Dear First Church Family,
I’m pleased to report to you that our Staff Parish Relations Committee and I have made the decision to hire our next Director of Youth and Family. Her name is Tara Hatton. She lives with her husband Aaron (the third straight “Aaron” in our Youth family) and their sons, Charlie and Smith, in Hudson.
Tara received her Bachelor of Science in Theatre Education at ASU and her Masters of Education in the same field from UNCG. For the last four years she has directed the Theatre Arts program at West Caldwell High School.
Too, she has been: a Fellowship of Christian Students sponsor, a leader of Bible Studies among faculty and staff, a writer of devotions, and a regional speaker at women’s events.
Tara loves student ministry. Her position will be part-time. She will direct our youth program on Sunday evenings, and with the help of youth and parents, plan and implement other youth events. She will also assist me with both worship services on Sunday mornings and supervise the children’s education program in between during the children’s hour. That is because our Melanie Anderson feels that, due to increased family responsibilities, mainly because of her mother’s health, she needs to pull away from Sunday morning duties (in essence retiring from them.) Melanie will continue to direct our Robbins Pre-School program and organize Room at the Table, for which we are most grateful.
Also, Tara will plan and coordinate our Vacation Bible School in the summer, organize our fall festival and Easter egg hunt, among other children/youth duties.
We have been in conversation with Tara since early last summer about taking this position. And I speak for SPRC in saying we are overjoyed to have her with us.
Tara’s first Sunday with us will be January 12 in worship. Parents and youth are invited to meet her over dinner that evening at youth from 5:00 to 6:30. January 19 will be the first Sunday evening that she directs our youth program.
Please join us in welcoming Tara and her family into our First Church family.
Blessings and love,
Pastor Dave Melton