Meet Our Pastor: The Rev. Stephen E. Graves
Pastor Steve enjoys preaching, teaching, leading worship, and writing Christian music. His outside interests include family activities, travel, sports, reading, computers, missions, and international exchanges.
Rev. Graves earned a BA in Political Science at Eckerd College (St. Petersburg, FL) and his Master of Divinity at San Francisco Theological Seminary (San Anselmo, CA). He has also done doctoral work at Columbia and Trinity Theological Seminaries. He was ordained in June, 1979, as Associate Pastor of Ormond Beach Presbyterian Church, FL, and was called to St. Cloud Presbyterian Church in August, 1982. He served First Presbyterian Church of Orangeburg, SC in 2015 before returning to Florida.
In addition to his family and ministry, Steve is passionate about campus ministry, as well as the Thornwell Home for Children. In central Florida, he was very active in community service organizations and in the work of PC(USA).
Statement of Faith:
I came to faith by the Word, and my faith is characterized by a devotion to and a passion for the Word. I have not lost the thrill of knowing that the Word was there before time began, and that all of existence – including mine – was formed through the Word. That the Word became flesh is Good News and more – it is the central point of all that is, was, and will be.
I trust in a Sovereign God, I revel in a personal relationship with my Lord and Savior, and I rejoice in the blessings of the Spirit. I exult in the beautiful example we know in and through our triune God of what relationships can be when shaped by love.
I confess myself a sinner fallen short of the glory of God, and I offer repentance and seek forgiveness by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I know that God has a plan and purpose for my life, and I am grateful that my life matters to God. Therefore, I will strive boldly to go forth in witness, mission, ministry, and love.
Rev. Graves earned a BA in Political Science at Eckerd College (St. Petersburg, FL) and his Master of Divinity at San Francisco Theological Seminary (San Anselmo, CA). He has also done doctoral work at Columbia and Trinity Theological Seminaries. He was ordained in June, 1979, as Associate Pastor of Ormond Beach Presbyterian Church, FL, and was called to St. Cloud Presbyterian Church in August, 1982. He served First Presbyterian Church of Orangeburg, SC in 2015 before returning to Florida.
In addition to his family and ministry, Steve is passionate about campus ministry, as well as the Thornwell Home for Children. In central Florida, he was very active in community service organizations and in the work of PC(USA).
Statement of Faith:
I came to faith by the Word, and my faith is characterized by a devotion to and a passion for the Word. I have not lost the thrill of knowing that the Word was there before time began, and that all of existence – including mine – was formed through the Word. That the Word became flesh is Good News and more – it is the central point of all that is, was, and will be.
I trust in a Sovereign God, I revel in a personal relationship with my Lord and Savior, and I rejoice in the blessings of the Spirit. I exult in the beautiful example we know in and through our triune God of what relationships can be when shaped by love.
I confess myself a sinner fallen short of the glory of God, and I offer repentance and seek forgiveness by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I know that God has a plan and purpose for my life, and I am grateful that my life matters to God. Therefore, I will strive boldly to go forth in witness, mission, ministry, and love.
Church Secretary: Lynda Blount
Though rumored to be a “Romanian princess with a questionable past,” Lynda Blount was born and raised right here in Tallahassee—alas, neither a Romanian princess nor in possession of a “questionable past!” Creative, quietly generous, modest, and bright, Lynda joined the staff as Church Secretary in September 1993, soon earning respect for the well-prepared print materials she created and, over time, the wealth of institutional knowledge she’s gathered. Managing all things, from recalcitrant copiers to a steady stream of calls, questions, and church visitors; maintaining official church records; supporting the work of the pastor, staff, and volunteers; registering VBS participants; and making certain member needs are met, Lynda juggles it all. As Church Secretary, Lynda has served three installed pastors and four interim pastors, and is currently working with her fourth pastor at Lafayette.
A passionate supporter of the people of Lafayette, she can often be found quietly moving through the background to be certain rooms are set up for meetings and studies, with fresh coffee on hand. If she’s away from her desk, it’s likely she’s doing a post-office run, helping a community resident in need, driving a church member home from rehab, or making sure our members’ families are well-supported in times of need. She’s even been known to escort out-of-towners, unfamiliar with our traffic, from I-10 to the hospital to see one of our ailing members!
Married to Bill Blount, Lynda is a devoted mother to six children and—though she doesn’t look it—a devoted grandmother of five. Deeply involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) for many years, Lynda has twice co-chaired the local JDRF walk to raise funds for research, which—in time—supports the work done locally for children and adults in need. She loves spending time with family, and we are blessed that her family shares her with us!
A passionate supporter of the people of Lafayette, she can often be found quietly moving through the background to be certain rooms are set up for meetings and studies, with fresh coffee on hand. If she’s away from her desk, it’s likely she’s doing a post-office run, helping a community resident in need, driving a church member home from rehab, or making sure our members’ families are well-supported in times of need. She’s even been known to escort out-of-towners, unfamiliar with our traffic, from I-10 to the hospital to see one of our ailing members!
Married to Bill Blount, Lynda is a devoted mother to six children and—though she doesn’t look it—a devoted grandmother of five. Deeply involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) for many years, Lynda has twice co-chaired the local JDRF walk to raise funds for research, which—in time—supports the work done locally for children and adults in need. She loves spending time with family, and we are blessed that her family shares her with us!
Director of Music: Brett Epperson
Brett is Director of Music at Lafayette Presbyterian Church, where he directs the Chancel Choir in weekly rehearsals and Sunday services, along with guiding the Kingdom Ringers Bell Choir. Epperson is pursuing a PhD in Music Education-Choral
Conducting at Florida State University, serving as a Graduate Assistant in the College of Music. Prior to moving to Tallahassee, Epperson taught high school choral music in Iowa and Nebraska. Church music has been a continual and meaningful part of his spiritual life since he first served as a church pianist in high school. Epperson has contributed music to Methodist, Lutheran, and Congregational churches in Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota as a keyboardist, vocalist, and conductor. Epperson earned his Bachelor of Arts
in Music from Luther College (Decorah, IA) and his Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University. When not music-making he enjoys reading, biking, sleeping, swimming, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
Pianist: Serena Jung
I was born and grew up in South Korea. Thankfully, my mother owned a piano institute so I could easily approach playing the piano for fun during my childhood.
When I was a teenager, I started playing for church. I helped my mother teach students and I really enjoyed it. So, a few years later, I decided to study music education in college in the Philippines.
Besides piano, I learned a variety of things while in college like voice, flute, painting, their culture, and English.
After graduation, I worked in South Korea as a piano and English teacher where I met my husband John. We were married in Orlando where he was born and raised.
Our move to Tallahassee was work related. After living in Tallahassee for 8 years, I decided to become a U.S. citizen. I just loved people and friends and their kindness, patience, attitude, culture, and strict law.
In March 2019, we celebrated my naturalization ceremony with the Lafayette Presbyterian Church family. I’m so thankful that I met many loving people who supported me and I believe that God has a purpose for me in my new country.
When I was a teenager, I started playing for church. I helped my mother teach students and I really enjoyed it. So, a few years later, I decided to study music education in college in the Philippines.
Besides piano, I learned a variety of things while in college like voice, flute, painting, their culture, and English.
After graduation, I worked in South Korea as a piano and English teacher where I met my husband John. We were married in Orlando where he was born and raised.
Our move to Tallahassee was work related. After living in Tallahassee for 8 years, I decided to become a U.S. citizen. I just loved people and friends and their kindness, patience, attitude, culture, and strict law.
In March 2019, we celebrated my naturalization ceremony with the Lafayette Presbyterian Church family. I’m so thankful that I met many loving people who supported me and I believe that God has a purpose for me in my new country.
Volunteers
Richard L., Sound Engineer
Richard L., Website
Bonnie B., Librarian
Karen G., Head Acolyte
Countless Others, Blessings All!
Richard L., Website
Bonnie B., Librarian
Karen G., Head Acolyte
Countless Others, Blessings All!