Hello
We are so glad you stopped by to meet us!
Pastors Philemon and Jane Wachara are lead pastors of Presence Community Church in Flagstaff, AZ. Philemon received Christ in 1981, at the age of 15 and became an ordained pastor in 1987. In 1991 He and Jane pioneered Harvest Center Fellowship, Nairobi, Kenya with 7 people. Under their leadership, the Harvest center grew to over 2500 members. They have also planted 26 other churches in Kenya and Uganda.
Pastors Philemon and Jane both attended God’s Bible School and College in Cincinnati, Ohio where they earned their Bachelors Degrees in Theology, Ministerial Studies, Intercultural Studies and World Missions, respectively. Pastor Philemon went on to earn a Masters degree in Religious Studies and Church leadership from Cincinnati Christian University.
Philemon and Jane have been married for 27 years and are blessed with four children; Julie, Wonder, Kerina and Philemon Jr. As a couple, they strive to exemplify the life and love of Christ. Throughout their 30-year experience in ministry, Pastors Philemon and Jane have shared a passion for leading the church into the deep things of God and raising men and women to their fullest potential in Christ.
Presence Community Church
Presence Community Church is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Our board of directors, listed below, represent the church and serve to help establish policies, provide oversight and make decisions on behalf of Presence Community Church.
Dan Smith
President
Dan has been a resident of Flagstaff for 43 years. He grew up in southern California and accepted Christ into his heart at the age of 12. After graduating from college with a degree in Environmental Science, I moved to Flagstaff in 1976 taking a job as Environmental Services manager for Coconino County. Since retiring from the County, I have owned an engineering consulting firm. I met my wife, Rose, in California, where we were married. Moving to Arizona, we raised three sons. We have three wonderful daughter-in-laws and six grandchildren. Belief and faith in God has always been at the center of my life. Attending Sunday School since I was 6 yrs old and becoming a beginning member at age 10 of 20 original members of a start of church, Grace Baptist Church in Newhall, Ca.
It has been such a joy serving the Presence Community Church body and seeing God touch and change lives. As it says in Joshua 24:15, “but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. Joshua sets the example that to be a faithful leader, you have a choice of serving the one, true God, and that is what I have chosen.
Ginny (Virginia) Britt
Vice President and Treasurer
Ginny is honored to be serving at Presence Community Church. Flagstaff has been home to Ginny since age 10 and she grew up attending a local Christian church. She studied at NAU for her college and graduate degrees in education. As a profession, Ginny has been in the Real Estate industry for 40 years and helping people acquire homes is her passion. Her other passion is helping others in their walk with Jesus and she has served in a variety of areas in ministry over 30 years. Some other Board of Directors she serves on are: Prayer Watch International, Christian Life Ministries, Chaplain’s Ministry, Northern Arizona Women’s Retreat. Ginny says her prayer is that Flagstaff will fulfill its destiny in the Kingdom of God using God’s people and that she will be used by God “to equip the saints for the work of ministry”. Eph. 4:12
Rose Smith
Board Member
Born in New Mexico, I moved to southern California at a young age. I have attended church from the time I was born. My parents instilled in me the agape love for God and family. I strive for my devotion and faith in the Lord to be passionate and unwavering. My participation in the Stephen Ministry program illustrates my compassion I have in walking along side others as a caregiver. I met my husband, Dan, while in school in California. While attending church in high school, I asked Christ into my heart. After marriage, we moved to Arizona, raising three boys. With my trust and faith in God, I have seen each of my sons, daughter-in-laws and grandkids come to know the Lord. I am excited to be a part of Presence Community Church. I have seen the power of the holy spirit at work in my life and everyone who walks through the doors of our church. The amazing grace and power of God is there for all who reach out to Him. As the opening lyrics of the song, Your Grace is Enough says, “Great is your faithfulness oh God, You wrestle with the sinner’s heart, You lead us by still waters and to mercy, And nothing can keep us apart”.
Paul Gianelli
Secretary
A native of Arizona, Paul came to Flagstaff in 1967 to attend NAU, and has remained here to enjoy the many benefits of living in this small college town. He graduated with degrees in Special Education and Social Studies and spent 33 years teaching in the Flagstaff school district. He currently works for NAU supervising student teachers, and does volunteer work at Cromer Elementary and The Garden Thrift. Paul says it is an honor to serve on the Board of Presence Community Church, where the message of Micah 6:8 is exhibited. Paul and Ginny have been married for 24 years, have two sons and three grandchildren.