Michael Pater
Senior Minister

Telephone extension: 223

The Rev. Dr. Shannon Michael Pater joined Central on January 12, 2009. A native of Kansas, Michael has lived, studied, or ministered in Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, and Texas. Outside of local parish ministry, he has also served as chaplain to a day school and a major hospital. Dr. Pater's educational credentials include the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) from the Graduate Theological Foundation with postdoctoral studies at Christ Church, Oxford, and degrees from John Brown University, University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, Houston Graduate School of Theology, and a residency in clinical chaplaincy. Dr. Pater is trained in pastoral psychotherapist and his doctoral studies focused on clergy and congregational leadership development. He is a frequent consultant and coach to non-profit agencies, congregations, and pastors.  He was Chair of the Board of Directors of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa and is currently serving a six-year term on the UCC Local Church Ministries board.

Michael has been published in The Progressive Christian, quoted in The Washington Post, and was a frequent contributor to The Des Moines Register. His writings have focused on the intersection of faith and social justice and helping people rediscover and retool an engaged spirituality.

His personal interests include foreign and domestic travel, meditation, photography, and culinary adventures. He aspires to be a tea connoisseur and an ikebana master.

He may be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Ginnie Ferrell
Associate Minister for Children and Youth

(Telephone extension:  228)

The Rev. Ginnie Ferrell has served churches in Maine and Georgia since 1987. In Maine, Ginnie served as an Associate Pastor and as the Interim Pastor. On moving to Atlanta, Ginnie's involvement at First Congregational United Church of Christ included being a volunteer member of the Ministerial Team for 3 years in the late 90's with a focus on stewardship. From 1999 to 2004, Ginnie was the part-time Associate Minister for Children and Youth at Central Congregational United Church of Christ. She returned to the same position full-time in January 2008. She has served in many capacities in the larger church, most recently as Resource Center Liaison to the Southeast Conference United Church of Christ from 1999 to 2006 and presently as secretary of the Georgia-South Carolina Association. Other parts of her work life include years as a geologist, degrees in chemistry, a Maine Handicapped Skiing technician, an elementary school science teacher and one of the founders of Georgia Network for Nonviolent Communication. Ginnie's husband, Jack Raymer is a geologist. Ginnie may be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

J. Franklin Clark
Acting Director of Music and Organist

(Telephone extension: )

Dr. J. Franklin Clark is our Acting Director of Music and Organist. After completing one year of theological studies at the Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, “J. ” decided that his ministry to the church was in church ministry of music. His Master of Music Degree is from Boston’s New England Conservatory of Music. After serving as Organist and Choirmaster at Trinity Lutheran Church in Worcester, Massachusetts, J. accepted the position of Minister of Music at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, McLean, Virginia, a post he held for 37 years.

Tara McCrary
Office Manager

(Telephone extension: 221)

In May 1997, Tara joined Central's office staff as Administrative Assistant, and became Office Manager in 1999. Her undergraduate degree from North Carolina Central University is in Business Administration. Prior to coming to Central, Tara has worked in administrative positions in local churches and the Presbytery of New Hope, Rocky Mount , NC . She was raised in North Carolina . You may contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Helen Fredrick , LCSW
Plymouth Harbor Director

(Telephone extension: 225)


Helen directs Plymouth Harbor , the church's on-site program for older adults. She joined the staff in the fall of 2002. Helen brings a wealth of experience to her position from her years in education, health care and hospice. Her special interests are aging and issues that come with growing older. She may be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Johnny E. Wheeler
Church Custodian
Johnny came to Central's staff in 2000 from Monroe, Louisiana , where he was an expert in floor care and a qualified medical technician. His professional background includes supervisory positions at Caesar's Palace and El Rancho Hotel in Las Vegas , and extensive experience in automotive repair and engine overhauling. Johnny studied at Grambling State University.