PASTOR

STEPHEN CAREY HANCOCK
 

Steve became Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church of Little Rock in August 2001. Before coming to Little Rock, he served as pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, for 10 years. From 1983-91, he was Dean of Students at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and before that served churches in Indiana and Kentucky. While in Indiana, Steve also served as a Visiting Instructor in Preaching for two years at St. Meinrad School of Theology, a Roman Catholic Seminary. While Dean of Students at Louisville Seminary, he taught as an Adjunct Professor of Preaching, and while in Nashville served as Lecturer in Church and Ministries at Vanderbilt Divinity School.

Steve grew up in Kentucky, and is a graduate of DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and a Master of Theology degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville.

As Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church, it is Steve's responsibility to provide overall spiritual leadership, pastoral care and administrative oversight to the congregation in its programs of worship and preaching, Christian education and spiritual nurture, service to the larger community, and fellowship within the congregation. He oversees, coordinates and supports the work of the Ministerial and Program staff, and serves as staff resource to the Worship Ministry, Stewardship Ministry, Personnel Committee, and Nominating Committee.

Steve currently serves on the Presbytery of Arkansas Committee on Administration, chairs the Sub-committee on Personnel, and teaches in the presbytery's Commissioned Lay Pastor program.  He serves on the Steering Committee of the Arkansas Interfaith Alliance, the Board of Trustees of Lyon College, the Board of Trustees of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and the Board of Directors of LifeQuest of Arkansas.  

Steve is married to Missie Hancock, a speech-language pathologist who works for the North Little Rock School District. Missie and Steve have two sons: Matt, who is graduate assistant baseball coach at the University of North Alabama, and William, a student at Jefferson Elementary School.

Steve enjoys playing tennis at the Little Rock Racquet Club and coaching baseball in the Junior Deputy program, and coaching basketball at Little Rock's Penick Boys and Girls Club. He lives and dies with the University of Kentucky basketball Wildcats.

 

   

ASSOCIATE PASTOR FOR PASTORAL CARE

KAREN K. AKIN

Karen Kokles Akin was born in Dallas, Texas where she spent most of her growing up years.

Her education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from Trinity University received in 1976; a Master of Divinity degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary received in 1979; and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Nurture from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary awarded in 1988.

Karen has served the church in a variety of community settings and pastoral positions. Ordained in Narka, Kansas, in 1979, her first pastorate was serving four small churches in northern Kansas. She next served as an associate pastor at Grace-First Presbyterian Church in Weatherford, Texas. Following her marriage to husband Doug in 1987, she served as co-interim manager with Doug at Briarwood Presbyterian Retreat Center in Texas; then as an interim pastor in two churches in Colorado - Longmont and La Porte, during which time Doug earned his degree in forestry from Colorado State University. Before beginning her service here at Second Presbyterian Church in January, 1992, Karen served as interim head of staff in Camden, Arkansas.

Doug is a forester with the Arkansas State Forestry Commission

Karen and Doug share their lives with daughters Sarah, born in 1989, attends Rhodes College, and Jordan, born in 1992. Favorite activities for the Akins are canoeing, hiking, reading, and spending time together as a family.

 

 

INTERIM ASSOCIATE PASTOR FOR EVANGELISM & OUTREACH

WILLIAM W. "BILL" BRANCH, JR.

Bill recently retired after serving as General Presbyter for eight years for the Presbytery of Arkansas.  Prior to that he served for 25 years as pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Victoria, Texas.  Bill is a graduate of Auburn University, and holds three degrees from Union Theological Seminary (M.Div., S.T.M., and D.Min.).  He has completed graduate courses in alcohol studies, mediation training, and interim ministry training.  Bill has served the denomination in various capacities at the presbytery, synod and General Assembly levels.  We are delighted to welcome Bill and his wife, Liz, to Second Presbyterian Church. 

 

ASSOCIATE PASTOR FOR YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

CAMILLE LeBRON POWELL

Camille was born in Heidelberg, Germany, and grew up in Dallas, Texas. She graduated from Garland High School and then attended Austin College in Sherman, Texas. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a religion major and art minor in May 1998. During her last two years of college, she served as Director of Youth Ministries at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Sherman, Texas. After graduation from Austin College, she served as the intern in the denomination's Office of Youth Ministry in Louisville, Kentucky. In May 2002, Camille received her Master's degree in Christian Education and a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia.

It was during the summer of 1999, when Camille's interest in young adult ministry was sparked while she was part of a ministry team for the college and young adult staff at Montreat Conference Center. Serving as a chaplain for the hematology and oncology patients at Children's Medical Center in Dallas in 2000 was another formative experience for her pastoral identity. In the summer of 2001, Camille was the intern for Christian Nurture at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, Texas. After graduation from seminary, Camille returned to Montreat, where she served as the intern in the Center for Youth and Young Adult Ministry. In this position she worked with youth conference planning teams in theme development and promotion of conferences. In addition, during this time she did formal and informal research into alternative worship services and young adult ministry.

Camille was ordained in July 2003, and Second Presbyterian Church is her first call. Primary responsibilities include Young Adult Ministry and the Nine O'clock Worship service.

On May 22, 2004, Camille and Jonathan Powell were married at Second Presbyterian Church. Together they share their home with 2 cats, Eloise and Harley, and 2 Weimaraners, Kosmo and Kramer and daughter Lily, born July 2007.  They also enjoy the outdoors, Arkansas Razorback Football, and movies. 

CHURCH EDUCATOR

JEANNIE FORD ANDREWS

Jeannie was born in Montgomery, Alabama, graduated from Mountain Brook High School in Birmingham and from Huntington College in Montgomery, Alabama with bachelor's degrees in Christian Education and Religion/Philosophy.  She graduated from Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia, with a master's degree in Christian Education, and received certification as Church Educator in May 2000.

Prior to joining the staff in November 1992, Jeannie has served as Director of Christian Education at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia and First Presbyterian Church in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.  Jeannie serves the Presbytery of Arkansas as a Educator Certification Advisor, a member of the Presbytery Resource Center Advisory Council, and as moderator of the Christian Education and Nurture Committee

Jeannie's son, Daniel Ford, is a graduating senior at Central High School.  She is married to Collins Andrews, who is retired from Acxiom Corporation and now working as a business consultant.  She, Collins, and son Daniel, who attends the University of Arkansas, enjoy traveling, Arkansas Razorback sports, and spending time at nearby Lake Hamilton.

DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY                                                       BRITTON VARN

Britton grew up in Texas as the oldest of six and a Presbyterian preacher's kid.  She graduated from Austin College in 2003 and married her wonderful husband Chris (a South Carolina boy) shortly thereafter.  From 2003 to April of 2007, Britton worked as the Director of Jr. High Ministry at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas.  She is now thrilled to begin her call as Youth Director at Second Presbyterian!  Her favorite things include playing with her young son Riley (born 2006), skiing, attending youth conferences, reading fun books, playing games, and eating chocolate chip cookie dough!

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC AND THE ARTS

BEVAN KEATING

Dr. Bevan Keating is our Director of Music and the Arts. Bevan is Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at UALR. Originally from Canada, he earned bachelor of education and bachelor of music degrees from the University of Western Ontario. He went on to earn a masters degree and then a doctorate in Choral Conducting from Ohio State University. He and his wife Kira, who is also very gifted musically, live in the Governor's Mansion area of Little Rock.

 

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

MARY IBIS

In August 2001, Mary assumed the position of Associate Director of Music at Second Presbyterian Church. She directs the Cherub Choir (K-2nd grade), the 3rd-5th grade Covenant Choir and Covenant Bell choir, and the 6-12th grade youth bell choir.  She also leads an intergenerational handbell group, the Jubilant Ringers, and conducts two Orff camps in the summer.  In addition to the choirs, Mary leads music in Sunday School for preschool age-5th grade, conducts the summer family choir, summer bell choir, and leads music for the summer Vacation Bible School program. 

Mary's education includes a bachelor's degree from Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, in vocal and choral music with a specialty in music education for K-8.  She has also attended multiple conferences in the specialty of the Orff process, and studies offered through Chorister's Guild and P.A.M. music conferences.

Mary and her husband, Ismail, enjoy playing with their six year old, Dawson.

NINE O'CLOCK WORSHIP MUSIC COORDINATOR                                MANDY BUZZARD   

Mandy received a Bachelor of Arts in vocal music from the U of A in Fayetteville.  She is married and has 2 children; a daughter, Anna, and a son, Jackson. She works as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant for a retina practice in Little Rock.                           

 

INTERIM ORGANIST                                                                                ADAM SAVACOOL

We welcome Adam to Second Presbyterian as our new interim organist.  Adam began his work for Second on August 1, 2008.  An exceptional talent as a solo organist and with years of experience, Adam will further enhance our worship experience each and every Sunday.  

 

CHURCH BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR                                             CHARLES BAUSCH

Malinda has been a member of Second Presbyterian for 26 years and she began her work in this newly-created position in November, 2007.  She has served on two search committees, in several leadership roles on the youth network team, and has helped with confirmation, stewardship, and Sunday school.  She is active in Presbyterian Women and a Bible study group at the church.  Malinda and her husband, Larry, an architect, are parents to Bolton, a student at Millsaps College and John, a student at Central High.

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT STAFF

 

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE

PAULETTE (PET) HOLLENDER 

Pet (Paulette) joined the staff of Second Presbyterian Church in September 1979. She is support staff resource to the Worship and Education Ministries.  Her husband John is with Molex, Inc. and has a computer publishing business.  Pet has two grown children, Brad Geddes, who lives in Pennsylvania, and Shanie LaFlamme, who lives in California with husband Steph and their son Briggan. She has received Certification Levels I, II, and III as a Presbyterian Church Administrative Associate. Her hobbies are bridge and reading. She and John raise Munchkin cats.
 

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE

PAM LUTHER

Pam, who is support staff resource for Belonging and Outreach Ministries (works Mon-Thurs each week), began working at Second Presbyterian Church in September 1989. Prior to that she served on staff at the Presbytery of Arkansas, Presbyterian Village, and First Presbyterian Church, Batesville. A native of Little Rock, she attended the University of Arkansas and joined Second Church in 1986. Pam is mother to a blended family of four adult children and grandmother to eight. She has earned Levels I, II, and III certification from the Administrative Personnel Association of the Presbyterian Church (USA). She enjoys spending time with grandchildren, quilting, and gardening.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE AND CHILD CARE COORDINATOR

NANCY COLEMAN
 

Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Nancy joined Second Church in 1990, where she has served on the Session.  She is an ordained elder and deacon.  Childcare Coordinator and Administrative Associate at Second Church, Nancy has a liberal arts degree and has done graduate study in social work.  She is a member of the Children's Ministry, the Pastoral Care Ministry and is a Stephen Minister and Leader.

 

Nancy has four daughters:  Amanda and Andy Schultz, Jack & Ben, live in Mt. Juliet, TN; Elizabeth Camper, mother of Ethan and Caitlin who live in Hoover, AL; Evelyn Coleman, a recent graduate of Union Seminary-PSCE is currently a resident in Clinical Pastoral Education at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC; and Katherine and David Hodges live in Studio City, CA with daughter Abigail, born July 2007.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE

SHARON HUGHES

 

Sharon joined the staff at Second Presbyterian in October 2005. Originally from Greenwood, Mississippi, Sharon joined Second Church in 1993. She has taught Sunday School on the children and youth levels, including confirmation. For several years, she taught FAME and was a Venture advisor. She has served on planning teams, chaperoned youth trips and participated in mission trips.  As an ordained deacon, Sharon served on Youth Ministry and on the Belonging Ministry. She is married to Rick Hughes.  Our blended family includes Sharon's daughter, Marigayden Tippit, a student at the University of Arkansas, son Justin and his wife Evan Tippit, and Rick's son, Richard Hughes, Jr., a student at Hendrix College.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE AND FOOD SERVICE DIRECTOR

SAGE ARNOLD

Sage started here as the Food Service Director in August of 1993.  Sage's cooking experience comes from various places including training from husband Joe, a CIA graduate, and several restaurants through the years.  In March of 2000, Sage became the administrative assistant to Charlie Bausch.  She and Joe have two children, Libby and Chris, who have flown the nest to college and beyond.  Sage has been a youth advisor for the SPY program for 10 years, as well as, serving as the Youth chair for several years.  She enjoys riding horses when possible, skiing, gardening and sewing and generally being with family and friends.

 

CUSTODIAL STAFF (SEXTONS)

BERTA SERRANO and her son Jorge left Cuba as refugees. In 1979 Second Church sponsored her resettlement, and she began working as a daytime sexton. She has also worked several years in our nursery. She is grandmother to three wonderful boys.

 

DAVID BEACH, JR. joined our staff August 1, 1994. He has several years' experience in custodial services as well as construction work. David and his wife, Kristen, an elementary school teacher, have two children, Grant and Elizabeth. David enjoys camping and boating with his family and hunting during the fall.

                     

GUY HOWZE joined our staff in the spring of 1997. He has three elementary age children, Haley, Heather and Gardner. In August 2003, he married Karin Adams and gained three more children - Jake, Jody, and Josh. Guy's favorite past time is hunting, especially for deer.

JENNIFER SILVA  began her time with us during fall, 2006.  She is a graduate of North Little Rock High School.  She and her husband Jorge (who is also Berta's son) are parents to 3 sons, Wesley, Noah and Adrian.

 PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR

PAIGE MAJORS

Paige has been a member of Second Church since 1994. She and her husband, Lee, are the parents of two daughters, Mary Carol and Meredith. She is originally from Ruston, Louisiana, and graduated from Louisiana Tech University. Before becoming the Preschool Director in August 2002, she taught in the Preschool for seven years. She is involved with handbells, teaches Sunday School and serves on the Children's Ministry.