Contact Us
- Church Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
- Phone: 302 654-5371
- Email: Click here to send an email to the church office
- Address: 1101 Market Street, Rodney Square, Wilmington, DE 19801-1223
- Directions: Google Map
- Fax: 302 654-5932
- Parking is available free of charge on Sunday mornings in Lot B of the Hotel DuPont on Orange Street between 11th and 12th. Parking is also permitted at the Wilmington Club, but please do not park along the guardrail.
Staff and Leadership
The success of a church and its community depend greatly on the strength and dedication of staff and leadership. First & Central is fortunate to have committed individuals in both areas. Below is a listing of our staff and church leaders, as well as information on each of our Councils, their leadership and purposes. Prospective and current members should feel free to connect with any of these individuals for help, ideas or concerns.
Staff Listing
Douglas D. Gerdts, Pastor/Head of Staff
- “Our ultimate goal at First & Central is to enable, encourage, and facilitate spiritual growth through active participation in a faith community.” —Doug Gerdts
- Send Doug an Email
- Doug's Biography
- Doug’s Statement of Faith
- Recent Sermons
Jennifer P. Warren, Parish Associate
Timothy D. Rodden, Parish Associate
David Schelat, Minister of Music
Nancy Mahoney, Clerk of Session
Jeannine Laughman, President and Treasurer, Board of Trustees & Finance Chair
Joanne Reinbold, Office Manager
Patricia Brock, Financial Secretary
Gerard Coleman, Building Manager
George Russell, Building Care Assistant
Ella Maddux, Building Care Assistant
Katie Martinenza, Children's Music and Childcare Provider
Dori Brooks, Childcare Assistant
Session & Council Structure
June 2009 through May 2010
Moderator – Doug Gerdts
Clerk of Session – Nancy Mahoney
Treasurer – Jeannine Laughman
President, Board of Trustees & Finance Chair – Jeannine Laughman
Elders - Curt Johnson, Debby Tennant, Gene Thompson, James Lan, Peter Zorach, Rich Swarmer, Rob Harra, Sara Snowden, Signe Bell, and Wendy Laws
Adult Education Council
Chair – Gene Thompson
“We believe that everyone should be learners for life and that our spiritual growth is never done. We like to see ourselves as a ‘spiritual university’ where learning is enticing and attracts a diverse group of ages and stages of Christian growth.” —Gene Thompson
This Council’s efforts are focused on two major areas: the Explorer’s Forum and nationally known speakers. The Explorers’ weekly programs center on spiritual development, well-being, and service, while the Speakers program welcomes nationally renowned guests for a weekend of growth and learning. Varying viewpoints and beliefs are welcomed in lively and friendly dialogue.
Children, Youth & Parenting (CYP) Council
Chair – Sara Snowden
“The CYP council creates a nurturing environment where children, youth, and their parents will feel comfortable and supported while growing in their faith. This, in turn, lays the foundation for the next generation of First & Central.” —Sara Snowden
This council is responsible for developing a comprehensive ministry for the children of our congregation and providing educational opportunities for parents, in collaboration with the Adult Education Council.
Outreach & Mission Council
Chair – Debby Tennant
“Outreach helps people practice what they preach. We give them ways to serve others in a hands-on manner and perhaps find a path to their spiritual growth.” —Debby Tennant
“The work we do with Friendship House is the embodiment of ‘doing for the least of my children.’ Our work provides members of F&C an opportunity to walk with those in their time of need and to be humbled themselves by the realization that they are doing God's work for those who can’t help themselves.” —Curt Johnson
This council is responsible for leading the congregation in ministries of caring, compassion, justice, and peace that reach beyond our walls into the community the nation and the world.
Membership Council
Chair – James Lan
“Our goal is to enable spiritual growth of our surrounding community through participation with First & Central.” —James Lan
Our members identified our diverse, welcoming, and inclusive culture, thought-provoking sermons, inspiring music, strong leadership, and a focus on outreach as the most appealing aspects of the congregation. We invite you to visit our church and experience how our members, environment and goals of the Trinity of Excellence appeal to your own spiritual path!
Personnel Council
Chair – Nancy Mahoney
In cooperation with the Pastor/Head of Staff, this council supports the Church staff by reporting to Session recommendations related to staffing requirements.
Click here to see the staff listing at the top of this page.
Property Council
Chair – Rob Harra
This council is responsible for the ongoing maintenance of our historic church.
Worship Council
Chair – Curt Johnson
“Worship is our response to God’s unconditional love to us, as a community of faith and individually. Our worship is therefore centered on God. Through our worship, we recognize God’s presence in our lives and the world, and are reinforced and empowered to be faithful servants.” – Curt Johnson
This Council ensures that each worship experience is an intimate encounter with our God. This experience is guided by intellectually stimulating sermons and a vibrant, dynamic music program, under the direction of our Minister of Music. The church offers a variety of musical expressions and entertainment experiences to its membership and the Wilmington community.
Board of Deacons
June 2009 through May 2010
Moderator – Barbara Arrington
Clerk – Howard Reign
Leigh Jefferies-Weinfeld, Mary Lou Hamilton, Tom Keppler, Jeanette Sukhu, Stuart Wilkie, Nancy Hill, and Brenda Ferris
Deacons care for those in need and to any who may be in need both within and beyond the community of faith. They assume other duties as delegated to them by the Session, such as leading worship through prayers of intercession, reading the Scriptures, presenting the gifts of the people, and assisting with the Lord’s Supper.