About Us

John grew up in California and graduated from Davidson College (NC) and Union Theological Seminary (VA).  His Ph.D. is in New Testament Studies.  Ordained since 1981, he has pastored churches in Alderson, WV and Abbeville and Beaufort, SC.  John and his wife, Ashley, have been married for over thirty years and they have two grown children, Larry and Sydnor.  John enjoys swimming and walking, and also complaining about modern technologies.

Meggan Farwell is the Associate Pastor for Christian Education and Youth. Meggan is originally from Michigan where she attended Central Michigan University. Meggan graduated from Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education in May of 2007 and was ordained in September of 2007.  Meggan feels blessed to work with youth because they are not the church of the future, but the church of today! Meggan enjoys hiking, camping, scrap booking, and spending time with her husband Luke and their dog Chester.

Raymond Weidner is a nationally known composer who holds degrees from Westminster Choir College, Western Michigan University, Michigan State University, and Chesapeake Theological Seminary. His musical studies began with piano at the age of six, and his ministry in Church music at fifteen. Throughout his career he has served churches in Michigan, Maryland, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania, founded two community choruses, hosted a weekly radio program, and authored two books. His personal interests include drawing, painting, building furniture, and classic British sports cars. He and his wife Margie, a singer and professional music teacher, have two grown sons.

Lori has been with First Presbyterian Church for ten years.  Prior to that, she spent twenty years working in the banking industry.  She has been married to her husband, Kenny for 28 years and they have a daughter, Alyson. Lori loves to read, go to movies and spend time with family driving and hiking through the Blue Ridge Mountains.  A native Lynchburger, she now lives in Forest.  As she drives home each day, she relishes the great view of the Peaks of Otter, the mountains and “home.”

Janie Willson, Church Secretary
janie@fpcly.org
Janie has been working at FPC since 1987. She and her husband, Preston, take great pleasure in their family. Janie very much enjoys long walks in the woods, watching college football, and clothes shopping with her granddaughters.

Sandra Switzer-Alvis, Secretary
sandra@fpcly.org
After graduating from college in North Carolina, Sandra moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and worked in the banking industry for many years.  She met and married her husband, Dick, while working in California.   After her husband retired, they moved to Lynchburg in June 2000 with their two Shih Tzus, Chanel & Brucie. Sandra and Dick enjoy traveling and walking their very spoiled Shih Tzus.

Gail Midkiff, R.N., C.N.S., Parish Nurse
gail@fpcly.org
Gail has nursing degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Virginia. Her background includes nursing positions in public health, hospice, mental health, and parish nursing. She also has training and experience in pastoral counseling. Gail enjoys reading, bike riding, and choral singing. She and husband Jim also enjoy time with a multi-generational family. which includes three children and two grandchildren.