Congregational Report to First Presbyterian Church                                                      July 21, 2024

The Pastor Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the Reverend Dr. Diane Janssen Hemmen as our candidate to become the next Pastor/Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater, OK. Diane is bringing many gifts and abilities to this position. We are confident that you will join us in welcoming and supporting her as she leads and guides this congregation in our efforts to live up to God’s call in both our individual journeys and our corporate witness as we seek to be a faithful part of Christ’s church.

The search process began in October 2022 when the PNC members were elected by the congregation. The PNC members are Ed Arquitt, Casey Campbell, Virginia Charter, Claire Leffingwell, Denise Rex, Tammy Wasson and Tim Schlais. As the chair, I wish to thank each one of them for their hard work; this is a group of outstanding people who prayerfully followed the leadership of the Holy Spirit to bring Diane to our congregation.

During the 20-month process, the PNC received and reviewed over 75 applications and referrals. Many were experienced pastors or associate pastors, but a few were new graduates looking for their first call and ordination. Several candidates had the needed skills and abilities, but a sense of mutual calling of the Spirit was not present. With Diane, that the Spirit was present and at work was felt by both the committee and the candidate. Our wait and perseverance have rewarded the church with a wonderful, skilled candidate filled with compassion, joy, and love of people. Diane has a strong faith background and will provide accessible sermons that provoke reflection and thought.

Diane received the Doctorate of Ministry degree, Cum Laude, from Columbia Theological Seminary in 2013 after receiving a B.A., Magna Cum Laude, in 1993 from the University of Sioux Falls and a Master of Divinity degree, Summa Cum Laude, in 1997 from The Divinity School at Duke University.

She is married to the Rev. Dr. Gregg Hemmen who serves the American Baptist Churches of the Central Region (KS and part of OK) as Executive Minister. They have two children, Ainslee and Eli, both in their early twenties.

The PNC recommends an effective start date of August 5, 2024.

Peace be with you,

Tim Schlais, PNC Chair