There's a new face smiling at First Presbyterian Church, and that face is mine!  Hello!  My name is Ataloa Woodin.  On May 1st, I officially came on staff with your church as the new "Administrative Assistant to Pastoral Staff," which means: I am here to give much needed support to your Senior and Associate pastors, Jeremy Vaccaro and Lana Roberts.  I must say, I cannot imagine finding two more steady, mature, and fun people to come alongside.  You have wonderful pastors!  On top of that, these two have obviously been working very, very diligently on your behalf.  I can attest to that - because since I've been here, I've been working hard trying to keep up with the work on both of their plates!  

     I'm so very glad that you have listened to your staff, and put legs to your words of support.  You have provided hope for them that they actually can get the job completed well.  You have provided encouragement that there really will be some time for their families and for their own refreshment.  You have given them space and time to finish important projects, like a doctoral dissertation, for instance!  Thank you.  Your active caring makes a difference. 

     A little bit about my background...Like you, in the course of my life, I've worn quite a few hats.  I am the 3rd and last child of my missionary, pastoring, educating, and farming parents.   I have worn the bridal veil of marriage now for 32+ years alongside my most entertaining, faithful, and wonderful husband, Nevin.  Together, we have been the most blessed parents of two lovely young women: Alana Woodin and Debra Wirth.  I have been a college student with a psychology major, and a seminary student with a pastoral care major, receiving a Master of Divinity.  Professionally, I served as a caseworker for over 3 years with a Big Brother/Big Sister program in Arizona.  I've done per diem hospital chaplaincy, administrative assistant work, customer service management, and-the largest part of my career-I've served in a Fresno church as Pastor of Adult Ministries for over 7 years, and then as Senior Pastor for 10 years.  I love the Lord and His people.  He and you are my greatest passion!

      Having served in the pastorate, I know how very important good administrative support is, along with a heart that loves God and loves His people.   Caring and competent, faithful and friendly, honest and honoring, following through and following up-all are important! 

     Personally, I enjoy music, keyboards, extended family, playing board games with friends, animals, God's beautiful nature in mountains and seascapes.  I enjoy the spontaneous, and love to plan for times to be spontaneous!  I can be serious, and I can be among the corniest.  Fun, laughter, and joy are things I do.  Hopefully, we'll do those together.  I am a passionate lover of life!

     It is my goal to serve our Lord well by serving your pastors, your Session, and your Deacons- scheduling meetings , setting up for meetings,  taking calls, and taking care of those things I can to make things work smoothly at FPC and for your pastors.  If you call for Pastor Jeremy, you might just hear my voice smiling on the other end of the line.  Please introduce yourself and tell me a little about you!!  I am looking forward to meeting you and serving the Lord with you.  As a previous pastor myself, I will do all I can to listen to what you need, help with that, and relieve your pastoral staff of any "extras" that I possibly can!  If you find something I have missed at some point, please let me know.  Your grace in my humanness will be so appreciated, as will your honesty, since we're all on the same team.

     As a community of faith, we can serve one another, serve the Lord, and serve our pastors.  I am looking forward to this with you! 

 

Thank you for welcoming me to FPC.  Our God is good!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ataloa