John Knox Presbyterian Church

The Pastor Nominating Committee is honored and thrilled to introduce Reverend Randy McGrady-Beach to you. He will be leading us in worship on Sunday, April 20, as our candidate for Pastor here at John Knox Presbyterian Church . We hope you will attend. You also have a chance to meet the family at the Holy Spirit Pot Luck on Saturday, April 19 at 5:30PM.

Randy grew up in California. Before eighth grade, he and his mother traveled around the world in 300 days. This was a life-changing experience and he was deeply touched by the poverty and disease he saw in India, Thailand and Hong Kong.

Randy and his wife, Joan, were married in California, and made their home in the San Jose area for 14 years. Joan was a teacher, and Randy started working at a bank with the intent of returning to graduate school. While in banking, he completed a Master of Christian Studies degree from New College Berkeley. After two years of working as a church administrator, Randy attended the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary to complete his Master of Divinity. Recently, he completed his dissertation for his Doctorate. Randy has been Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Reinbeck, Iowa since 1994, living out his passion to empower people to be faithful witnesses to the life-giving, but always challenging, gospel of Jesus Christ.

Joan is a talented artist and calligrapher and has been freelancing for 25 years. Six years ago she opened her own business, Grateful Heart Rubber Stamps & More, where she gained a reputation as a designer and teacher throughout central Iowa. She is an active member of the Calligraphic Arts Guild of Central Iowa, Cedar Falls Christian Writers Group and facilitates the women’s bible studies at their church.

Randy and Joan have three children, Ian, Emily and Alyssa. Ian recently graduated from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. Randy will have the privilege of officiating at the wedding of Ian and his fiancée, Jessica, on April 27. Emily attends Whitworth and is studying psychology, biology and theology while working as a nanny, and playing on three intramural teams. She plans to serve on a mission trip in Tanzania next January. Alyssa is a sophomore in high school and is looking forward to attending college to study psychology. She enjoys singing, dancing, acting and being a member of the high school speech team. All of their children have enjoyed participating in church mission trips to the Appalachian area of Kentucky and the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and helping with Vacation Bible School.

Randy’s favorite pastime is refereeing soccer. He especially enjoys the six-to-ten year olds since their exuberance is infectious and winning is of little concern for them. He also enjoys outdoor activities, reading, gardening, card games, chess and good conversation. His musical interests vary from classical to bluegrass.

We hope that you will enjoy getting to know Randy and his family as much as we have.

Yours, in Christ,

The Pastor Nominating Committee