Rev. Dan Jones
Senior Minister
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Dan Jones was ordained into the Christian Ministry by the Southwest Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), June 24, 1984. Since that time Dan has served several congregations in Texas and Oklahoma including, Temple, Graham, Katy and Enid, Oklahoma. Dan began his ministry at First Christian, Garland, September 4, 2001.
Dan attended Northwest Christian College in Eugene, Oregon, from 1975-1977, and then transferred to the University of Oregon where he graduated with a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism, August 1979. Two years later, he began his seminary work at Texas Christian University, Brite Divinity School, graduating from Brite with a Master of Divinity in August 1984. Throughout his seminary years, Dan served as weekend pastor for Central Christian Church in Pilot Point, Texas.
Dan married Jenny (Mills) Jones in his home church in Eugene, Oregon, June 29, 1979. They have a daughter, Megan Jones, who is a senior at Garland High School. Jenny is a special education teacher at a local high school.
Rev. Ray Owens
Associate Minister
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Reverend Ray Owens began his ministry at First Christian Church in July of 2002. He is married to Laurie, who teaches special education at Club Hill Elementary School in Garland. Ray and Laurie have two grown daughters.
Prior to moving to Garland, Ray was the pastor of the First Christian Church in Marshall, Texas. He has also served Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations in Plano, Weatherford, and Hereford, Texas. Ray is a native of Harlingen, Texas and a 1967 graduate of Galena Park Senior High School in Galena Park, Texas. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Texas Tech University, a Master of Church Music degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master of Divinity degree from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University. Ray began his ministry as a licensed minister in 1977. He was ordained in 1988 following his graduation from Brite Divinity School.
Teaching and performing music has been an important part of Ray's life. Prior to entering the ministry he taught public school music for three years in Seguin, Texas. Later, Ray served as the Minister of Music and Youth at First Christian Church in Hereford. While attending Brite Divinity School, he directed the seminary's Chapel Choir. Ray continues to utilize his musical training at First Christian Church by singing solos for weddings and funerals, singing in the Chancel Choir, singing in a men’s quartet, teaching guitar lessons and promoting music activities for children and youth.
At First Christian Church, Garland, the Senior Minister and Associate Minister work closely together to meet the many pastoral concerns of the congregation. Ray also gives pastoral over-sight to the following ministries: Christian Education, Membership/Caring Groups, and Fellowship.
Rebeccah Dixon
Youth Minister
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Rebeccah Dixon comes to us from Paris, Illinois where she experienced the joys and the pain of being a Preacher’s Kid. Her father is serving at a Disciple congregation, and her mother is an elementary music teacher. She has two older sisters, both married and located in Chicago. Rebeccah has recently become the proud aunt of her first nephew, Peter Michael, whose face constantly appears in her office. She received her undergraduate degree from Eureka College where she majored in Psychology and had a minor in religion and philosophy. Rebeccah is currently studying in her second semester at Brite Divinity School where she will receive her Master of Divinity Degree. When she has a second a free time, which does not occur very often, you can find her at the piano where she is able to relax.
Holly Coughlin
Office Administrator
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James Hodge
Custodian
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James Hodge has been a member of the FCC staff since June 1997. James brings years of janitorial experience having served in a number of facility management positions. James oversees the management of the both the Main Campus and Activity Center.
Bill Shipp
Accountant
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Bill Shipp has been a member of the FCC staff since March 1993. Prior to coming on staff, Bill completed a successful career in Accounting Management with several major oil companies. Bill oversees the congregation’s finance management.