Church Leadership

Teaching Elder (Pastor)

Pastor Luke and his wife, Rebekah, love the Jersey Shore, having grown up vacationing on LBI. They have four Children: Matthias, Saranna, Kara, and Étienne. The Berts love to have people over to their home for meals and board games.

Ruling Elder (Clerk of Session)

Kevin and his wife, Carol Ann, live in Seaville, NJ and have been members at First Pres since 1990, the year they were married. They have six adult children and two grandchildren.
Kevin has been involved in many aspects of Christian Education since joining First Pres. He is thankful to be part of this faithful and caring body of believers.

Ruling Elder

Joe has been a member of FPOC for 25 years and an elder for over 20. Married to his wife, Renee, for 40 years. Their eldest son, David, and daughter, Kristen, have blessed them with six grandchildren. They love the Lord and the church and believe wholeheartedly in our mission statement,  loving the Lord, loving each other, and loving the lost. 

Ruling Elder

Kim Murphy and his wife, Gretchen, grew up in Central NY and are 27 year transplants in Ocean City.  They are happily married 37 years and have four adult children, two of which are married:  Olivia/Ryan Colvin, Elijah/Liana Murphy, Natalie, and Rowlee.  Kim and Gretchen are blessed with 7 grandchildren, a large extended family, and a church family they love and care for.   Kim came on staff in May of 1999 and is still enjoying the many areas of ministry God has called him here to do.  

Ruling Elder

I am a longstanding member of FPC. I am married to Sharon, and I have 4 children: Sam (married to Marty), Joy (married to Patrick), Mercy, and Solomon. I have been an elder in the church for many years, and recently served the church during the process of leaving the PCUSA and joining the PCA. I have practiced law in New Jersey for 49 years. 

Tom and his wife, Phyllis, joined First Pres in February 2002. Tom has been ordained as a deacon and an elder, served as clerk of session, chaired numerous committees, and been active in presbytery.
He served on the task force that successfully presented the church’s theological argument for leaving the PC(USA) and joining the PCA. He currently serves on the Missions Committee and directs the Men’s Bible Study. Phyllis and Tom have three wonderful children, their spouses, and six amazing grandchildren. All of them are a gift from God.

Biography coming soon!

Biography coming soon!

I was born in 1943 and raised in Upper Darby, PA, the only child of two teachers. I graduated from Penn State University in 1965. I taught school for 32 1/2 years in New York, Venezuela, and Ocean City, while also owning an ice cream business and later buying Johnson's Popcorn in 1974 here in Ocean City. In 1969 I married my wife Rita at the Ocean City Baptist Church, and in 1975 I became a Christian and later served as a Deacon and Elder here at First Pres. I enjoy biking, swimming, and walking. I am thankful for my wonderful family, including two children, five grandchildren, and many happy years with Rita.

Although I attended church since I was a child, I didn’t become a Christian until my early 20s. God has blessed me with a 50-year marriage to my wife, Kim; we have 6 children and 5 grandchildren. I am a retired pharmacist, having worked for over 40 years in community, pediatric hospital and pharmaceutical research. I have served in several PCA churches as a deacon, with an emphasis on Helps ministry.

Biography coming soon!

I have three young children, ages 5, 3, and 7 months. I enjoy spending time with my wife and family, going to the beach in the summer, coaching wrestling, and playing Magic: The Gathering in my spare time. I love First Presbyterian because we are a gospel centered church that focuses on strengthening relationships within our community and members.  

I have been a member of First Pres for 12 years. I am a local high school history teacher born and raised in Ocean City. I have an interest in theology, baseball, and historical study. I am grateful to God to be able to serve the church in this capacity. 

Biography coming soon!