Ministry Team
Chris entered the Gospel ministry late in life after careers in education and the military. He was called to be pastor at First Southern Baptist Church of San Lorenzo in October, 2006.
In addition to being senior pastor at First Southern, Chris also leads seminars at local churches and ministers at San Quentin Prison. Chris has a missionary heart and is president of "Come and See Africa International", going to Rwanda on mission twice a year.
Chris has been married to Kim for 30 years and is the father of two sons, Zachary and Simon Foreman. He spent 20 years in the army, retiring as a major in 1994. Dr. Foreman received his Ph.D. from the University of Oregon in 1983 and his M.Div from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in 2003. If you want learn more about Pastor Chris, he has maintained a personal archive website since 1996, now at glory4ever.net.
Favorite verses: "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." [2 Corinthians 4:5-7]
Pastor Chris is also leader of the "Rainbow Team" (the deacons and families)
This in Ken Hillard and the Green Team
ARTICLE ABOUT SHAUNA: We were actually able to surprise her, and that’s not easy to do, with Shauna Shoptaw. But, we wanted to honor her for over 10 years of faithful, excellent service as leader of the music program at First Southern. The church family presented Shauna with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a monetary gift. It happened to be the Sunday just before her birthday, too, so it fit right in.
It was easy to find nice things to say in tribute to Shauna. With her leadership and encouragement the choir has presented a cantata or special musical every Christmas, and on many Easters as well, over the last 10 years. She takes the time each week to choose music that prepares the worshippers for the Sunday morning sermon. She works hard to involve as many people as possible in the complete music program of the church.
Several years ago, Shauna was honored as the volunteer music director of the year among all Southern Baptists in California. She is recognized as a talented singer in neighboring churches, and throughout the State. Our church is blessed beyond measure to have her!
When she’s not working on the music for our worship services, she is the librarian at Canyon Middle School in Castro Valley. One can often find Shauna performing in a play or musical at a local theater. She recently put together a spelling bee for children at the county library in San Lorenzo. She stays very busy!
God has richly blessed Shauna in many ways. He has richly blessed First Southern by bringing her to our church. Thank you, God, for Shauna!
Caryl manages the office at First Southern. Hers is the angelic voice that you hear when you telephone the church at 276-3688.
Caryl puts together and publishes the weekly bulletin and the monthly newsletter. She updates this web site and spends hours on the phone conversing with church people. She diligently does all the little things that are needed to keep this church humming.
Caryl has been with First Southern since 2001 and has been secretary since 2002. Her husband, Bob, is also an active church member and outdoorsman. Their son Todd serves in the army. Their household includes two hunting dogs; Mandy and Misty.
Favorite Bible verse: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
Al is deacon of the Blue Team and, for 2007, he is chairman of the deacon board.
Al has been a deacon since 1976. He also serves as church treasurer, and teaches an adult Bible study class each Sunday. He enjoys singing in the choir, and occasionally leads the congregational singing.
He recently retired after 37 years as a truck driver for several Bay Area companies. Now he spends his time doing "handyman" jobs for the pastor, church members, and family. So far, he is enjoying retirement!
Al and Jane have been married for over 37 years. They have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. They have been members of First Southern since 1974.
Favorite Verse: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
This is Ken Day
John King is deacon of the Siver Team (Hi-o Silver Away!) He has served as deacon since 1979. He also oversees designated funds for the church and assists with sound during church services.
He worked for AT&T for 33 years and retired in 1987. He enjoys working with stained glass and taking care of grandkids.
John has been married to Roberta for almost 50 years. He has 3 daughters and ten grandchildren (3 girls and 7 boys). They have been members of First Southern since 1985.
His favorite verse is Revelation 1:8 "I am the Alpha and Omega" says the Lord God, "who is and was and who is to come, the Almighty"
Mike Fortner - Deacon of Gold Team
Mike and Char have been married for almost 37 years. He and Char have two children (James & Margaret Ann). Mike sometimes teaches the Adult Sunday School class. He loves to sing about Jesus, by himself, in a duet, quartet, or a choir, and with the believers. He plays several instruments and likes to lead congregational singing.
Mike was in the Navy for several years. He worked in the Tele Com industry for over twenty-five years. Now he is working with helping people, churches, and organizations prepare for disasters.
Mike likes to share Jesus with other people: those that know who Jesus is and those that don’t who Jesus is. He also likes to pray for others. He also like to do pulpit supply when a church needs someone to preach.
Mikes life verse is Acts 20:24: "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God".
E-mail Chris
