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: Steven Olson
Originally from Hazard, Kentucky - Steven Olson is currently the Director of Choirs at Green Level High School, a new school in the Wake County Public School System in North Carolina. Since opening their doors in 2019, the program at Green Level has grown rapidly from 35 singers to the 100+ it serves today. The choir most recently performed for the school’s first ever MPA (Music Performance Adjudication) in which all choirs received superior ratings in both performance and sight reading. Steven is incredibly proud of the work his students have put in to make the choral program so successful in such a short amount of time. In addition to his teaching at Green Level, Steven is also the Staff Development chair for HS Choral Teachers in Wake County, as well a Co-Director of the Cary Youth Voices, a community youth ensemble serving grades 2-12. Steven is also the recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award from the Cary Chamber of Commerce (2020) and the Richard G. Cox Award for Outstanding Emerging Choral Director presented by North Carolina ACDA. (2021)
Steven holds the Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Kentucky, where he studied conducting with Drs. Jefferson Johnson and Lori Hetzel, and voice with Dr. Angelique Clay.
Outside of music, Steven loves travelling and spending time with his wife, Sarita, and their cat TiDo (named after the solfege syllables, of course).
Steven holds the Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Kentucky, where he studied conducting with Drs. Jefferson Johnson and Lori Hetzel, and voice with Dr. Angelique Clay.
Outside of music, Steven loves travelling and spending time with his wife, Sarita, and their cat TiDo (named after the solfege syllables, of course).
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.
Music Department Intern: Aydyn O'Brien
Aydyn O’Brien assists Music Director Steven Olson in directing, selecting music, and singing with the choir. She also substitutes for Serena when necessary. Aydyn is a third year choral music education major studying at Florida State and is from South Riding, Virginia. She has participated in various choirs since the third grade and currently sings with the University Singers and Chamber Choir at FSU. She is very excited to join the community at Lafayette Presbyterian; and we’re excited to have her!