Staff
BLOGS
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Rev. Dr. Sue Coller
Lead Pastor - she/her/hers
Sue is an ordained in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), joining us in 2015 after serving churches and presbyteries for more than 30 years.
Sue is passionate about providing a safe place and culture where faith is nurtured, curiosity is encouraged, diversity welcomed, and all are loved. She also has a passion for helping people live a faith that impacts their lives beyond the church. Her go to re-energizing place is in nature, which she finds to be an incredibly powerful source of inspiration and connection. She is married to Linda, with whom she shares a love of dogs, and she is currently training Katie, her Welsh Springer Spaniel, to be a therapy dog.
Sue received her Bachelor’s degree in religion and archaeology from Boston University, her Master of Divinity degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary, and her Doctor of Ministry degree in Church Revitalization from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.
Dr. Kris ‘Bubba’ Brammer
Director of Christian Education
Kris has over 25 years of experience in ministry with children, youth and adults. Kris joined the FPC staff in 2017 and is passionate about creating and learning environment for all ages that promotes a safe place to ask questions and explore our faith together. He shares his life and ministry with his wife Kris Adler-Brammer, a native of Nebraska, and they also enjoy their goofball of a dog named Wrigley.
Kris received his Master’s degree in Christian Education from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education (now Union Theological Seminary) in Richmond, VA, his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Radford University, in Radford, VA, and is currently working on his Doctor of Educational Ministry at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA. Kris is also a Certified Christian Educator in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Rev. Jock Tut Paleak
Pastor for Sudanese Services
Jock is an ordained Presbyterian minister who came to Lincoln from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Gallatin, Tennessee where he served for almost ten years. He attended the Memphis Theological Seminary, Western Kentucky University and Volunteer State Community College. Jock joined the First Presbyterian Church Team as Parish Associate for Sudanese Ministries in 2016.
For more information about our Sudanese ministry, please contact Pastor Jock at jtutpaleak@gmail.com
Dr. Brian Pfoltner
Music Director
Brian oversees the entire music program at First Presbyterian and directs the adult choir, bell choir, and various instrumental groups. He directed the creation of the Arts for the Soul — Music & Fine Arts Series at First Presbyterian, and has served as its artistic and executive director since its founding in the fall of 2007.
Brian received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1995. Brian has performed with such groups as the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, Plymouth Brass, Nebraska Trumpet Ensemble, Lincoln Municipal Band, and the Third Chair Chamber Players. He is also a past conductor of the Lincoln Community Concert Band.
Contact Brian at musicdir@fpclincoln.org
Carrie Cross
Church Administrator
Carrie is serving as the administrator for the church ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. She has a Bachelor in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting and Human Resources from Doane University. Her professional background has been in business with a primary focus on accounts payable and receivable as well as administrative work. When Carrie is not manning the desk and coordinating church activities she enjoys riding horses or reading a book. Contact Carrie with any and all questions or requests you may have including having your wedding in our church.
Dr. Charles Ore
Organist
Charles received a master of music degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and a doctor of musical arts degree from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. From 1966 to 2001, Charles was professor of music and chair of the Music Department at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. He was also the cantor of Pacific Hills Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska from 1975-2001 and Associate Organist at First-Plymouth Congregational Church, Lincoln, Nebraska from 2001-2006. Charles has released several recordings of organ and choral music available through Concordia Publishing House and Organ Works. Charles is an accomplished organ recitalist, composer of organ and choral music, and is a leader in the use and development of improvisation in organ playing.
Sam Malan
Videographer & Editor
Katie
Use whatever pronoun you want - if there's food, I'll answer!
Katie is Pastor Sue’s Welsh Springer Spaniel, who shows up on occasion during the week to brighten the day of the staff. Contact Katie by giving her a treat.