Staff
Dr. Don Lynn, Pastor – dlynn@firstchristiantemple.org
Dr. Don Lynn “Doc.” grew up in Muncie Indiana He graduated from Ball State University. A Masters of Divinity was earned at the Earlham School of Religion Richmond IN. A Doctorate was earned in church administration, and growth and Spiritual Formation. Dr. Lynn Attended both Fuller Theological Seminary and a Catholic institution called the Graduate Theological Foundation where he is a Fellow.
Dr. Lynn has served nine congregations in four states and is a certified Church Consultant with the Center for Congregational Health which is affiliated with Wake Forrest School of Medicine. Dr. Lynn has been married for 35 years. He has two grown children and three grandchildren.
Dr. Lynn became the Senior Minister of First Christian Church of Temple in October of 2008. He just bought a tandem kayak, is learning to love fishing, and is a college basketball enthusiast.
Jeremy Thompson, Minister of Music – jthompson@firstchristiantemple.org
Jeremy has been the Director of Music Ministries at First Christian Church since July of 2009. Born in Mineral Wells, Texas and raised in eastern New Mexico as well as central Texas, he is a veteran of the United States Navy Ceremonial Guard and the U.S. Navy Atlantic Fleet Band. Jeremy is a 2001 graduate
of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor with a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy. He is currently working towards a Master of Arts in Music Education through Stephen F. Austin State University. Jeremy is married to Lindy Perry Thompson and has three children – Jacob, Grace and Luke.
He is currently the music teacher at Kennedy-Powell Elementary School. His wife, Lindy, is a 2nd grade teacher at Scott Elementary School.
Jeremy believes that there is no limit to the ways that we can praise God through the gift of music as is exemplified in the blended worship found here at First Chrisitan Church. One of his favorite passages of scripture gives a perfect example of mankind’s desire to praise God. 37When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38″Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” 40″I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:37-40
All are welcome and invited to participate in the music ministries of First Christian Church.
Taylor Colwell, Director of Student Ministries – tcolwell@firstchristiantemple.org
Taylor was born in Minden, LA but grew up primarily in Fredericksburg, TX. She came to Temple by way of the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor where she graduated with a degree in Christian Ministry in 2007. After working for a while at Camp Peniel in Marble Falls, TX she decided to make Temple her home. Taylor has been on the First Christian Church ministry team since January of 2010 and is working to build a youth ministry that will change lives for Christ.
On November 13, 2010, Taylor married Kevin Colwell of Temple. The two now live in Morgan’s Point.
Rita Morrelli, Director of Children’s Minisrties – rmorrelli@firstchristiantemple.org
A native Texan, Rita has been Director of First Church Preschool since August 2002. Raised in a large family of entrepenuers, Rita has owned several businesses and travelled extensively in the US, Canada, and Mexico. A change in career direction led Rita to begin working as a teacher in a large Preschool chain in Dallas. Called by the Lord to continue this work, Rita came to First Christian Church as a volunteer in the children’s Christian Education ministry. Rita was recruited to join the staff to take the program from a part time 2’s School to a full time, licensed child care and Preschool program. Rita holds a Child Care Administrators Credential from the Early Childhood Management Institute. Mother of two wonderful pre-teen children, she considers herself very blessed to work with the children and members of First Christian Church
Kevin Colwell, Young Adult Coordinator
Kevin has just recently joined the First Christian Church team as the director for Young Adults. This includes all adults, married or single, from ages 18-45. Kevin is married to Taylor Colwell and works at PDI in Temple, TX.
Gerry Noland, Office Manager – gnoland@firstchristiantemple.org
Gerry is a lifelong resident of Temple. She joined the FCC staff in July 1972 after finishing her time at Temple Junior College. She has been the Church Secretary 37 years. She and husband, Bill, have been married 28 years. They have 3 daughters, 1 son, and 2 grandsons.
