul University.  She graduated from Wheaton College in 2017 with a degree in Music Education. During her time at Wheaton she was heavily involved in the music ensembles: playing clarinet in the Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra; playing in a jazz combo; singing in the Concert Choir; and conducting the choir, band, and orchestra in multiple concert performances.

Elizabeth’s hobbies include: Improving and enjoying her home theater. Her favorite board game is Settlers of Catan and her favorite card game is Euchre.

Keith Scherer - Director of Adult Discipleship and Spiritual Formation

Keith is responsible for Adult Discipleship and Spiritual Formation including leading, teaching, and giving oversight and encouragement to New City Community Groups, Sunday morning adult education, men’s ministries, and women’s ministries. His role is primarily about helping us as a community grow closer to Jesus as fully formed disciples of Christ. He grew up in a Christian home beginning his life-long journey of discovering what it means to be in Jesus and beloved of the Father. Keith has an M.A. in Educational Ministries, done Master’s work in Theology and doctoral work in Christian Worship, and holds a Doctor of Ministry in Christian Spirituality.

Keith’s hobbies include music of all-kinds (classical, alternative, indie, classic rock, celtic, African, world), reading, travel (especially to New Mexico and Maine), camping, hiking, and Sunday naps (currently napping at a black-belt level).

Email: kscherer@firstpresaurora.org  

Britta Wallbaum - Director of Children and Family Ministries

Britta oversees our ministries to children (birth-5th grade) and their parents. She has degrees in Christian Formation & Ministry and Architecture, and is passionate about involving kids in the worshiping life of the church, helping them know God and his gospel story, and resourcing parents in family discipleship. Many of the resources she has created, including The Gospel Story Hymnal, are available on her website, wordandwonder.org. 

Britta has been a part of the First Pres family since 2004, but only just joined the staff in 2023. She's married to Jim, and they have four kids: Linnea, William, Anders, and Alijah (who is their foster son, and on the autism spectrum.) She has no spare time, because she has four kids and is always planning or creating something new, but loves to read, watercolor, and spend time adventuring in the woods when she can.

Email: britta@firstpresaurora.org

Brenda Bustamante - Ministry Assistant

Brenda is our neighborhood after-school program, and Summer Day Camp ministry staff. Brenda is also the bilingual Hispanic Liaison for our church. At a young age she surrendered her life to Jesus and discovered her call to ministry through organizing and supervising Vacation Bible School for her home church in Monterrey, Mexico. Brenda has a desire to help children build a spiritual foundation through which they can come to know Jesus Christ personally and grow in their relationship with Him. Today she is married to Bernardo and a proud mother of Bella.

Brenda's hobbies include photography and watching movies.  

Email: bbustamante@firstpresaurora.org 

Melissa Beneke - Administrative Assistant

Melissa's many tasks as Administrative Assistant include: church contributions, Website design, Bulletin/ Newsletter editor and maintaining Church Records. She started working with First Pres in December of 2014.  Melissa is passionate about working with others to communicate the mission and vision of First Pres. She has a BA in English and Communication from Aurora University. She was involved with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship during college. 

Melissa’s hobbies include golfing, quilting, cooking, and traveling. 

Email: mbeneke@firstpresaurora.org