Blauvelt new eduction youth director

Jeremy Blauvelt is the new Christian education youth director at First Presbyterian Church.

Judy Smith, Christian education committee chairwoman, explained the committee is active and serves the needs of many children through its JOY Nite programs for the church family and the Fairfield community. However, the committee felt more could be accomplished for more children and for more families.

With the Session?s approval, the committee conducted a search for a Christian education youth director. Blauvelt is a graduate of Iowa State University and received his Master of Divinity from the Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry. He has served as a youth and family pastor for the Pass Christian Church in Mississippi for five years following the Hurricane Katrina destruction. He also was the church rector in Congaree, S.C., for two years.

Originally from Washington, Iowa, he has returned home with his wife, Jessica, and their 3-year old son, Aric. He will become acquainted with the church?s summer offerings: the vacation Bible school, summer camps at Camp Wyoming, and the Presbyterian Youth Triennium at Purdue University.

Blauvelt?s church youth programs will begin next fall after the Kick - off Christian Education breakfast. The Wednesday night, JOY Nite, an educational and fellowship based program, also will begin then.

Anyone interested in First Presbyterian Church or its youth programs, can contact the church office at 472 4315 and talk to the Rev. Joe Phipps or Blauvelt, said Smith.