Rev. Ed Varnum, Minister
Ed Varnum joined the staff of First Christian Church as full time Minister in August, 2009. An ordained minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Ed has served congregations in Oklahoma, Texas, Southern California and Missouri.
Ed’s training includes a B.A. in Education from Arizona State University, Tempe; M.Div. from Phillips Graduate Seminary, Enid, OK; and a D.Min. from Lexington Theological Seminary, Lexington, KY. Prior to his call to Fulton First Christian Church, Ed founded CORE Ministries, where he continues to serve as a personal coach and church consultant.
Ed and Jan Varnum live in Columbia, MO, with their daughter, Nautica. They are also blessed with three grown children and two grandchildren.
Pat Bixler, Secretary
I was born and raised in this area. The home I live in, in Auxvasse has seen 5 generations of family pass through, with my granddaughter being the fifth. I am the oldest of seven children, have 3 brothers and three sisters and most of us live within a stones throw of one another and love it that way.
I was married to Ted Bixler for 40 years. He joined the Lord in 2005. Ted and I and family traveled extensively as he was a career Marine. We settled back in Auxvasse in 1984.
I have 2 children, Irisha, who lives in Pennsylvania and Christopher, who lives next door in Auxvasse. Irisha gave me 2 lovely Granddaughters, Kristal and Megan, and one of those granddaughters has given me 3 great grandchildren, Brentan, JJ and Mi Mi. Christopher has furnished me with a granddaughter that spends most of her time in and out of my house so she is the light of my life. (Miss Delle’)
The other residents of my home include 5 cats, Miss 3 legs at the backdoor, Harry and Chloe at the front door and the two that live inside with me. Penny and Vincent.
I belong to Grand Prairie Baptist Church as does most of the rest of my family.
I have been a member of the Auxvasse Lions Club for 20 years and am now also their chief cook and bottle washer for their 2nd and 4th Thursday evening meetings.
Between Family, Church, work and Lions Club I manage to stay occupied. I look forward to meeting and greeting everyone that is involved with First Christian Church. I feel as if though this is home already, as far as a job is concerned, as everyone has made me feel so welcome.
Martha Hogan, Director of Choirs
Martha Hogan began working with First Christian in August of 2003. She serves as director of Chancel Choir and Handbell Choir.
Martha graduated from Culver-Stockton College in 1980 with a Bachelor of Music degree. While at Culver, she participated in Concert Choir, C-S Singers, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Operas and Musicals. In 1991 the University of Missouri granted her a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction/Music Education.
Martha has directed church choirs in Presbyterian, Episcopal, Disciples, and Methodist Churches in Palmyra, Hannibal, and Canton, Missouri. From 1990-2003 she served at Court Street United Methodist Church. There, she had the opportunity to direct adult, youth and children's groups in vocal and bell choirs as well as an instrumental group, skits, and pageants.
During the week one will find Martha teaching choir at Fulton High School, teaching private music lessons as well as working with the Fulton High School Theater Department as musical director.
Culver Stockton was where she met her husband, Bob, who, like Martha, grew up in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) churches. Bob's father was a Disciples minister before his death in 1980. Bob and Martha have three grown daughters: Elizabeth, Emily and Erica.
Pam Hendrix, Organist
Pam joined the staff of First Christian Church as organist in October 2001. She is a graduate of Fulton Public Schools and received a B.S. from Culver-Stockton College, Canton, MO. Pam has studied the piano since age 7 and began study of the pipe organ while at Culver-Stockton College. Learning about the pipe organ, has been one of Pam’s major accomplishments. Pam states, “There is so much to learn about this magnificent instrument and I’m so blessed to be given the opportunity to share my love of the Lord through music each Sunday during worship. Come join us and make a joyful noise to the Lord!”
Participation in church has been a significant part of Pam’s life. She has participated in the leadership of Vacation Bible School, LOGOS and Kingdom Kids. She is a life-long member of the Hand Bell and Chancel Choirs. Pam and her husband, Robert, have served as Sunday school Teachers and have sponsored the youth group.
Pam married Robert Hendrix in 1993. They have two grown children, one grandson and are raising their granddaughter, Autumn Kristine Hendrix.
Pam has worked for the State of Missouri, MO HealthNet Division, for the past 17 years. She is a member of the American Academy of Professional Coders and recently completed certification for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential.
Brent Williams, Janitorial Services
Brent been a lifelong member of FCC. He was baptized in 1956 in the church and attended Westminster College from 1968-1970. He served In the US Army and was stationed in Berlin, Germany from 1971-1972. He joined the FCC staff in May of 2004.
