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Rev. Don Shipley
Pastor
don@rivercommunity.org
Phone: 225-744-4367, ext. 6
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We are pleased to announce that Rev. Dr. Don M. Shipley, Jr. has been called as pastor of River effective January 1, 2010.
Don was raised in Texas by Christian parents, and trusted Jesus with his life at a very early age. He pursued undergraduate studies at Baylor University (Waco, TX) and then moved to Birmingham, AL, to attend seminary at Beeson Divinity School at Samford University, during which time he married his long-time friend Christine (Chris). After earning his Master of Divinity degree, Don served as the pastor of a Baptist church in Birmingham. Because he desired his life’s work to combine academic work and writing as well as pastoral ministry and teaching, he went back to Baylor and earned a doctorate in Theology and Literature, focusing on the work of G.K. Chesterton. He and his family then moved to Alexandria, LA, where Don has worked as the Assistant Pastor for Worship at Grace Presbyterian (EPC) (yes—he’s also a musician) and as an Assistant Professor of English at Louisiana College.
Don and Chris have a bustling home with five beautiful children—Cole, Corban Mace, Campbell, Corinne, and Charis Madeline. Besides reading–both for study and for fun–he enjoys running, canoeing, gardening, photography, watching movies, and hanging out with his family.
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Conner Byrd,
Student Ministries
conner@rivercommunity.org
Cell Phone: 225-252-0199
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Conner began his ministry at River in November 2005 as Director of Worship. In March 2006 the role of Director of Student Ministries was added to his responsibilities and he wore two hats for over two years. Conner is a gifted musician, but it soon became apparent that God had uniquely gifted Conner as a leader of our students. Jill was hired in June 2008 allowing Conner to direct his energy on ministering to our students. Conner is an LSU Human Resources grad who grew up in Baptist churches in Baton Rouge and Lafayette. Conner and his wife Rachael have been married for six years, and have two children, Chloe and Gavin.
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Jamie Senyard,
Children’s Ministries
jamie@rivercommunity.org
Cell Phone: 225-268-6938
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Jamie is a native of Baton Rouge, and graduated from LSU with a degree in Vocational Home Economics Education. She has been a Bible Study Fellowship children’s leader, and has volunteered in Children’s Ministry at First Presbyterian Church Baton Rouge. She regularly attends the national Children’s Pastors Conference, where she gets great ideas for our terrific children’s ministry. Jamie has three children: Emilee and Jack college, and James in high school. Jamie is an amazing baker (check out her brownies), and loves visiting her family farm in Covington.
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Rhonda Perry
Early Childhood Ministries
rhonda@rivercommunity.org
Phone: 225-744-4367
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After serving in the RiverKidz nursery for a year, Rhonda joined the staff in November of 2007. Rhonda graduated from LSU with a degree in Elementary Education, and has taught in a Christian setting for many years. She has been married to Kirby for 25 years. They have two children: Julia, 22 and Billy, who will attend LSU in the fall. Rhonda leads our ministry to children from birth through preschool, called RiverKidz.
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Lori Demand
Accounting
lori@rivercommunity.org
Phone: 225-744-4367
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Lori is a native Texan who moved to Baton Rouge in July, 2002. She holds a degree from Texas A&M University in petroleum engineering. Before the big move to BR, she owned her own business specializing in decorative wall finishes. She has been attending RCC since January, 2004 and joined the staff in the fall of 2006. Lori is responsible for daily accounting activities for RCC. She has been married to her husband Jim for 23 years, and has two children, Austin and Audrey, both high school students. |
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Dana Sutton
Communications & Finance
dana@rivercommunity.org
Cell Phone: 225-931-1275
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Dana is a life-long resident of Baton Rouge who grew up with a house full of sisters. A graduate of LSU, she has an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and a master’s degree in Information Systems. Dana is responsible for communication, from the website to the bulletin to the graphics used on Sunday morning. She is also the official bean counter at RCC. Dana has been married to Ronnie for 28 years. They have two daughters: Amanda, a graduate of LSU and working in Baton Rouge, and Natalie, a junior at LSU.
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