jamesbrooks@fcchagerstown.org
Phone: 301.733.0144
Rev. Dr. James R. Brooks joined our church as Senior Minister on March 1, 2023. James brings focus on preaching, congregational leadership and evangelism. He has served in multi-staff churches as both an associate minister and a senior minister. James was the founding minister of a new church start in Indiana. He cherishes opportunities to collaborate with others in ministry.
James met his wife, Amy, while serving in Illinois. They share a wonderful memory of getting engaged in Paris. Amy and James have four children; Kaitlyn in Seattle, Washington; Colin in Montreal, Canada; Joseph in Edwardsville, Illinois; and Kendal in New York City.
James finds spiritual growth as a pilgrim. In 2018 he walked 500 miles in Spain to complete the Camino de Santiago. Since then, Amy has joined James in walking a camino from Porto, Portugal and another from O’Cebreiro, Spain. James’ spiritual practices include silent retreats, study, and daily prayer.
Community leadership is important to James. He has been a Rotarian for nearly 20 years. He has served on the board of directors for the YMCA and for a chamber of commerce. For 15 years he was a volunteer police chaplain. He coached YMCA basketball for 6 years. James is hopeful for similar opportunities in Hagerstown.
James earned a BA in Education from Purdue University before studying abroad in Melbourne, Australia. He holds a Master of Divinity from Lexington Theological Seminary and a Doctorate of Ministry from Eden Theological Seminary in St Louis, Missouri. James enjoys continuing education such as workshops at places like Princeton Theological Seminary and Christian Theological Seminary. His most recent paper, “Reflection on Relics in a Postmodern Context,” was presented at the Northwest Association of Theological Discussion.
matthewalbright@hotmail.com
Phone: 301.733.0144
Matt joined the FCC Staff in 2007. He is also the vocal director at Winston Churchill High School.
He holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music Education, Organ and Piano Performance, and Choral Conducting, with a Colleague and ChoirMaster Certification from the American Guild of Organists.
He is happily married to Kristen and enjoys family time with his children Fletcher and Waverly.
aliciacatherman@fcchagerstown.org
Phone: 301.733.0144
Hello! My name is Alicia Catherman. I am the Director of Northern Cross Learning Center at First Christian Church.
I was a math teacher in 5th and 7th grade in Washington County Public Schools. I have a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood from Liberty University and a Bachelor's degree from Frostburg State in Elementary Education with a Middle School Mathematics Specialization.
I have been married to my husband, Michael, for 14 years. He is a pilot for the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and a commercial airline. We have three beautiful daughters (Kenley, Natalie, and Meredith). We have three dogs (Lincoln, Finn, and Wonka) and two cats (Gracie and Piper).
Some of my favorite things include: Sunshine, the beach, reading, spending time with family, coffee, traveling, reading, learning new things!
meredithmaisto@fcchagerstown.org
Phone: 301.733.0144
Hi! I am Meredith Maisto, the Director of the Children’s Ministry at First Christian Church.
I have been married for almost 8 years to my husband, Steven, and we have two children-Harper and Rhett.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Childhood Literacy. I am a former charter school (Texas) and public school teacher (Washington) in Kindergarten. I am currently PTO President at my daughter’s school.
My goal is to build a community where families find joy and connection while raising their children in the church. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me.
I look forward to partnering with your family!
I am Kim Graves and I will be a teacher in the classroom beginning this fall. I am excited to learn, play, and explore with new friends!
Originally from New Jersey, I went to college in North Carolina at NCSU for Biological Life Sciences before settling down in Hagerstown. Along the way, I married my high school handsome and we raised three children; 8th grade, 12th grade, and one getting married this summer. (Oh my!)
Random bits of info... My favorite foods are chocolate and cheese, but not together, that would be silly. Being from Jersey, I love the shore... and the mountains, and camping in between. There are so many amazing places and things to see and explore, I can't decide where I like best!
I am looking forward to meeting new friends and learning together in the fall!
diannaplotner@fcchagerstown.org
Phone: 301.733.0144
Dianna joined the FCC Staff in March 2010.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, those wonderful summer BBQ’s in the backyard, visiting the historical and wonderful towns that we have so close to us, and just enjoying life to the fullest.
Melanie joined First Christian Church in 2001 as one of our childcare providers.
She grew up on a farm. She graduated from Boonsboro High School and earned a AA Degree in Early Childhood Education from Hagerstown Community College. She has worked in the childcare industry for over 35 years.
Jennifer joined the FCC Staff in November 2022.
She has a son, Randy; and daughters Lacie, Rebekah, and Merrikate; and 5 grandchildren; she is also raising her granddaughter, Sakura.
She enjoys doing crafts, camping, going to the beach, sports, BINGO, gardening, sewing, scrapbooking, and traveling. She is a Girl Scout Leader.
She loves attending First Chrisitan Church. She volunteers on Wednesday evenings during our Welcome Wednesday Excitement program. She also volunteers on the Election Board and on the RAB Board at Hagerstown Housing.
