People who serve

Meet the staff

Meet the ministers, musicians, and staff members who shape worship, offer care, and help people feel at home.

The First Christian Church staff standing together

The First Christian Church staff sharing a playful moment

Senior Minister

Rev. Laura Hutchinson

Rev. Laura Hutchinson has served First Christian Church Anniston since 2012, leading with a focus on God’s fierce and unconditional love.

Preaching

Pastoral care

Reconciliation

Open and affirming ministry

After graduating with an MDiv from Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, GA, Reverend Laura Hutchinson was ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia on August 5, 2001. She has served in various capacities throughout her ministry, including youth ministry at several churches, college chaplaincy and adjunct professorship in the Religion Department at Barton College in Wilson, NC, associate ministry at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Florence, AL, and senior pastorship here at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Anniston, AL. She has been serving FCC in Anniston since 2012.

Her primary focus as a pastor is to love people the way God loves them. Many in this world do not know they are loved, and that reality drives her passion for ministry. God’s fierce and unconditional love is at the heart of her preaching and pastoral care. Laura feels blessed to pastor a church that actively encourages reaching out to and welcoming all people, sharing the gospel message alongside her.

Laura shares the light of Christ through preaching, interactive Bible study sessions where questions and thoughtful challenges to tradition are welcomed, pastoral care and counseling, community involvement, anti-racism and pro-reconciliation work through the Christian Church in Alabama & Northwest Florida, open and affirming ministries within the LGBTQ+ community, and co-hosting her podcast, “Untangling Faith,” with colleague Rev. Tammy Jackson of Anniston, AL.

Rev. Hutchinson is deeply grateful for her calling to ministry in the name of Jesus Christ and warmly invites all to join her in this meaningful journey at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Anniston, AL.

Associate Minister for Hispanic Ministries

Rev. Maria Zamarripa

Rev. Maria Zamarripa serves Spanish-speaking individuals and families with spiritual guidance, compassion, and deep roots in the congregation.

Hispanic ministry

Chaplaincy

Spiritual care

Rev. Maria Zamarripa has been an official member of First Christian Church since the early 1980s, following her affirmation of commitment to Christ. Throughout her long-standing relationship with the congregation, Maria has diligently served in nearly every leadership role the church offers.

Recognizing a profound call to ministry, Maria formally responded by enrolling at Lexington Theological Seminary in 2016. She was ordained by the Christian Church in Alabama & Northwest Florida in 2020. Maria’s heart has always been with the growing Latin community in Calhoun County, where she faithfully ministers, serving as a spiritual guide and compassionate presence. She also extends her ministry as a chaplain at RMC Hospital and the County Jail.

Today, in her role as Associate Minister for Hispanic Ministries, Rev. Zamarripa dedicates her ministry to serving Spanish-speaking individuals and families. Her steadfast commitment to God’s call is reflected daily through acts of love, compassion, and spiritual support.

Organist, Pianist, Choral Director, and Musical Coordinator

Gerald Roberts

Gerald Roberts has served the church through organ, piano, choir, and worship music since 1987.

Organ and piano

Choir

Worship music

Gerald Roberts has had the honor and privilege of serving First Christian Church since August 1987 as organist, pianist, choral director, and musical coordinator. Gerald views music as a profound and sacred means of expressing faith, fostering community, and enhancing worship.

His commitment to lifelong learning is evident in his continuous pursuit of new insights, both musical and spiritual, guided by the Holy Spirit. Gerald finds joy in activities that nurture his physical and spiritual health, including exercise classes, cycling, attending courses, exploring the outdoors, and traveling.

Gerald remains dedicated to enriching worship experiences and contributing to the vibrant community at First Christian Church through his passion for music and faith-driven service.

Church Secretary

Judy Engelhart

Judy Engelhart brings decades of church administration, education, and community experience to the church office.

Church administration

Communication

Congregational support

Judy Engelhart has faithfully served as the secretary of First Christian Church in Anniston for over 20 years. Prior to her tenure at FCC, she was a church secretary in a small Florida town, bringing significant administrative expertise to her role.

Before joining First Christian Church, Judy had an impactful career as an educational counselor and test administrator at Gadsden State Community College. Additionally, she served as an educational counselor and later as Director of the Army Education Center at Fort McClellan until its closure in 1999.

A lifelong resident of Calhoun County, Judy grew up in Saks and attended Saks School for 12 years. She pursued higher education at Jacksonville State University and later completed master’s degrees from both Georgia State University in Atlanta and Troy State University.

Her life experiences include living in Okinawa for 1.5 years and a spiritually enriching visit to the Holy Land, where she walked in the footsteps of Jesus. Judy deeply loves her role at First Christian Church and values the supportive and caring community around her.

Worship Leader

Jason Wright

Jason Wright leads the congregation in joyful song and brings musical, theatrical, and visual creativity to church life.

Worship leadership

Music

Drama

Visual arts

Jason Wright serves First Christian Church as our Worship Leader, guiding our congregation in vibrant song and joyful praise. He shares his musical leadership and creative talents with another local church, demonstrating his deep commitment to serving God through music and worship.

Jason’s passion extends beyond worship leadership; he actively teaches and coaches children in drama, frequently directing theatrical productions in Jacksonville. As a man of many talents, he is not only a gifted musician but also a skilled visual artist whose creativity enriches our community.

Jason’s presence is always uplifting and inviting, making worship experiences warm and meaningful. He is thrilled to welcome everyone to join him in celebrating faith and fellowship at First Christian Church.