Our Team

the incredible people who make our community and our events special

Seth started his career attending The Methodist Theological School in Ohio with the intention of going into the parish ministry. Half-way through the program he switched to an addiction counseling program being offered through the seminary.

Upon graduating, he spent nearly 10 years as a psychotherapist and Licensed Social Worker. He then migrated into management consulting and organization performance/development within the IT industry. He struggled with the doctrine and religious practices of mainstream denominations which led to a 20-year separation from the church. During this period, he studied Buddhism and mindfulness, became certified in Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP), meditation instruction, breathwork, and Eriksonian hypnosis.

Seth came to First Community in July of 2022 in the role of Executive Director of Operations after having served in the role Chief Operations Officer of a technology services company for 13 years. Having experienced a re-awakened call to ministry he began the process to become a commissioned minister through the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in January of 2024. Subsequently, he accepted the invitation to serve as the Minister of the Spiritual Life & Learning beginning February 1, 2024.

Jen keeps the Spiritual Life & Learning Center afloat by staying on top of community e-mails and newsletters, event marketing and registrations, and all of the details that make our event offerings happen. If you attend an event, it’s guaranteed that Jen helped make it a reality. When you registered? Jen received the notification first. When you received a reminder about the event? Jen likely wrote the email and sent it to you. When you wore a name tag? Jen printed it. Jen is an invaluable member of our team.

Jerry joined FCC in 2018 and began serving on the Adult Learning Council which merged into the Spiritual Life and Learning Center.

A lifelong seeker for her own wellness and wholeness, she delights at helping provide experiences for individuals and groups to explore themselves and the world. Professionally she has been an organizational consultant, now in her own company and previously with Business of People working with private and public entities, and prior to that with L.E.A.D. Consultants working with religious organizations. Her background as a mental health therapist working with adults and as a family advocate with juvenile court continue to provide an appreciative perspective for anyone facing challenges. Her most recent endeavors focus on helping professionals to resource themselves more fully amidst the pressures of productivity and ethical dilemmas.

Jayne Kaylor has recently retired from a 47 year career in Human Resource with PNC bank. She has been active with First Community for 50 years. Spiritual Life & Learning Center is a major focus for her, with a dozen or so years assisting in the planning and preparations for speakers and activities within the center. “Learning about other faiths and spiritual practices has deepened my faith and my ability to connect more deeply with others and with the Divine.”

Abbey Jo is a school psychologist turned homeschooling mom who loves to volunteer for the Spiritual Life & Learning Center and as a Girl Scout leader.

Abbey Jo has been a member of First Community since 2007 and an active member of the Spiritual Life and Learning Team since 2017 when we brought Glennon Doyle as our 2017 Spiritual Searcher. She feels incredibly grateful to have found the SLLC community and loves working with the team to bring exciting (or calming) new programs to the center that impact and connect people.

In her free time, she enjoys camping, bike riding, crafting, and spending time with her husband and two children.

Jodi teaches our Group Spiritual Direction classes. Since 1998, Jodi has been leading yoga, mindfulness, meditation classes and is a Reiki practitioner. She is a graduate of the spiritual direction certification program at The Chaplaincy Institute Interfaith Seminary and Community in Berkeley, CA. Since 1998, Jodi has been leading classes in mindfulness, meditation, and yoga, and is a Reiki master teacher/practitioner offering all degrees of Reiki training. Jodi currently serves on the First Community Congregational Care Ministry Team.

Rose has had the privilege of serving the mission of The Spiritual Life and Learning Center as a volunteer since 2009. This meaningful work has included leading, collaborating and participating in programs and projects. The most important aspect is the connections within a beloved and wildly inclusive community. Professionally, Rose, worked in banking for Citibank, Chase (formerly Bank One) and most recently with PNC Bank. She worked with public finance clients across the Midwest. Rose is a native of Chicago’s South Side and a White Sox fan who came to Columbus for a new job and became an honorary Buckeye. Rose and her husband, Rich Wharton, a middle school teacher, and their sweet dog Sheba, live in Upper Arlington.

Our Team

the incredible people who make our community and our events special

Seth Stearns

Jen Bratka

Jerry Browning

Jayne Kaylor

Abbey Jo Griffith

Jodi Patton

Rose Konrath