Born and raised in Michigan, Lex is a native Midwesterner. She grew up and practiced faith in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod before discerning a call to ministry and becoming Presbyterian in 2016. Reflecting on that time and transition to a new denomination, Lex cherishes the deep relationships that nurtured her faith and encouraged her in ministry. 

Lex is a graduate of Michigan State University (B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies) and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary (M.Div), and previously served churches in Ann Arbor, MI; Austin, TX; and Indianapolis, IN. After many months of prayer and anticipation, she began ministry at First Presbyterian Church in August of 2022. First Pres Paducah is the sixth Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) church Lex has served. 

Lex’s passions include deep theological conversations, service in the community, and welcoming all people to church. She feels deeply connected to the sacraments of the PC(USA), as they are true signs of God’s presence in our daily lives. Lex also loves being adventurous, trying new restaurants and traveling to new places, spending time with family and friends, and gardening (though she’s not very good). 

Favorite Bible Verses: John 14:27; Hebrews 11

Favorite Books: The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexander Dumas), The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini), Life Together (Dietrich Bonhoeffer), and the Outlander series (Diana Gabaldon)

Whitni grew up on a farm in Princeton KY, and was raised as a preacher’s kid in several Southern Baptist churches. She is a graduate of Baylor University (B.A. in English literature and environmental studies) and the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law. Before joining the staff of FPC Paducah, she practiced law at Boehl Stopher & Graves, then served as staff attorney for United States District Judge Edward H. Johnstone. 

On weekends home from law school, Whitni began attending worship services at FPC Paducah. She joined the church in 2000 and married Dan Stratemeyer here in 2003. The Stratemeyers reside in Paducah with their sons, Henry and Harrison, and their dog, Huckleberry. Some of Whitni’s favorite church activities include Wonderful Wednesdays, family night suppers, youth group card games, NUFFs outings, community kitchen, and all things Montreat. Outside of church, the Stratemeyer family enjoys biking, exploring national parks, and playing trivia at Hugo’s Mexican Grill.

An avid reader across genres, some of Whitni’s favorite spiritual authors include Thomas Merton, Kate Bowler, Barbara Brown Taylor, Greg Garrett, and John Muir. She enjoys both American Renaissance and Victorian-era British literature, and the poetry of Wendell Berry and Mary Oliver. The Bible stories closest to Whitni’s heart are John’s account of Jesus’ interaction with the woman at the well and Jesus’ parables of the lost in Luke 15; her favorite scriptures are Micah 6:8 and Isaiah 55:12. 

Whitni is passionate about helping youth to find their voice and calling within the context of their faith, and creating opportunities for fellowship and service. 

In addition to serving at First Presbyterian Church, Jim is an Associate Professor of Music Education and Organ Instructor at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Jim earned a Doctor of Music Education degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, where he studied organ and church music with Dr. Marilyn Keiser and Dr. Larry Smith. Additionally, he earned a master’s degree in education from Lehigh University and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in music from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania. 

Originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania, Jim has previously served congregations and schools in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Indiana, Louisiana, and Texas.