Meet our Staff!
We are grateful to have such an amazing team leading in ministry together at FPC. Get to know them a bit here.
Rev. Tom Abbott
Pastor
Tom Abbott has served as Pastor here at FPC since 2019.
As senior pastor/head of staff, Tom serves the church in all kinds of ways encouraging us all to listen for and hear Jesus' call to us to be missional people, partnering with the Holy Spirit to engage in a ministry of loving, healing, reconciliation, and discipleship.
Tom is married to Deb and has two grown children Hanna (Craig) and Samuel (Melissa) and a grandson, Luka. Tom and Deb love living in Colorado and exploring our beautiful mountains.
Rev. Hilary Downs
Associate Pastor
Hilary Downs has served as First Presbyterian Church's Associate Pastor since 2006.
Hilary's roles include leadership of FPC's youth programs, as well as regular worship leadership and preaching. She is passionate about connecting kids of all ages, not only in relationship with our God who loves them so, but connecting them with what God is doing in the world in mission. When Hilary is not at church you'll find her walking or running or hiking with her dog.
Lexee Barrera
Administrative Assistant
Lexee Barrera is new to Salida and is very excited to serve the church as it's administrative Assistant. Slowly, but surely, she looks forward to meeting, getting to know, and helping all the members of the congregation and the Salida Community in any way she can. When she's not in the Office you'll more than likely find her at Riverside Park juggling and standing on her hands!
Danny Shuford
Praise Band Director
Danny Shuford has been serving FPC as our praise band and creative arts director for our 9:00 AM service since January 2017. He brings to FPC not only gifts and passion for music but a desire to help all who come to worship deepen their connection with our God through that music.