Bill Johnson – Interim Pastor
Hi! Let me introduce myself to you…
I am Bill Johnson. I am your “transitional pastor”. That may be a term that is new to some of you so I will explain it more in a little bit…. But first let me tell you a little about myself.
I am 66 years old?, young? I think I like young! I have been doing ministry for over 40 years and ordained ministry for 35 years.
I was born in Sacramento, CA but lived most of my childhood in the far northern pan-handle of Idaho. It was there that I was introduced to Jesus through the ministry of a local congregation. There, I was taught about what it means to be a follower of Jesus, though, I really didn’t begin to grasp what the means until my freshman year at Oregon State University. I had gone there to study biology, but God had something else in mind. I realized that I had known things about Jesus, but I am not sure I knew Jesus.
There is a difference between those two things, isn’t there? It’s like knowing the President’s birthday, term in office, political party and who the president is married to…. Those are not the same as knowing the President. In December of 1974, I learned that knowing a bunch of facts about Jesus is not the same as knowing Jesus.
One of the results of knowing Jesus was that I realized Jesus was calling me to serve Him with all of my life… which Jesus and I fought about. Guess who won that argument? That argument eventually led me to employment at Central Baptist Church in Spokane WA, where I served as custodian, Director of Children’s ministry (including a bus ministry), Children’s Church, Youth and Young Adult Ministries…. Sort of doing all the things no one else wanted to do! Because of that, the Senior Pastor thought I should go to Seminary and be ordained. So, off I went to American Baptist Seminary of the West/Graduate Theological Union (GTU). The GTU is a consortium of nine Seminaries in the San Francisco area that have committed to working together to better serve the Church by providing Pastors and other leaders. I graduated in 1988 (with honors) and began serving my first “solo” church in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. God eventually led me to serve churches in Palouse WA, Tekoa WA, and Camp and Conference centers in Sun Valley Idaho and eastern Nebraska.
I have spent the last 14 years in Pueblo West, CO, serving the Ecumenical Church of Pueblo West (ECOPW). ECOPW is a multidenominational church, covenanted with the American Baptist Churches, USA and Presbyterian Churches USA. I believe whole-heartedly in the unity of the Body of Christ!
Now… What am I doing here? What is “transitional ministry”? Both are great questions.
In a nut-shell… my job is to help you, the people of 1st Presbyterian Church of Littleton, prepare for and call your next Pastor. During your time with Pastor Cody, you were walking in known territory. You had a great Pastor leading you in what it means to be followers of Jesus, people who know Jesus. With Pastor Cody’s departure it put FPCL into unknown territory. What does the future hold? How are we going to get there? Who will be our Installed Pastor?
Those are normal, healthy questions.
My job is to walk with you as we together seek the answers to those questions. I am here to help you transition to what ever God is calling you to next. It is an anxiety producing process, but it doesn’t have to be a horrible one. I can’t promise to take all the anxiety out of the process, but I can walk with you as we seek God’s wisdom and guidance to get us through this wilderness!
I look forward to meeting and working with all of you.
Phone: (303) 798-1389 x1002 |Cell: (text preferred) 719-778-2375
Blakeley Winslow – Pastor of Christian Discipleship 
Pastor Blakeley is passionate about building relationships to help others grow in their faith. In the spirit of his favorite verse, 1 Samuel 16:7, he seeks to see others as God sees them!
A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Blakeley majored in history at Vanderbilt University. He later received a Master’s and PhD in Modern British history from the University of Virginia, before answering God’s call into full-time ministry. Blakeley earned his Master’s of Divinity degree at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary. In August of 2014 he moved to Colorado to begin serving on staff with the Christian Challenge campus ministry at CU-Boulder. He later became the director of the Christian Challenge ministry at the Colorado School of Mines in the spring of 2020. He first became connected to FPC Littleton while dating Melissa, and they were married at the church in June of 2019! Blakeley has enjoyed being a part of the church staff since the spring of 2022. He feels very blessed to have the opportunity to serve the FPCL family, in Christian education, pastoral care, and many other ways. His greatest desire is to encourage people in their relationship with Christ, and to share the Good News of the Gospel with those who need to hear it!
In addition to his ministry work, Blakeley also loves spending quality time with his wife Melissa and their friendly pup Milo! Other hobbies include skiing, running, reading, watching Alabama football, and studying foreign languages.
Phone: (303) 798-1389 x1003 |Cell: 303-546-3100
Mary Dailey – Worship Arts Director
Mary brings a wealth of enthusiasm and experience to the Chancel Choir at First Presbyterian Church of Littleton (FPCL). She has been a music teacher and school administrator for 27 years. Mary is well-known in the Denver metropolitan area for her work as a music director for main stage and children’s theatre productions. She was honored in 2011 with a prestigious Henry Award for Music Direction by the Colorado Theatre Guild.
A native of Iowa, Mary is a graduate of Wartburg College with a bachelor’s degree in music education. Her emphasis was in voice and accompanying.
She also has a master’s degree in Education and is certified as a K-12 administrator in Colorado. She has two sons, Christopher and Matthew. Mary encourages anyone who has an interest in singing to join the Chancel Choir. You will make wonderful friends, it’s fun and we bring a special joy to the worship services.
Phone: Cell: 303-668-0727
Karen Meersman – Director of Children’s Music & Handbell Choirs
Karen Meersman is the director of three choirs at First Presbyterian Church of Littleton (FPCL); the Memorial Handbell Choir (adults), The Tintinnabulation “TNT” Ringers (Senior High Youth) and the Sonshine Singers (1st–8th grade children). Karen is a native of Littleton, graduate of Littleton High School, and holds a K-12 Degree in Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado. Karen, a life-long member of FPCL, has served as an Elder and Youth Director. She has been on the Music Ministry staff for over 17 years, and has inspired a new generation of musical talent at FPCL. Several of the current Tintinnabulation Ringers are children of former Tintinnabulation Ringers, including Karen’s three children. Karen’s creative, positive leadership and inspiring arrangements add to the church’s holy seasons. Karen is also the Music Teacher at Mark Hopkins Elementary School in Littleton, and would love to meet you! She believes that music brings more people to Christ than any other means, and feels very blessed to be at FPCL.
Elinor Packard – Church Administrator
Elinor has worked in the non-profit world for over 30 years serving as a volunteer, tour guide, president of a non-profit and museum director. She has served as First Presbyterian Church of Littleton’s office administrator since 2005. She and her family moved to Colorado from San Diego in 1994.
Phone: (303) 798-1389 press 1
Joan Lund – Financial Secretary
Joan has been the financial secretary for First Presbyterian Church in Littleton since 2013. She’s been providing bookkeeping services for small businesses in Colorado for over 30 years.
In 2009, she decided to put her skills to use for non-profits in the Denver area. She currently provides monthly financial reviews and statements for several Presbyterian churches as well as various other non-profit organizations and small businesses.
Originally from northern Wisconsin, Joan and her husband Randy moved to Colorado in 1983. They love the natural beauty and active lifestyle provided by living in the foothills. Their two grown children still reside in the Denver area.
Phone: (303) 798-1389 x1003