The Rev. Beverly Dempsey has been Transitional Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Ramsey since April, 2010. Previously, Beverly spent 4½ years as Interim Associate Pastor of Parish Life at West Side Presbyterian in Ridgewood. While serving in the Presbytery of the Palisades, she spearheaded the Katrina Task Force, supported the Social Justice Priorities and the Spiritual Development and Theology Units, chaired Presbytery's Council, sits on the Committee on Ministry and Bills & Overtures, and is the Presbytery's Synod Representative.
Rev. Dempsey was on the PC(USA)'s Multicultural Network Board (Vice-Chair: 2009), and has participated in the denomination's "Grow the Church Deep and Wide Evangelism Conversations". She has a husband, Joe, and three step-children, Brian (27), Carolyn (25) and Tom (23). Beverly and Joe were recently blessed with two extraordinary foster children.
Rev. Dempsey is working toward her Doctorate in Ministry at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and has earned her MDiv from Union Theological Seminary (NYC), her MBA from the University of Minnesota and her BA from Goucher College.
Florence Ditko, Christian Education Director since 2002, is also a member of First Presbyterian Church. She and husband, Steve, joined the church in 1987, and she has been a part of the Bible School since then, teaching and working as Superintendent before becoming part of the staff. Florence has much appreciation for all who contribute to the education and nurture of our members, from the youngest on the Cradle Roll, through the Bible School grades, to the adults who participate in Bible studies and First Friday Fellowship. A member of the national Association of Presbyterian Church Educators(APCE), Florence serves as treasurer for the Eastern Region of APCE, and is part of the Christian Education Fellowship in our Presbytery.
Paul also sits on the faculty of the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, from which he received his PhD in Music Theory and Composition. Paul has composed many liturgical pieces and has studied, conducted and performed around the world. Paul is married to Caitlyn. He and Caitlyn have a 2 year old daughter, Clara.
Karen has been the Youth Director since 2004, and is also a member of First Presbyterian Church. Karen attended Youth Group, was very active in the church and decided that she would like to give back to her church family. Karen graduated from the University of Massachusetts with degrees in Early Childhood Education and Communications. She also currently teaches preschool in Mahwah. Karen lives in Mahwah with her husband Jeff and two children.
Irma De Maio has worked for First Presbyterian for over 10 years. She was previously assistant to the West Africa program director at Lutheran World Relief in New York. She lives in Ramsey with husband Larry and 2 cats, Persian and Skinny. Irma and Larry both enjoy gardening, Italian food and music.
Celebrating the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ, we
Welcome all into our fellowship,
Grow together in faith,
Discover and Offer our gifts,
Worship with gratitude and joy, and
Reach Out compassionately in word and deed in the world.