Meet Our Team

The Reverend Eddie Bellis
Pastor

​The Reverend Edward “Eddie” Bellis began his ministry at Cypress Lake Presbyterian in February 2021, after serving several churches in NC as Transitional Pastor from 2013 until 2021. Prior to his time in NC, he served several churches from Maryland to Florida. He attended NC State University for his undergraduate degree in Textile Materials and Management. He attended the Presbyterian School of Christian Education (PSCE) for his Master of Arts in Education and Union Seminary in Richmond for his Master of Divinity. He is thrilled and excited to be in SW Florida, which he considers home. He is recently married to his new bride, Laura. He loves to read, tell bad puns and jokes, and be outside.

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The Reverend Joel Ajo-Fernandez
Pastor - Spanish Speaking Ministries

Pastor Joel is the pastor of Spanish speaking ministries at CLPC.  A seminary trained and ordained pastor, Joel comes from Cuba where he served as the Methodist Bishop of Havana.  After entering the United States, Pastor Joel served several churches (including a United Methodist/Presbyterian church in New Jersey).  He is honorably retired and lives in Cape Coral with his wife. He would enjoy hearing from you, his email is Joel@clpc.us .

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John Ferris
Praise Team Leader

John, a native of Fort Myers (yes, there really are people that were born and grew up here) is a devout Christian musician.  Proficient on the guitar, piano and drums, John brings years of experience singing and leading praise bands.  He is a Director of Life Enrichment working in assisted living and memory care. Music therapy is John’s passion to reach people with Alzheimer’s and dementia and to serve the elderly community. 
John would love to hear from you, his email is John@clpc.us .

Rachel Carrier
 Director of  Traditional Worship

Rachel comes to us from Dayton, Ohio where she has led music, drama and Christian education, having years of experience in leading church growth by serving Christ.  Rachel has a remarkable voice, is a gifted pianist, but most importantly, has a contagious enthusiasm for Jesus
Christ. 

She would  love to hear from you at Rachel@clpc.us .

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Lay Leadership

In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), a unique aspect of church leadership is the involvement of lay leaders, or members of the congregation. At CLPC, the Session provides general oversight and administration for our church. The current members of Session are listed below next to the ministry team each member serves on (Support, Church and Community, Disciplemaking, and Worship).

2021 Session
The Rev. Eddie Bellis
The Rev. Joel Ajo-Fernandez
Gordon Coffman, Clerk of Session
Alberto Reyes
Mike Scullion, Finance
Carlos Vasquez
Nick LoPresti, Support
Bob Hoschner, Support
Karen Clifford, Worship
Hal Slusher, Worship
Elena Garcia, Worship
Wanda Bishop, Church and Community
Chris Giesecke, Church and Community
Tim Baldwin, Disciplemaking