Staff

Jim Crelin - Sr. Pastor/Head of Staff

Pastor Crelin is Senior Pastor of Eastridge Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, a thriving congregation of over 1050 members. Pastor Jim and his wife of 24 years, Cathy, have two children: Michael and Benjamin; and a chocolate lab: Cocoa.  Pastor Jim has served churches in Pennsylvania, Florida and Nebraska. He earned his B.A. in Religion from Grove City College and his Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell  Theological Seminary. Pastor Jim's love for and service to Jesus Christ has brought new ideas and direction to Eastridge over the past nine years. His preaching and teaching has encouraged Christians to depend more upon Jesus Christ and the Bible,  to utilize prayer daily, to express a deeper devotion to mission support and to seek first the kingdom of God. In his preaching he desires to declare the Word of God with helpful insight and practical application. His administration skills has led Eastridge through a $3.5 million building campaign. He has a passion for seeing church renewal in Christian education, hands-on outreach, worship and evangelism. Whether you like traditional worship or contemporary, Pastor Jim invites you to come and worship and serve the Lord!

J.P Carlson - Associate Pastor

J.P. was born in Oakland, CA, but spent most of his childhood in Bellingham and Tacoma, WA.  His family and the Presbyterian Church (his father is a Presbyterian pastor) nurtured his faith.  Following high school he went to Whitworth College, a small Presbyterian liberal arts school.  It was during college that he married Mary Alice, his high school sweetheart.  His marriage license wasn't the only document he received in college.  Believe it or not he also received a diploma, with a B.A. in religion and music minor.  Soon thereafter he set off for Princeton Theological Seminary, located in central New Jersey, with his wife.  They experienced three great and very full years, Mary Alice taught full-time and J.P. was a full-time student.  Not long after graduating from seminary he received a phone call from a group of people from Eastridge Presbyterian Church.  They chatted, said they would get back to him, and the rest, as they say, is history.  Pastor J.P., his wife Mary Alice, and their two children Madelyn and William are an integral part of the Eastridge family.

Brett Joseph - Directer of Business and Support Staff

Brett was born in Lincoln and attended Southeast Community College and the University of Nebraska. He has been married to Lisa for 18 years and has three children. Brett's hobby is working on an old pickup truck and taking his children to Culvers one at a time on Friday evenings.

Cam McDaniel- Youth Director

Cam started working at Eastridge in August of 2008.  Graduating from Hastings College with a degree in Special Education in 2006, Cam taught for two years before deciding he needed a change.   After looking for several months, he returned to Eastridge where he felt the Lord calling him to work full time with the youth.

Cam is married to Julie and together they have been blessed with their daughter, Nolynn. They love watching her learn and grow each day.

Susan Taylor - Directer of Christian Education

Susan has been on staff as Director of Christian Education for 10 years. The Taylor family moved to Lincoln in July of 1987 and joined Eastridge Presbyterian Church in January of 1988. She is the director of VBS and Sunday School at Eastridge.  Susan is an ordained Elder and an active Stephen Minister. Her family consists of Steve who is a Professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology.  Her daughter Amanda, 31, is married to Aaron Kalina and lives in Denver, CO.  Amanda works for the Colorado Girl Scout Council.  Her son Andy, 28, is a city, regional planner in Columbus, Ohio where he currently resides.  Her interests include her family, traveling, flowers, friends, bowling, reading, and crafts.

Molly Schmit - Director of Music

Molly Schmit is the Director of Music at Eastridge Presbyterian Church. She has been a part of the music ministry at Eastridge since 2002. Molly has a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Nebraska Wesleyan University. She also has an Early Childhood Education certification from Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN.  In addition to directing six choirs/ensembles and leading the Contemporary Worship Team, she teaches Molly's Musik, an Early Childhood Music and Movement Program, at Eastridge. Molly and her husband, Travis enjoy experiencing life together with their son, Chandler - 7 and daughters, Eden - 5 and Ava - 3 years old. They love time outdoors taking walks, biking, and playing as well as singing, dancing and sharing family time by the fireplace!

Tena Whiston - Assistant Music Director

Tena has had the pleasure of directing the Antiphonal Choir for the last seven years.  During rehearsals they sing, play instruments, share devotions, and learn to care about fellow choir members. Although music is a huge part of Tena's life between school and Church, she also enjoys all kinds of needlework, cooking up delicious treats, and spending lots of time with her family.

Pam Penner - Organist

Playing the organ is Pam's all-time favorite thing to do! She finds it relaxing, is uplifting, and at times can make her forget every other problem I have as she struggles to learn and master a new piece! It involves her mind, entire body, and her spirit. She hopes you find her music a blessing, and an extension of her soul.  Pam received a Bachelor of Music, with an emphasis in organ performance in 2001 from the University of Nebraska. Since moving to Lincoln in 1985, she has studied organ either privately or through a degree program, and she continues to study. She thinks it keeps her playing and ministry fresh and alive. It is her passion! Pam also enjoys her family. She and husband Paul like to take "mini" vacations around the state to discover more of the "Good Life". They also enjoy visits from our three sons and their families. They have four granddaughters who keep them very busy when they are around. They live on an acreage west of Lincoln, and very much enjoy the country life.

Michelle Bassford - Administrative Assistant

Michelle is the Administrative Assistant. Michelle has been a member of Eastridge Presbyterian Church for five years. She and her husband Jeff, have two children named Brandon and Madelyn. Michelle graduated from Minden High School and went to Kearney State College. The Bassford's lived in Tucson, Arizona for 10 years before moving back to Nebraska in 2001.  Michelle has been actively volunteering in VBS and Chancel Choir. 

Susan Pinkerman- Information Technology and Resource Secretary

Susan is the Information Technology and Resources Secretary.  She has been a member of Eastridge since 1999.  Susan has a degree in Travel and Tourism from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.  Most of her post college experience is in the copy industry.  Susan was employed by Kinko's for 8 years where she worked her way up to store manager.  Susan spent 5 years as a stay-at-home mom for her and David's, her husband, two children before working for Eastridge.  Susan and David love to travel and have been fortunate enough to travel all over the United States and abroad.  Their favorite pastime is watching movies in their "homemade" outdoor theatre with family and friends.