Get to know
OUR STAFF
Rev. Jim Ewing
Jim Ewing is a North Carolina native, born and raised in Charlotte, where he graduated from West Charlotte Senior High. He pursued his higher education at Appalachian State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in German.
After returning to Charlotte, Jim worked in banking at First Union National Bank (now Wells Fargo), followed by a role at a small commercial real-estate appraisal firm. After several years, he felt a call to ministry and enrolled at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia.
Following his graduation from the seminary, Jim moved back to North Carolina and served as Chaplain for St. Andrews Presbyterian College for five years. He then served as an associate minister at Community Presbyterian Church in Pinehurst, NC for ten years. Most recently, Jim served as senior minister at Avondale Presbyterian Church for six years before accepting the call to First Presbyterian Church Newton.
In his personal life, Jim has been married for nineteen years to Carrie Tingen Ewing of Dunn, NC. Together they have a fourteen-year-old daughter, Emma, an eleven-year-old son, James, a geriatric hamster (Gary), five indestructible fish, and several unruly houseplants. Outside of church life, the family enjoys hiking in the mountains, watching Emma’s volleyball games, participating in events with James’ Boy Scouts, yard work, reading, watching 80’s movies, and live theater.
Jim shared that what he is most excited about in joining the First Presbyterian Church family is getting to know each of you. “I have found that the wonderful thing about serving in ministry is the congregation. Everyone has a faith story of life and love, and the secret surprise is … there is no ending to our story … because God is never finished with us. So let me buy you a cup of coffee and you can tell me a story.”
Pastor
LAURA SPARKS
Director of children, youth, and family ministryLaura has been part of the First Presbyterian Church of Newton family since birth, growing up in the life and ministry of the church. She is a graduate of Appalachian State University with a degree in Psychology. She lives in Newton with her husband and daughter.
As Director of Christian Education, Laura works to create meaningful opportunities for children, youth, and families to grow in their faith and feel a strong sense of belonging within the church. She oversees Christian education and programming for children from birth through fifth grade, as well as middle and high school youth, including opportunities for fellowship, service, mission, and spiritual growth.
Laura is passionate about helping children and youth discover that they are an important part of the church right now, not simply the church of the future. A special part of this ministry has been helping develop FPC Newton’s Sensory Room and other sensory-friendly resources. She is passionate about creating spaces where children of all abilities and needs can feel safe, supported, included, and fully part of the church family.
She also enjoys finding creative ways to equip families and volunteers to nurture faith beyond Sunday morning and helping build connections across generations within the FPC Newton family.
Her office hours are Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Brandon Winbush
Director of MusicBrandon is a 2017 graduate of ASU with a degree in Choral Music Education. He has taught at Watauga High School for six years, led award winning student choirs there, and has been Teacher of the Year. He has served as organist and music director for churches since 2016, and is clear that music and worship are essential pieces to his calling. Since the fall, he has returned to school, and anticipates continuing at UNC-G through completion of both Masters and Doctorate studies.
Office Administrator 
Kim Berry
Office Manager/Financial AssistantKim began her work at FPC Newton in 2002 as a part time receptionist and office assistant. She is now full-time office manager. She provides administrative and clerical support to the ministerial staff and the members of the congregation. Her hours are Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 5 pm and Friday, 9 am – 1 pm.
Barb Roithner
Barb has been married to her husband, Gary, for many years, and together they have been blessed with a wonderful family. Their daughter, Richelle, her husband, Konner, and their grandson, Kaden, are missionaries serving in South Africa. She is incredibly thankful for their family and for the work God has called Richelle and her family to do.
She feels truly called to serve at First Presbyterian Church of Newton and is grateful for the opportunity to be part of this church family. Her life verse is Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” This verse has guided her throughout her life and reflects the heart she brings to serving the staff, congregation, and community of First Presbyterian Church of Newton.