FPC Conversations

Last episode, # 67, we heard from Sarah Tacchino, who serves as an intern with the Coalition for Christian Outreach here at First Pres. This week is part two of learning more about the young people who are ministering to college students through the CCO. In this conversation, you’ll meet three young adults who all came to Fresno to be a part of the CCO Ministry Apprentice Program. Mkayy Bangura , Faith Purbaugh and Bella Berna joined Jamie Franklin and Dan Kimball for a conversation about their faith stories, how they came to Fresno with the CCO, and how the Lord is challenging and encouraging each of them along their way. They have unique journeys that brought them here. I’m am confident you will enjoy getting to know our MAPs as we like to call them in this episode.

In 2017, FPC Fresno entered into a partnership with the Coalition for Christian Outreach, better known as the CCO. Since that time, First Pres has been blessed to watch numerous college-age students grow in their walk with Jesus through Programs, gatherings, outreach events, and the annual Jubilee Conference in Pittsburgh. In today’s conversation, you’ll hear from one of these young adults, Sarah Tacchino, who is now serving as a CCO Intern while finishing her college degree. Sarah joined Dan and Suzanne Kimball for a conversation about her faith, some of her spiritual mentors, her work with the CCO, how the Lord used a conference to draw her closer to Him, and how she is being called to serve. Sarah’s joy for life is contagious. Please enjoy getting to know Sarah in this episode.

In today’s conversation, you get to listen to the conversation Craig and Kathy Hartsell had with Dan Kimball. They share more about their faith backgrounds, how they met, their call to serve in the church, parenthood, and the lessons they are continuing to learn together as they grow in their faith. We hope you enjoy getting to know Craig and Kathy in this episode.

In today’s episode, you will meet Melanie Franz, who has been a part of FPC for most of her life. She has blessed many people of all ages and stages by serving in a variety of ministries throughout the years. Melanie and her husband Jim have faithfully followed their call to build deep relationships with people and share their love for Jesus in their daily lives. Melanie joined Dan Kimball for a conversation about mentorship, evangelism, and how the Lord has given her opportunities to share her faith with others. She is insightful and honest, and I we hope you enjoy this conversation with Melanie Franz.

In this episode, we’re getting to know Brad Stevens, who has been a faithful behind-the-scenes servant in our community for several years.  Brad sat down with Dan Kimball for a conversation about his career as a police officer in Fresno; mentors who have influenced his faith, both as a cop and in life; and how he wanted to “stay in the game” post-retirement.  Brad talks about why he is excited about the Men’s Ministry at First Pres and how the Lord is working in him during this season of life. We hope you will enjoy today's conversation with Brad Stevens.

In today’s episode, you get to meet Dave and Kim Peltola. They joined Jamie Franklin and Dan Kimball for a fun and uplifting conversation about how they met, sought the Lord as newlyweds, the connections that pointed them to FPC, and how they have obeyed the Lord’s call for them to serve behind the scenes. Dave and Kim also share honestly about the new season of life they are experiencing and listening for God’s call to say yes to things that might seem uncomfortable. Enjoy this conversation with the Peltolas.

In today’s episode, you are going to get to know our Minister of Congregational Care, Jamie Mack, and her husband, Randy, two people who are partners in family, ministry, and life. They share about how they met, their commitment to the Lord’s call in their lives, and their passion for creating community and building relationships with people in the neighborhoods they have lived. The Macks have quickly become a blessing to our community, and I am confident you’re going to enjoy getting to know Jamie and Randy.

In November 2025, First Pres sent a team of 32 Men of different ages and stages from Fresno to Tijuana, where they partnered with Doxa, a house-building Ministry in Mexico. During this 4-day trip, the team was tasked to build three houses for families in need, as well as being exposed to what God is currently doing in this area through this ministry. In today's episode, Dan Kimball and Jamie Franklin lead an insightful conversation with 6 of the guys who were a part of that team. They share some of what they did, how they bonded together, some miracles they witnessed, and how the trip impacted their faith. Please enjoy hearing from this team.

Joshua and Kim Salven sit down with Dan and Suzanne Kimball to talk about the unique way the Lord brought them together, some of their own challenges before they met, and their call to service and careers. The Salvens have a deep faith and share about their passions, kids, and following God's call in their relationship and careers. I am confident you’re going to enjoy getting to know Joshua and Kim. We hope this and all our conversations inspire you to take some time on Sundays or during the week to get to know the people in the pews.

In this episode, you’ll get to know Koby Johns, who has been a part of the First Pres community for many years. Koby joined Dan Kimball for an engaging conversation about his call to ministry, how the lord led him to become a firefighter, and how he has navigated some faith challenges. Koby talks honestly about what brings him joy in this season of life. Enjoy today's conversation with Koby Johns.

In this conversation, you will meet Ethan Andrews, one of the First Pres young adults. Ethan joined Dan Kimball and Jamie Franklin for a conversation about moving to Fresno for work, how he found First Pres and made it his church home, his joy in meeting and interacting with people, how he has made a health diagnosis an opportunity, and his involvement in launching the young adult ministry at FPC. We hope you enjoy hearing Ethan’s story and getting to know him better.

In this episode, you will meet Dianne McKneely, a woman with a heart of service and a prayer warrior. Dianne and her husband, Jerry have been a part of First Pres for several years, and Dianne has faithfully followed her call to prayer ministry and obedience, sharing how the Lord speaks to her and through her to others. Dianne joins Dan Kimball & Jamie Franklin for a conversation about being a part of a flying family, working with youth late in life, her calling to prayer ministry, running a Bed and Breakfast, and how the Lord is stirring in her in this season of life. Dianne is warm, insightful and honest, and I know that you are going to enjoy this conversation with Dianne McKneely.

In today’s episode, you will meet two global workers who have blended their careers as doctors with their profound love for Jesus. Dan Kimball and Jamie Franklin were able to catch up with them during a visit in Fresno. You’ll hear about their faith background, call to the medical field, and their journey to move across the globe to share the love of God.

Randy joined Dan Kimball for a conversation about how he continues to live into God’s calling in this season of his life, navigating the sudden loss of a best friend, and about his new novel, Consummation.

In this week's episode, you will get to know Scott and Wendy Norvell. Scott and Wendi sat down with Dan Kimball and Jamie Franklin to discuss their faith backgrounds, how they met, their call to serve in the church, the things they are passionate about, and the lessons they are learning together about grief, loss, and how God is currently stirring in them. I think you are going to enjoy getting to know Scott and Wendi Norvell in our recent FPC Conversation.

In today’s episode, you are going to meet the 2025 Summer Staffers. This group of 6 young adults has made a huge impact on our ministries and families at First Pres. Dan Kimball sat down with the summer staff for a conversation about their own faith stories, how they were called to serving at FPC, things they learned through the program, and how they are each growing in their walk with the Lord. We hope you enjoy getting to know our 2025 Summer Staff.

In today’s episode, you will meet Forest and Lynnese Castle, who joined Jamie Franklin and Dan Kimball for an uplifting conversation about how they met, sought the Lord as a young couple, listened to God’s call in their professional and personal lives, as well as their commitment to sharing God’s love along the way. The Castles have a huge heart for sharing Jesus with others and loving their neighbors. Forest and Lynnese also share honestly about the various seasons in their ministry lives and listening to God’s plan for them. Please enjoy this episode with the Castles.

This week, in our 51st episode, you get to hear from a true behind-the-scenes servant, Ataloa Woodin. For the past 11 years, Ataloa has been serving as the Administrator to the pastors at FPC, and recently she has moved into the position of the Business Director. Ataloa not only has some incredible insights on working behind the scenes at FPC, but she also has served in a pastor role for some local churches and ministries in and around our community. Ataloa joins Dan & Suzanne Kimball for a conversation about growing up in the mission field, things that have shaped her faith, the joy of serving others, and how the Lord is stirring in her in the various seasons of life. Please enjoy today's conversation with Ataloa.

In this episode, you get to hear from our Senior Pastor’s other half, Diane Vaccaro. She might be known to you, but have you heard her testimony? Diane sat down with Dan & Suzanne Kimball for a fun and insightful conversation about her faith background, impactful moments that shaped her faith, family, motherhood, and her partnership with Jeremy. Please enjoy today's conversation with Diane.

In this episode, you get to meet Olivia Mannix, one of the young adults at FPC who works in the medical field. She’s married to Connor, a Navy Pilot.  Olivia sat down with Jamie Franklin and Dan Kimball for an insightful conversation about her faith background, how she left Fresno and came back, her call to the medical field, and how she navigates life as a military spouse. Please enjoy today's conversation with Olivia.

Paul and Lori Meadors sat down with Dan Kimball and Jamie Franklin for a fun and insightful conversation on how they met, their faith, things they are passionate about, and lessons they are learning together about parenthood, careers, God, and each other. I'm confident you are going to enjoy today's conversation with the Meadors.

Jean Chaffee spent 28 years as a teacher and principal of a K-8 school and In 1987, following her marriage to Paul Chaffee, Jean Chaffee became involved in the Fresno Chaffee Zoo as a zoo docent. Following that, Jean spent over 30 years staying active in sharing her faith, serving others, traveling, and pursuing one of her biggest passions of wildlife and a deep appreciation of God's creatures. Jean talks with Dan Kimball and Jamie Franklin about how she began writing children’s books, traveling, and her commitment to serving the neighbors around First Pres. Enjoy this fun and insightful conversation with Jean Chaffee.

In this episode, Sophia Steele, FPC’s high school minister joins Dan Kimball and Jamie Franklin, where she shares openly and honestly about the impact of growing up at First Pres, faith questions that have challenged her, and some of the people who influenced and helped her grow closer to God. As you will hear, Sophia has a huge heart for the Lord. She talks about her calling to the church staff and what she is learning as she works with high school students. Please enjoy getting to know Sophia Steele!  

It’s not every day that you meet an Olympic athlete at church. In 1958, a Roosevelt High School junior girl hit the national headlines when she won the National Junior Women’s Three Meter Diving Championship in an AAU meet held in Fresno. Barbara McAllister, now Andrews, went on from this promising beginning to a notable world-class career in diving, spring board, and platform. Barb won a gold medal in springboard diving at the 1963 Pan American Games and competed at the 1964 Summer Olympics and the 1968 Summer Olympics. Get ready to listen in to the conversation Barb had with Jamie Franklin and Dan Kimball. She shares how reaching the highs of success still left an emptiness in her heart that only a deep faith in the Lord could fill.

In this week's episode, you are going to meet and get to know Terry Jaurena. Terry has held many titles in her 31 years on staff at First Presbyterian Church Fresno. Each title has had a mission focus, but currently, she is the Mission and Connections Minister. Her ministry focus is on missions, communication and how we welcome new people to our church family. Please enjoy this deeply personal conversation while understanding how the Lord has guided Terry’s life.

This September, we sent a team of 7 from Fresno to Korea where they partnered with REAH International. During this experience, the team was exposed to what God is currently doing in the Korean peninsula and had an opportunity to pray and worship with hundreds of others in the international community engaging the people of North Korea. In today's episode, Dan Kimball and Jamie Franklin lead an insightful conversation with some of the people who were a part of that team. They share what they saw and learned as well as how that trip impacted their faith. I trust you’re going to enjoy hearing from this team.

In this conversation, you’ll meet Brady Crow. Brady's story includes the people who influenced and helped pull him grow closer to God, his love for playing baseball, and his calling to work with students. Dan Kimball and Jamie Franklin chat with Brady about how he ended up at First Pres., what he has learned from working with students in youth ministry, and how God is currently working in his life. Please enjoy today's conversation with Brady Crow!

Today we get to listen into a conversation with George and Michelle Smith as they sat down with Dan Kimball and talked about their call to adoption and the ups and downs along the way. The Smiths have a deep faith, and share about their passions, kids, and following God's call in their relationship and careers. I’m pretty sure you’re going to enjoy this conversation with George and Michelle.

In this conversation, we get to hear from Dennis DuPertuis, who started coming to First Pres in the early 1970’s and has served the church in a variety of capacities. Dennis shares about his faith, his long career in education, his reluctant call to serve on a mission trip which helped shape his world view, and more recently how he has found a new calling to service following the loss of his wife Carole. Enjoy this fun and honest conversation Dennis had with Jamie Franklin and Dan Kimball.

John and Suzi Martin met at First Pres through some mutual friends. They married, started a family, and were active, long-time members of the church community. Not long after their children were born, Suzi was diagnosed with MS. The progression of the disease changed the course of their lives, and yet they did not waver in their love for Jesus. In this conversation, John shares personally & honestly how he navigated being Suzi’s caretaker for many years. He also talks about a more recent rediscovery of the Lord's call on his life and what this new season of being a retired widower is like. John welcomed Jamie Franklin and Dan Kimball into his home for this conversation. We trust you’ll enjoy it.

In today's conversation, you are going to hear the story and faith background of Wil Murray. Will sits down with Dan Kimball and shares his story of growing up in a small rural town in Northern California, how he met his wife Melissa, his career path in mechanical engineering, and how a neighbor's invitation to church led Melissa and eventually Wil to faith as adults. I am confident you will enjoy today's conversation getting to know Wil Murray.

In today's conversation, you are going to meet JP and Chrisie Pereira who sit down with Jamie Franklin and Dan Kimball and share their story. The Pereiras talk about the unique circumstances in how they met, their diverse faith backgrounds, career aspirations and the reasons why they returned to Fresno and specifically to First Pres. You will be encouraged and challenged by today's conversation with JP and Chrisie.

At 8 years old, Kao Ta Saelee came to Fresno in the 1980's as part of a large group of South East Asian refugees who came to the United States at that time and hundreds of families who settled in the Lowell neighborhood. In today's conversation, you are going to hear the story of how the people who loved Kao Ta as a young boy, showed him Gods love and some of the challenges he has faced throughout his life in Fresno. I hope you enjoy today's conversation.

In today's conversation, you are going to meet Ben and Ashley Wiele. The Wiele's join Jamie Franklin and Andy Moeschberger for a fun, open, and honest conversation about their faith, how they met, their journey as a couple, and lessons they are learning together about parenthood, careers, God, and each other. Please enjoy today's conversation with Ben and Ashley.

In today's conversation, you are going to meet Ian and Charity. They sit down with Jamie and Dan and share their journey of growing up in Fresno, the unique way they met and both pursued a career in criminal law and how they feel a deep conviction and God's call in their work.  Please enjoy today's conversation with Ian and Charity.

Jay Pope is an established Clinical Psychologist and Professor in Fresno, who has a passion for building relationships with people, helping churches come together, growing in his walk with Christ, and also has a deep love for his family and sports. In today's FPC Conversation, you are going to hear Jay's story of switching paths from his dream job to meeting his wife and how the Lord has used his gifts to bring people together. Please enjoy today's conversation with Jay Pope, Dan Kimball and Jamie Franklin.

Biblical and Religious Studies Professor Brian Schultz has spent more than a decade living and studying in Israel, and has spent a large portion of his life and career studying literature, Hebrews, and the bible. In today's FPC Conversation, you are going to hear Brian's story and his path from growing up in Europe, being called to Fresno to teach, and his passion for lifelong learning of the scriptures and their meanings. Brian is insightful and honest about his understanding and questions about the bible, as well his love for leading trips to the Middle East. Please enjoy today's conversation with Brian Schultz.

In today's conversation, you are going to meet Gerre Brenneman. Gerre shares her story with Jill Freeman about her faith journey, how she was called to lead a local nonprofit The Evangel Home for 30 years, how she has used humor and fun in her life, and how she still feels God is not done using her as she continues to find ways to serve FPC and the community. I hope you enjoy today's conversation getting to know the heart of Gerre Brenneman.

Reza and his wife Fahi grew up and were educated in the country of Iran. Along with their two daughters, they navigated family and work life in a culture with influences and pressures that we are not accustomed to in the United States. You are about to hear of the Ebrahimi's incredible journey together as they share with all of us through the conversation they had with Jamie Franklin and Andy Moeschberger.

For both students and parents choosing the right college can be challenging and scary. In today's conversation, Dan Kimball sits down with Allie Hartsell and Claire Predmore, 2 college students who grew up at First Pres. and are navigating and living out their faith at their college campuses.  Allie and Claire share about their faith journeys, the process of choosing a school, making friends, and how they are currently living out their faith. We hope you enjoy today's conversation getting to know Allie and Claire.

In today's conversation, you are going to meet Danny and Novella Dean. The Deans sit down with Dan Kimball and share their story of how two people from very different backgrounds were brought together and quickly realized how many similarities they had with each other. The Deans share openly and honestly about their passions, families, and following God's call in their relationship and careers. Please enjoy today's conversation with Danny and Novella.

In 2017 First Pres. Fresno began a partnership with the Coalition for Christian Outreach also known as the CCO. Through this partnership and the Pink House program, FPC has been blessed with a number of young adults who have come to Fresno to work, serve, and become a part of the church and community at large. In today's conversation, you are going to meet Jordan Greynolds who came to Fresno from Ohio to serve college students through the CCO. You will hear about some of the moments both in his past and since he has been in Fresno that have shaped his faith. I hope you enjoy today's conversation getting to know Jordan and his journey.

Anita Ullner has been teaching 6th-grade students at Manchester Gate School in Fresno for almost her entire career. What many people do not know is how Anita became a teacher, her switch in career path, and her journey of being led into the job she loves so deeply. In today's conversation, you are going to hear a journey of faith, risk, joy, obedience, loss, and God's faithfulness in the life of someone who has made faith a priority in all aspects of her life. Please enjoy getting to know Anita Ullner.

In today's conversation, you are going to hear the story of Val Spongberg as accompanied by her daughter Laura. You will hear of her family, faith, and vocational journeys which spanned multiple coasts over the decades. A retired librarian, the wife of an Air Force chaplain, daughter of a Gold Assayer, mother of four and an ongoing friend to many, you will be enchanted and encouraged by this lovely octogenarian....

In today's conversation, you are going to hear the story of Oscar Rodriguez who currently serves as the Executive Director of Martin Park, which is a ministry to the neighbors in the Lowell Neighborhood. Oscar shares his journey of growing up in the Webster neighborhood, struggling in school at a young age, seeking approval from the wrong group of friends, joining a gang, struggling with addiction, serving time in jail, and eventually turning over his life to Christ and service. Oscar talks openly about his past and about the people who have come alongside him in his life to provide encouragement and guidance.  I hope you enjoy today's conversation getting to know the story of Oscar.

In today's conversation, Scott Mozier joins Jamie Franklin and Dan Kimball. Scott shares his faith journey, how he was called to Fresno, and talks openly about his career in City Government as well as the challenges and lessons he has learned while trying to trust God in his various roles inside the city. Please enjoy today's conversation.

This past July, 12 students and 4 leaders from FPC spent a week of service and learning in San Francisco with the mission organization Youth With a Mission, also known as YWAM. The FPC team stayed and served in the Tenderloin District which has one of the highest density of unhoused people in the city and region. In today's conversation, you are going to meet some of the students and a volunteer leader who were a part of that team and they will share from their perspective what they saw and learned as well as how that trip impacted their faith. Bekah Rooney, Izzy Hartsell, Spencer Ray, Gabo Wells, and leader Anthony Sidney join Dan Kimball and Jamie Franklin for a look back at how God is at work in our FPC Youth Ministry. We hope you enjoy today's conversation.

In today's conversation you are going to meet Andrew and Aubrey Love. The Loves share their journey of growing up in a small mountain community, both dealing with broken family relationships at a young age, and how God brought them together, restored their faith, and delivered healing and wholeness to their lives. Please enjoy today's conversation.

In today's conversation you are going to meet the Minister of Disciple Making at FPC, Jon Jo. Jon was called to FPC and joined the staff in early 2023. Jon joins Jamie Franklin and Dan Kimball to share his story of growing up in different countries, wresting with and understanding his Korean heritage, finding his faith, meeting his wife and discovering his call into full-time ministry. Jon also shares about his recent short-term mission trip back to Korea where he explored the tension between North and South Korea and his opportunity to be a part of a peace and reconciliation ministry. Please enjoy today's conversation.

In today's conversation, you are going to meet Mitch and Nancy Maler. The Malers sit down with Dan Kimball and share their story of raising a child with disabilities and how they have felt God's hand in all of the details along the way. You will hear how they are currently finding encouragement at FPC, as well as some of the people who have been an encouragement to them along the way. Please enjoy today's conversation.