Staff & Lay Leadership

---

Deborah Suess

Hello! Thanks for checking out our website and learning a bit more about First Christian UCC. I hope we have a chance to visit in person or through email. I am the Interim Minister at FCUCC and my current focus is two-fold. I help organize and lead Sunday morning worship and I am working with the pastoral search committee. Because I grew up in a Jewish-Christian home, radical inclusion and ecumenism is my “second language” and it has been a joy to work ecumenically among the UCC. I grew up in the Midwest but for the last 20 years have happily resided in Greensboro, NC. Before attending seminary at the Earlham School of Religion, I owned and operated a singing telegram business in Des Moines, Iowa. I am married to a fantastic cook, Tim Jackson, and we enjoy visiting our four nieces and family members who are scattered around the country and beyond. There are few things that I find more enjoyable than a delicious meal with good friends (especially if it involves spicy food), a mystery with a satisfactory ending and dancing to all kinds of music.

Email: deborahfcucc@gmail.com

Matt Rice

Matt is a native of a small town northeast of Pittsburgh, PA and has been living in North Carolina since 1997. He received his Bachelors of Science in Music Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1997. He majored on tuba and minored in voice and organ. In 2002, he received his Masters in Music Education from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Matt then received his Masters of School Administration from North Carolina State University in 2006 and worked as an assistant principal in Raleigh, NC. He also studied in Bulgaria under the supervision of Russian, French and Bulgarian choral conducting instructors. Matt has performed in multiple venues across the United States, Canada and Europe. He has played tuba with the Triangle Wind Ensemble, the Cape Fear Regional Band and the Dutch Boy Drum and Bugle Corp. He served as the tenor soloist during a performance of Handel’s Messiah. Matt was the interim organist for Long Memorial United Methodist Church in Roxboro, NC for two 6-month periods. Matt enjoys traveling, photography and being with friends and family. He also holds a private pilot's license. Currently, he is the Principal at Booker T. Washington Learning Center in Reidsville and is a member of the ACDA, NCMEA and AOPA.  

Email:   msrice23@gmail.com 

 Dotti Davis

I was born and raised in Burlington, NC and in the arms of the First Christian UCC (FCUCC) faith community. First Christian has always felt like home – in terms of both welcome and encouragement. Many years ago I was ordained at FCUCC as a deacon and more recently I became the Chair of the Deacon Board. The Deacons are responsible for helping coordinate Sunday worship as well as caring for members of the church who are unable to attend in person. It has been a privilege to join with fellow deacons in reaching out to others in the love and peace ­of Christ.

When time allows, I enjoy crafting, painting, and ceramics as well as reading historical fiction. My two children, three grandchildren, one grand-dog help keep me both busy and hopeful.   

Please know that you are welcome to visit FCUCC at any time. I know that visiting a new church can sometimes feel awkward  but why not give us a try? We are a friendly bunch!  If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to one of us or simply call the church office at 336.226.7428. 

Jamie Fonville

Hello! I am Jamie Fonville, a retired, ordained United Church of Christ pastor who has served in the United Church of Christ for 53 years. When I retired from full-time parish ministry in 2012, my wife, Carol, and I moved to Burlington, NC. After visiting several churches, we decided to unite with First Christian United Church of Christ because of their friendly members and their outreach ministry to many organizations. Since we joined First Christian UCC, I have served as a supply pastor. I am presently serving as the President of the Official Board. I teach a Sunday School class, and when our Interim Pastor desires to have a Sunday off, there are times I lead our worship service. I invite those who view our website to join with us as we worship our God and Savior, and as we seek to have our lives make a difference for good in those communities we influence.

Debbie Norris 

Debbie came to FCUCC a few years ago as our office administrator and bookkeeper. Even though she is not from North Carolina originally, she loves the area. She enjoys exploring both the mountains and the coastline with her family. 

If you have any questions about FCUCC or how to get in touch with any of our members, stop by or give her a call in the office. She's always happy to help. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 9am to noon. 

office@firstchristianucc.org

Rodney D. Paul Sr. 

Rodney currently serves First Christian UCC as our reliable and punctilious custodial professional. For more than 25 years, he and his family have diligently maintained the First Christian UCC premises. Rodney has been married to his lovely wife, Tina G. Paul, for 32 years. He and his wife have three wonderful children, Lativia, Rodney and Dante. Rodney is also the proud “Paw Paw” to his granddaughter, Madison. He is a pleasure to have here at First Christian UCC and we are pleased to have him as a part of our church family.

ALL the people of the church

We believe in the priesthood of all believers.  

All members of the United Church of Christ are called to minister to others and to participate as equals in the common worship of God, each with direct access to the mercies of God through personal prayer and devotion. Recognition is given to those among us who have received special training in pastoral, priestly, educational and administrative functions, yet we are all servants of God each with our own unique gifts and talents in ministry