Jaco Bester

Pastor

Pastor Bester graduated from the University of South Africa, was ordained in the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA) in 2010, and pursued continuing education at the University of Pretoria and Princeton Theological Seminary. He has served churches in a wide variety of cultural settings from small rural farming settings to large urban and sub-urban settings.

In describing the kind of ministry setting to which he felt called he said, “… to a congregation that places an emphasis on the need for a life-giving relationship with God, and one that holds to this relationship as the bedrock of her service to others. In other words; a congregation that takes discipleship seriously – both in her life of worship, her care for members and her outreach to others.”

Lou Zuck

Parish Associate

A native of LaPorte City, Iowa he spent 36 of his 40 years as a United Methodist minister. He received his bachelor’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan University, his Masters of Ministry from Anderson School of Theology and his Masters of Divinity from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.

He served 8 years as a chaplain (1st Lt.) in the Illinois Army National Guard. His community and mission activities reflect his caring heart and kind ways.

He and Lynn have been married for 42 years and upon retirement in 2013 moved to Punta Gorda where we have seen him singing in our choir, working in the Memorial Garden, providing pulpit supply, and participating on Habitat for Humanity workdays.

Ron Neal

Music Director/Organist

Ron was born in Charleston, WV, and has a Master of Music in Church Music Degree (organ and conducting) from Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJ. He did additional course work at the Royal School of Church Music in England, and with the education department of the Lutheran Church of Sweden. He also studied on historically significant organs in Germany, Holland, France and Sweden. He has served as an Organist/Choirmaster in several PCUSA congregations in New Jersey, Indiana, Virginia and West Virginia. Ron formerly served as organist at BSPC in 2018-2019.

Eric Jordan

Praise Team Director

Eric has been leading the music and singing in our contemporary service since 2011. With no formal musical training, Eric uses the experience of over twenty years of praise and worship team participation and a leaning on the Spirit to find the blend of music each week that helps bring the congregation into the presence of God. He strives to bring fresh contemporary music into worship each week, while retaining the songs that have meant so much to so many for so long.

Tammy Onorati

Office Assistant

Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Tammy and her husband, Bob moved to Florida in 2018. They have 4 adult children and 2 grandchildren that still reside north. Tammy enjoys the outdoors and spends much of her time in her garden and the beach. She has several years of administrative experience behind her and is looking forward to spend many more here at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church.

Catherine Murphy

Financial Administrator

Catherine Murphy is someone who believes that clarity and calm go a long way - especially when it comes to numbers. As the Financial Administrator at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, they take pride in turning financial complexity into clear, actionable insight.

I have spent my time making sense of the numbers, so others don't have to. With a solid background in financial reporting, budgeting, and keeping things compliant and organized, I've helped businesses like St. Vincent de Paul CARES, Family Church PC, and Okmulgee County Clerk's Office stay on track and make smarter decisions without the guesswork.

Over the years, I've handled everything from everyday bookkeeping to more complex audits and planning - bringing clarity, accuracy, and a calm head to the financial side of things. I'm known for breaking down tricky concepts into everyday language and keeping spreadsheets friendlier than they have any right to be.

When I'm not wrangling budgets or closing out month-end reports, you might find me painting a picture, reorganizing my bookshelf for fun, or pretending not to enjoy Excel as much as I actually do.

At the heart of it all, Catherine Murphy brings a thoughtful, people-first approach to her work - balancing precision with purpose...and maybe a little spreadsheet wizardry along the way.

Mike Willis

Facilities Manager

Mike Willis joined the BSPC Staff on Monday, June 7, 2020, bringing many years of experience with facilities management in Cape Coral. Originally from Chicago, Mike moved to southwest Florida in 1979. He is married to Brenda and they have 2 adult children & 3 grandchildren. He enjoys traveling (especially cruising) and is learning to golf. He works primarily mornings, overseeing all of our church's building needs. Please help welcome him to the family!

Brian LeBrun

Media Technician

Originally born in Aiken, South Carolina I spent 32 of my first 36 years in the Boston area. I moved to Tucson, AZ in 1994 and then to Punta Gorda in 2015 with fiance Kristine Bienema. I have 3 children and 3 grand daughters. I’ve been running sound for bands and events for over 30 years. In addition to being the media tech for BSPC, I work 2 other jobs: as a professional musician with The Mixed Up Duo and the Sunsets, and I work for Charlotte County as part of the event staff at the Charlotte Sports Park, working with the Tampa Bay Rays and their affiliates.

Kolson Kaminski

Media Tech Assistant

A native of Fort Myers, Florida, Kolson Kaminski is a dedicated and community-focused individual whose life reflects a strong commitment to faith and service. Rooted in family values and a passion for helping others, Kolson brings energy and a servant's heart to every role he undertakes.

He currently serves as the Creative and A/V Intern for the Florida Everblades, managing audio-visual systems and creative services for games and events. At church, Kolson serves as the Media Tech Assistant, ensuring smooth and engaging live streams and technical support during services.

Kolson has been involved with Young Life for over 10 years and spent three years as a Young Life leader, mentoring middle school students. This experience has deeply influenced his faith and leadership, fostering meaningful relationships and a heart for ministry.

Whether behind the camera or supporting technical needs, Kolson is known for his kindness, dedication, and willingness to serve. He continues to grow in faith and leadership, committed to making a positive impact in the church.

Staff