Let me tell you a bit about myself. I grew up in rural Mississippi around farmers and factory workers and with hardworking parents who taught me honesty, diligence, and the importance of community. Sensing a call to ministry in high school, I’ve spent the subsequent decades in ministry and service in one form or another.

 

My pastoral journey has included leading a country church in Mississippi, starting a new congregation in Memphis, and serving on staff at a multi-ethnic church in Southern California. I’ve also served on the board of the KSWISH Foundation, a nonprofit that supports families affected by childhood cancer—combining ministry with one of my passions, basketball.

 

Since 2001, I’ve been oh-so-happily married to Barbara, an art teacher at a local school. We have three funny, smart, and kind children who are God’s grace to us.

 

I feel very fortunate to be called to Freedom Plains. I truly believe the church should be a place of uplift and connection, where we serve one another and our community with love and purpose. We all need a space where faith is lived out, not just spoken about—a place where we grow in faith and encourage one another in an environment that is welcoming and non-judgmental. I’m especially passionate about helping families nurture faith at home, making conversations about God feel natural and meaningful for children and adults alike.

 

More than anything, I want to help people take the next step in their faith—whatever that looks like—so they can live according to their core values and thrive, knowing they are walking in their purpose and true identity. If you’re looking for a church home, a place to belong, or just some encouragement for the road ahead, I’d love to meet you. I know you will find good things here.

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Contact me at jason.elder@fpupchurch.org

I began my church ministry over 28 years ago serving churches in New Jersey and then the Albany, NY region before landing in Dutchess County with Freedom Plains United over 20 years ago.    

 

I have been blessed to witness the beauty of the cycle of life happening before my eyes.   Children I confirmed as adolescents,  grow, get married and then bring back babies to be baptized.   Or babies I have baptized grow up to fly the coop and join the service or study at college.  I have buried parents, friends, and children and though life is a painful struggle it can be full of love and beauty at the very same time.  Paying attention to what God is up to can be the hardest part.  

 

I am a trained Spiritual Director and I welcome finding new practices that can deepen my personal faith or our faith as a community.   I am blessed to be the mother of a daughter, Caileigh (22) and a son, Aidan (21).   We love traveling and we try to get in a little beach time each summer.   I enjoy yoga, reading, walking,  bird watching,  and knitting(sometimes) .  I am also in training to become an interfaith hospital chaplain. 

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Contact me at heather.finck@fppchurch.org

​I am thrilled to be the Children’s Ministry Coordinator at Freedom Plains! I first came to the
church five years ago after it was suggested to me by my previous Presbyterian Church in
Forest Hills, Queens. From the start, my family has felt welcomed and uplifted by the joyful
energy each Sunday. My children, Cyrus and Esther, enjoy coming to church school and
belonging to the congregation. We happily drive from Holmes every week. Things I enjoy:
working in my garden, collecting old books, and studying herbal medicine. I am excited to use
my experience as a teacher and mom to serve in the Children’s Ministry!

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Contact me at jthherbs@gmail.com