Elders
As a Presbyterian church, First Pres is led by a plurality of elders. Major decisions are made by a team of Teaching Elders and Ruling Elders (together known as the Session). Our Session currently consists of seven active elders who are responsible for overseeing the spiritual, administrative, and leadership ministry of the church.
Our current elders:
Mike Baker
James Kinnard
Anne Miller
Kathy Russell
Mary Faye Vasen
John Wallbaum
John Young
Transitional Pastor
In July 2025, we will welcome our Transitional Pastor, who will serve First Pres as we prepare to call our next long-term Senior Pastor.
STAFF
Pastor Karen Roberts - Congregational Care
Karen works closely with our elders and deacons to ensure we are caring for the needs of our congregation, with a special focus on serving those impacted by disability, grief, or physical and health challenges.
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
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Britta Wallbaum - 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
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
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.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.
Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed,
for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go”
Melissa Beneke - Office Administration / Support
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
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”