LEADERSHIP

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The Rev. Fred Harrell

Transitional Pastor
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Fred grew up in Florida and went to the University of Florida, then earned his seminary degree from Reformed Theological Seminary. In 1996, he started City Church San Francisco and led it for over 25 years, growing it into a vibrant community of more than 1,800 people. Under his leadership, the church launched counseling services, educational programs, and efforts focused on social justice. In 2015, the church became fully inclusive and affirming of LGBTQ people. Fred wrapped up his time at City Church in 2022.

In 2023, he launched Cultivate, a ministry focused on helping pastors thrive and supporting churches in becoming healthy, life-giving communities. In 2024, Fred officially became part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and now serves as a minister in the Presbytery of San Francisco.

He’s also a certified Spiritual Director through the Art of Spiritual Direction program at San Francisco Theological Seminary.

Fred and his wife, Terely (rhymes with Pirelli), have been married since 1986. They have four grown kids, ages 27 to 34, who are out in the world doing their thing.

Our Staff

Jennifer Scott-Brand

Office Manager

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Amber Biscardi

Children’s Ministry Coordinator

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Malia Clark

Family and Youth Ministry Director

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Peggy Spool

Children’s Choir Director

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Mary Jo Blazek

Nursery Supervisor

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The Rev. David McCreath

Parish Associate

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Hilleguus Faber

Memorial Coordinator

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Lizanne Oliver

Wedding Coordinator

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The Rev. Marge Palmer

Pastor Emerita

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Ruthanne Martinez

Treasurer

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Sonia Perez

Custodian

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Victor Perez

Custodian

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How We Govern Ourselves

Under the Book of Order, the constitution of the Presbyterian Church USA, there are three ministries of the church for which individuals are ordained: Teaching Elders (pastors), Ruling Elders and Deacons. All members of Stone Church are eligible for election and ordination as Ruling Elders and Deacons.

New Ruling Elders and Deacons are elected each year by our congregation and serve three-year terms. Our leadership is broad-based, employing the gifts of many people across the full scope of the church’s ministry and mission, which means over the course of time that most members of Stone Church are asked by the Nominating Committee to serve a term in one of our elected offices.

Session

The Session is the principal ruling body of a Presbyterian church. At Stone Church, the Session is composed of 12 Ruling Elders. Each is elected to a three-year term; four Elders are elected each year to replace the four Elders whose terms end. Elders serve on Stone Church’s standing committees: Budget and Finance, Buildings and Grounds, Christian Education, Membership and Communications, Nominating, Personnel and Administration, Stewardship, StoneWorks (Mission), and Worship.

The Session meets monthly. In addition, an Elder also meets on a regular basis with the committee he or she leads. Except for the Personnel and Administration Committee, which is comprised of current and former Elders, and the Nominating Committee, which is selected by the congregation, committees are composed of members who volunteer to serve on committees they are interested in and members the committee recruits.

Current Ruling Elders

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Deacons

Deacons at Stone Church perform ministries focused on sympathy, witness and service. Each of the 15 Deacons is elected a three-year term; 5 Deacons are elected each year to replace the 5 Deacons whose terms are ending.

The Deacons meet monthly. In addition, Deacons visit the sick and elderly and often assist at memorial service receptions.

Current Deacons