Brandon Barta

Hailing from the neighboring city of Charleston (go Trojans), Brandon's roots are deeply intertwined with First Presbyterian Church (FPC), having attended since before his birth, both figuratively and literally.

Graduating from Lake Land College with degrees in Computer Applications and Art, Brandon brings a unique blend of technical expertise and creative flair to his role within the church.

Since February 2018, he has diligently served as a sound booth operator and technical consultant, enriching the worship experience for the congregation. His journey took an unexpected and exciting turn in 2020 when Brandon began working with Reverend Matthew Froeschle to film and edit weekly video services, a venture that ultimately lead him to assume the role of Communications Director.

As a young enthusiast, Brandon's love for Star Trek was kindled during time spent watching Star Treks: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager with his father. He has been a dedicated Trekker ever since.

Beyond his church commitments, Brandon finds solace and joy in a diverse array of hobbies. Engaging in tabletop roleplaying games, such as Dungeons and Dragons, sparks his creativity and sense of adventure. Unwinding through the captivating realms of video games allows him to immerse himself in new worlds. Not confined by traditional art forms, he unleashes his culinary creativity in the kitchen. Additionally, the world of computer code captivates his problem-solving mindset and fuels his continuous desire to learn and grow.

Guided by a profound sense of purpose and a genuine love for the community he serves, Brandon aspires to leverage his artistic talents and technical skills to foster meaningful connections and enhance the outreach of FPC Mattoon. With an eye towards the future, he envisions expanding the church's impact by creating engaging communications that resonate with both the congregation and the broader community. Embracing his passion for technology and storytelling, Brandon endeavors to uplift, inspire, and connect with others, making a positive difference in the lives of those around him.