Ministers: All the People
Your Church Staff
Rev. Dr. James L. Brewer-Calvert
Senior Pastor
Pastor James L. Brewer-Calvert is delighted to be able to get up every morning, raring to go and serve Christ and the whole people of God.
James was born and raised in East Harlem in New York City. His parents, Buffy and George Calvert, were urban missionaries, starting and sustaining multi-ethnic congregations committed to embodying the social gospel of Jesus Christ. James received a B.A. degree from Hampshire College in Amherst, Mass.; a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in NYC; and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Lexington Theological Seminary in Kentucky. He is married to the Rev. Betty Brewer-Calvert, who is the Director of Women’s Ministries for the Christian Church in Georgia. They have two children, three cats, and a rescue lab.
James has been the Senior Pastor of First Christian Church of Decatur since February 1998, and, as he is fond of saying, is here for as far as he can see. Previously, James served congregations in East Harlem; Dallas, Texas; and Jackson, Tennessee. A member of the Decatur Rotary Club and a Trustee of the Christian College of Georgia, he has also served in a variety of neighborhood, city and regional organizations that seek to make a difference in the world today.
His hobbies include reading fiction and non-fiction, playing and coaching sports, fitness training, clowning, and sampling every dish at pot-luck suppers. Most importantly, James is a people-person who loves to listen.
To contact Dr. James Brewer-Calvert:
citykid4evr@gmail.com
404-378-3621 ext. 224
William E. Garner
Director of Music
William earned his B.S.Ed in music and his M.M.E. from Western Carolina University where he was also the Graduate Assistant to the University’s School of Music. He has served as the Director of Music in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) since 1994.
In 1998 William became the Director of Music at First Christian of Decatur (Disciples of Christ) where he directs the Chancel Choir and Handbell Ensemble. As well as serving the church, he teaches for the Edison School System in Atlanta.
To contact William Garner:
WilliamGarner@aol.com
404-378-3621 ext. 227
Sherry L. Davis
Church Secretary
Sherry is retired from AT&T Communications and the Georgia Army National Guard. She began working at the First Christian Church of Decatur during June of 2003 as the Church Administrator and keeps the church running with her organizational skills.
She will greet you in the office or on the phone to assist you with any questions you may have. For general questions or to have something placed in the bulletin/newsletter or on the calendar, call during office hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m – 3:00 p.m..
To contact Sherry Davis:
1stcc@bellsouth.net
404-378-3621 ext. 221 or 0
Kathleen N. Westbrook
Organist
Kathy began playing the organ at age 14. She graduated from Ithaca College in New York State with a Bachelor of Music degree in music education and with organ as her major instrument. She received her Master of Education degree from Brenau Universtiy. Kathy has been organist at the First Christian Church of Decatur since the fall of 1975. She has also served as Children’s Choir director, Sunday School teacher and Chi Rho and CYF leader. Kathy has taught elementary music in the Dekalb County school system since 1989.
To contact Kathy Westbrook:
404-378-3621