Rebecca Ahaus
Office Manager
Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN
Education: I have a degree in Visual Communications with a focus in Photography.
Work background: I’ve been doing professional portrait/lifestyle photography for over 10 years and have held several project management positions in the past.
Favorite thing about Tapestry: I love the welcoming family atmosphere at Tapestry.
Favorite Scripture: Hebrews 11:1
What I like to do for fun: Anything active with my husband and children.
One thing most people don’t know about me: I am number 4 of 8 children. There are 4 girls and 4 boys in my family, and it alternates, boy, girl, boy, girl… all the way from number #1 to #8.
Favorite quote: “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” – Ansel Adams
Tara Bradley
Musician
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Education: Bachelor of Science in General Music from the University of Indianapolis, and I am continuing my education in Music Therapy at UIndy.
Work background: Along with worship band, I work as a house manager of the Ruth Lily Performance Hall.
Favorite thing about Tapestry: I love seeing the warm smiles of our Tapestry family from across the room and going immediately over for hugs. I am not inherently a hugger, but I can't resist hugs and smiles every Sunday morning! They are what I look forward to every week.
Favorite Scripture: Psalm 121:1-8
What I like to do for fun: I love playing guitar/piano/mandolin and singing, and I enjoy reading, writing, and making collages. I am also in love with God's creation and love being out in nature whenever I can.
One thing most people don’t know about me: My family nickname is Tara-dactyl (pterodactyl)
Favorite quote: “We acquire the strength we have overcome.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sue Dykes
Pianist, Organist, Accompanist
Hometown: Brownstown, IN
Education: Bachelors and Masters of Science in Music Education
Favorite thing about Tapestry: The people and the music.
Favorite Scripture: Psalm 46:10
What I like to do for fun: Garden, walk the dog, travel and bicycle
One thing most people don’t know about me: I’ve performed at Carnegie Hall twice!
Jane Kixmiller
Director of Senior Ministry
Hometown: Vincennes, IN
Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (ISU) and Master of Science in Elementary Education (Butler)
Work background: I taught elementary education for 33 years.
Favorite thing about Tapestry: The ties that are being strengthened as our faith journey continues.
Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:6
What I like to do for fun: Work outdoors and lay in the sun!
One thing most people don’t know about me: I played GAA basketball and volleyball in high school
Favorite quote: “It is what it is!”
Amy McCartt
Nursery Caregiver
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Education: I am a Chatard graduate and an IU grad.
Favorite thing about Tapestry: I love the people at Tapestry – the warm, welcoming, accepting nature of everyone you meet.
What I like to do for fun: I enjoy reading, biking, hiking, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.
Favorite quote: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” Dr. Seuss
Marcia McKinney, RN BSN
Faith Community Nurse and Director of Health Ministries
Hometown: Brownstown, IN
Education: I received my Associates of Nursing in 1983 and then completed by Bachelors of Nursing from Ball State University in 1990. I completed the Faith Community Nurse course and was commissioned at Uindy.
Work background: I worked hospital Medical/Surgical units, Critical Care, Cardiac, and Home Health as a staff nurse and later management. I retired in 2013 as Manager of Education and Orientation in the Education Department for all three hospitals and also was the Liaison for all the Schools of Nursing that came to Franciscan Health.
Favorite thing about Tapestry: You are accepted and loved no matter who you are.
Favorite Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:10
What I like to do for fun: Cooking, spending time with family, going to Florida and playing with Ollie!
One thing most people don’t know about me: In high school, I played the saxophone.
Favorite song: Make me a blessing.
Kyrmen Rea
Minister of Visitation and Worship
Hometown: Columbus, IN
Education: I have my Bachelor of Arts in Communications from IUPUI and will receive my Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Spring 2020.
Work background: I have served Presbyterian, United Methodist, American Baptist, and Disciples of Christ congregations. I’ve also home educated my kids for 17 years and have worked in multiple youth theater ministries in the community.
Favorite thing about Tapestry: I am glad to be part of a church that has the courage and boldness to try something new.
Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13
What I like to do for fun: I love classic movies! Favorite actors include Jimmy Stewart, Sidney Poitier, and Gregory Peck. My favorite Friday night treat is going to the Artcraft Theater in Franklin to see a classic with my kids.
One thing most people don’t know about me: I’m generally not a fan of snack foods, but I cannot resist movie theater popcorn at the Artcraft.
Favorite quote: “To love another person is to see the face of God.” Victor Hugo
Shannon Sedgwick
Director of Children & Youth
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Theology from Ohio Wesleyan University
Work background: I’ve worked at Tapestry since October of 2011.
Favorite thing about Tapestry: The youth. Seriously! I love their energy, drive to give back, questions and sageness.
Favorite Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12
What I like to do for fun: Craft. Read. Hike. Bake/Cook. Be silly. Spend time with people I love.
One thing most people don’t know about me: I’ve been to 5 of the 7 continents.
Favorite quote: “Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place”. Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Sarah Smith
Musician
Hometown: Fairland, IN
Education: BS in Music with a concentration in Music Technology & Recording as well as Music Theory & Composition, from the University of Indianapolis
Favorite thing about Tapestry: Sorry, I can’t narrow it down to a single thing…I love the community. I love the volunteers that greet, welcome, and notice new faces. I love the voices that make up the congregation. I love the message that Tapestry is sharing. I have since the first time I ever set step into the church.
Favorite Scripture: 1“Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.” Hebrews 2:18
What I like to do for fun: In my spare time, I am often collaborating with local musicians for an upcoming radio show or planning festivals to promote them. I also enjoy video gaming, listening to live music, running/hiking/kayaking, and writing music with my little brother.
One thing most people don’t know about me: I’ve had a “pet” alligator that lived in a drainage ditch outside of my apartment when I was a kiddo. His name was Charlie and my brothers and I would feed him sliced ham and cheese.
Favorite quote: “Change is the only constant in life.” -Heracleitus
Elaine Wells
Bookkeeper
Hometown: Elkhart, IN
Education: Graduate of IU with a Bachelor of Science in Business
Work background: Over 30 years of experience in Accounting
Favorite thing about Tapestry:The people!
Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 1:5
What I like to do for fun: yard work
One thing most people don’t know about me: I am the eighth of twelve children.
Favorite quote: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
Karri Lynn York
Director of Music
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Education: Doctor of Music in Voice-Indiana University, The Jacobs School of Music
Work background: Voice Faculty at IUPUI, Anderson University and University of Indianapolis
Favorite thing about Tapestry: The people and talented musicians.
Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 3:5
What I like to do for fun: Go to the Caribbean and sit on the beach
One thing most people don’t know about me: I enjoy hula hooping.
Favorite quote: “If you believe you are old, you will be.” Judy Donovan
Diane Zehr
Interim Senior Minister
Hometown: Carmel, IN
Education: Masters of Divinity
Work background: 35 years of ministry in Indiana, Kentucky and for the General Church
Favorite thing about Tapestry: The congregation’s willingness to see a bigger picture and take the risk to make good things happen.
Favorite Scripture: “Speak the truth in love.”
What I like to do for fun: Garden, play with cats and time with friends.
One thing most people don’t know about me: I lived in Canada for 7 years.
Favorite quote: “Is the life I’m Iiving the life that wants to live in me?” Parker Palmer