Jump to navigation
Pastor Crelin is the Senior Pastor of Eastridge Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, a thriving congregation of over 1150
members. Pastor Jim and his wife of 20 years, Cathy, have two children: Michael and Benjamin; and two labs: Cora and Cocoa.
Jim has served churches in Pennsylvania, Florida and Nebraska. He earned 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 from weekly
programming, more reliance upon prayer, deeper devotion to mission support and a vision for improved facilities. In his preaching
he desires to declare the Word of God with helpful insight and practical application. Pastor Jim loves being both a teacher and a
leader among God’s people. He has a passion for seeing church renewal in Christian education, hands-on outreach, worship
and evangelism.
Jim Crelin - Sr. Pastor/Head of Staff
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 and two children Madelyn and William. 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.
J.P Carlson - Associate Pastor
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.
Brett Joseph - Director of Business and Support Staff
Cam has recently taken over the position of Youth Director. Cam is married and has a daughter named Nolynn.
Cam McDaniel- Youth Director
Susan has been on staff as Director of Christian Education for 6 years. The Taylor family moved to Lincoln in July of 1987 and joined Eastridge Presbyerian Church in January of 1988. She has taught VBS and Sunday School at Eastridge. Susan is an ordained Elder. Her family consists of Steve who is a Professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology, Amanda who is 27 and lives in Denver and works in Public Relations at the Mile High Girl Scout Council, Andrew who is 24 and is a Graduate Student at Ohio State in Community and City Planning, and Sammie - their 12 year old Minature Schnauzer. Her interests include my family, traveling, flowers, friends, bowling, reading, and crafts. She is also a Stephen Minister.
Susan Taylor - Director of Christian Education
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 has an Early Childhood Education certification from Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN. She also teaches Molly's Musik, an EarlyChildhood Music and Movement Program, here at Eastridge. Molly and her husband, Travis enjoy experiencing life together with the son, Chandler - 3 and daughter, Eden - 10 months. They love being outdoors, playing, singing and dancing, and sharing family time by the fireplace!
Molly Schmit - Director of Music
Tena has had the pleasure of directing the Antiphonal Choir for the last three years. Together they have created some awesome music and even presented the story of Noah and the Ark with the Orff and percussion instruments. 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.
Tena Whiston - Assistant Music Director
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 now, all ages 3 and 4, so they keep them very busy when they are around. They live on an acreage west of Lincoln, and very much enjoy the country life.
Pam Penner- Organist
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 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.
Michelle Bassford - Administrative Assistant
Teresa has taken on the role of Information Technology and Resource Secretary. She and her husband of 20 years raise five children. This position is very rewarding to her because it allows her to be creative and to help members to be informed. Teresa is currently attending Southeast Community College and enjoys reading.
Teresa Hoover - Information Technology and Resource Secretary
Justin is a native of Minden, Nebraska. He is currently attending UNL and will graduate May of 2009 with an Agricultural Degree. The big event in Justin's life is preparing to be married next Summer. Justin enjoys deer hunting in his spare time. His primary duty at Eastridge Presbyterian Church is a daily custodian.
Paul has 3 grown sons who are single, ages 27, 25, and 22. Paul has lived in Lincoln most of his life. He enjoys reading, writing, golf, bowling, motorsports, model railroading, woodworking, and bike trips. His primary job is being a custodian.
Meet the EPC Staff
The Staff
Pastor Crelin is the Senior Pastor of Eastridge Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, a thriving congregation of over 1150 members. Pastor Jim and his wife of 20 years, Cathy, have two children: Michael and Benjamin; and two labs: Cora and Cocoa.
Jim has served churches in Pennsylvania, Florida and Nebraska. He earned 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 from weekly
programming, more reliance upon prayer, deeper devotion to mission support and a vision for improved facilities. In his preaching
he desires to declare the Word of God with helpful insight and practical application. Pastor Jim loves being both a teacher and a
leader among God’s people. He has a passion for seeing church renewal in Christian education, hands-on outreach, worship
and evangelism.
Jim Crelin - Sr. Pastor/Head of Staff
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 and two children Madelyn and William. 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.
J.P Carlson - Associate Pastor
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. Brett Joseph - Director of Business and Support Staff
Cam has recently taken over the position of Youth Director. Cam is married and has a daughter named Nolynn. Cam McDaniel- Youth Director
Susan has been on staff as Director of Christian Education for 6 years. The Taylor family moved to Lincoln in July of 1987 and joined Eastridge Presbyerian Church in January of 1988. She has taught VBS and Sunday School at Eastridge. Susan is an ordained Elder. Her family consists of Steve who is a Professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology, Amanda who is 27 and lives in Denver and works in Public Relations at the Mile High Girl Scout Council, Andrew who is 24 and is a Graduate Student at Ohio State in Community and City Planning, and Sammie - their 12 year old Minature Schnauzer. Her interests include my family, traveling, flowers, friends, bowling, reading, and crafts. She is also a Stephen Minister.Susan Taylor - Director of Christian Education
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 has an Early Childhood Education certification from Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN. She also teaches Molly's Musik, an EarlyChildhood Music and Movement Program, here at Eastridge. Molly and her husband, Travis enjoy experiencing life together with the son, Chandler - 3 and daughter, Eden - 10 months. They love being outdoors, playing, singing and dancing, and sharing family time by the fireplace!Molly Schmit - Director of Music
Tena has had the pleasure of directing the Antiphonal Choir for the last three years. Together they have created some awesome music and even presented the story of Noah and the Ark with the Orff and percussion instruments. 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.Tena Whiston - Assistant Music Director
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 now, all ages 3 and 4, so they keep them very busy when they are around. They live on an acreage west of Lincoln, and very much enjoy the country life.Pam Penner- Organist
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 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. Michelle Bassford - Administrative Assistant
Teresa has taken on the role of Information Technology and Resource Secretary. She and her husband of 20 years raise five children. This position is very rewarding to her because it allows her to be creative and to help members to be informed. Teresa is currently attending Southeast Community College and enjoys reading.Teresa Hoover - Information Technology and Resource Secretary
Justin is a native of Minden, Nebraska. He is currently attending UNL and will graduate May of 2009 with an Agricultural Degree. The big event in Justin's life is preparing to be married next Summer. Justin enjoys deer hunting in his spare time. His primary duty at Eastridge Presbyterian Church is a daily custodian. Paul has 3 grown sons who are single, ages 27, 25, and 22. Paul has lived in Lincoln most of his life. He enjoys reading, writing, golf, bowling, motorsports, model railroading, woodworking, and bike trips. His primary job is being a custodian.11 October 2004
12:00:30 -
kylegriffin -