Pastor John Benjamin "Ben" Mandrick
Pastor
Pastor Ben began serving Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in July 2024. After graduating from Fernandina Beach High School, he attended the University of North Florida, earning a degree in psychology with an emphasis on child psychology. He and wife Andrea were married in 2010.
While Andrea finished her education, Pastor Ben served as a child protection investigator for the State of Florida.
The couple then moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where Pastor Ben attended the Lutheran Seminary. He was ordained in 2015. After an internship at a Lutheran church in St. Paul, he served as pastor in Somerset, Pennsylvania, and in Guyton, Georgia.
Andrea, a CPA, and Pastor Ben have four children, ages 5, 7, 9, and 10, who now attend Fernandina Beach schools. Pastor Ben has a passion for being outside and engaged in group activities. He loves to swim, fish, and play tennis, while admitting that pickleball might be more tuned to his fitness level.
He plays an active part in all aspects of congregational life. He is dedicated to providing effective pastoral care in times of crisis and identifying gifts in lay leaders to further Prince of Peace’s mission and vision for the future of our community.
While Andrea finished her education, Pastor Ben served as a child protection investigator for the State of Florida.
The couple then moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where Pastor Ben attended the Lutheran Seminary. He was ordained in 2015. After an internship at a Lutheran church in St. Paul, he served as pastor in Somerset, Pennsylvania, and in Guyton, Georgia.
Andrea, a CPA, and Pastor Ben have four children, ages 5, 7, 9, and 10, who now attend Fernandina Beach schools. Pastor Ben has a passion for being outside and engaged in group activities. He loves to swim, fish, and play tennis, while admitting that pickleball might be more tuned to his fitness level.
He plays an active part in all aspects of congregational life. He is dedicated to providing effective pastoral care in times of crisis and identifying gifts in lay leaders to further Prince of Peace’s mission and vision for the future of our community.
Terry Smith
Church & Financial Secretary
Terry Smith conducts administrative office matters and financial duties assuring the smooth operation of our church. Terry’s prior experience in office administration provides a wide range of support in welcoming newcomers and addressing members needs whether by phone or in person.
She provides a positive attitude, strong problem solving and interpersonal skills along with the proper discretion to member’s needs. Terry also is the front line to a variety of outside vendors and resources utilized to further Prince of Peace’s mission.
Terry resides in Fernandina Beach, Florida with her husband Darren and daughter Faith. She is active at the First Presbyterian Church and her daughters High School Band events.
She graduated from Fernandina Beach High School in 1986 and attended the Florida Community College of Jacksonville.
She provides a positive attitude, strong problem solving and interpersonal skills along with the proper discretion to member’s needs. Terry also is the front line to a variety of outside vendors and resources utilized to further Prince of Peace’s mission.
Terry resides in Fernandina Beach, Florida with her husband Darren and daughter Faith. She is active at the First Presbyterian Church and her daughters High School Band events.
She graduated from Fernandina Beach High School in 1986 and attended the Florida Community College of Jacksonville.
Tyler Odom
Choir Director
Tyler coordinates and facilitates the music of worship services and special events held at Prince of Peace. He conducts Prince of Peace's choir and ensembles and provides an appreciation of sacred music and traditional and contemporary music.
Tyler is the Director of Bands at his alma mater, Fernandina Beach High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the University of North Florida. He is a guest performer and director with various local ensembles and enjoys playing in the pit at Amelia Musical Playhouse.
Tyler is the Director of Bands at his alma mater, Fernandina Beach High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the University of North Florida. He is a guest performer and director with various local ensembles and enjoys playing in the pit at Amelia Musical Playhouse.
Doug Embree
Organist
Doug works with the pastor and others to plan and coordinate the music at Prince of Peace worship services and special services. His past work experience include playing and directing both adult and children's choirs at Catholic and Congregational Churches in California, New Hampshire, and Florida.
He also has enjoyed volunteering, singing and sometimes playing and directing at Memorial United Methodist Church here in Fernandina Beach. He holds a bachelor's degree in music from the University of California, Riverside.
He also has enjoyed volunteering, singing and sometimes playing and directing at Memorial United Methodist Church here in Fernandina Beach. He holds a bachelor's degree in music from the University of California, Riverside.