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Head of Staff
Rev. Dr. Diane Janssen Hemmen diane@fpcrc.org 
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Diane serves as Head of Staff and has been a part of the staff since 2011. A graduate of the University of Sioux Falls (B.A.), The Divinity School at Duke University (M.Div.), and Columbia Theological Seminary (D.Min.), she moved to Rapid City with her two amazing children and her wonderful husband in late 2007 when he accepted a call to serve as Senior Pastor at First Baptist. In addition to her part-time position here, she serves as minister at Hermosa United Church of Christ and PRN Chaplain for Monument Health, Rapid City Hospital.. Diane enjoys time with her family and friends, a hot day at the beach, serving God and others, and eating chess pie.
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Pastoral Associate
Paula Zavitz paula@fpcrc.org 
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Paula Zavitz was born and raised in Colorado. She attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins and received a BS in Early Childhood Education. After she and her husband, Bill, moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Paula received a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin. She taught in a variety of school settings until their children were born.
Her spiritual journey began as a child in the Congregational Church, but also took dramatic leaps through the course of sincere Bible study and in response to personal struggle. When her children had grown, Paula took the position of Director of Children's Ministries at First Presbyterian Church. Here she was inspired to pursue and receive certification as a Christian Educator, from the PCUSA, and certification as a ruling elder (CRE) from the Presbytery of South Dakota. Paula is grateful for the support she has received from the congregation at First Presbyterian Church, committed to following Jesus and excited about where He will lead this congregation in the days to come! |
