I grew up on a farm in Oklahoma and after a 13-year career as an Agronomist, responded to a call to ministry. Since then, I have served churches in the western part of Kansas, in Wichita and now we call Abilene our home. I enjoy playing my guitar, riding my motorcycle and finding places to park our motorhome to enjoy the presence of God in nature. What a joy to be part of First United Methodist Church!

I joined the staff at First UMC in November, 1998, and served several years as the church secretary. During that time I witnessed the joy and growth of faith for those who were involved in our church through service or group studies. Through that experience I became passionate about introducing people to First UMC and helping them feel connected. If this is your first introduction to First UMC or even if you have been part of our church for a long while, please take a moment to see what we have to offer - First UMC has many great opportunities for you to help guide you in your faith journey.

This is my seventh year as Music Director at First UMC-Abilene. I was born in central Kansas but grew up and attended school/college in Missouri and Texas. I taught public school in Missouri for 6 years. I have given 13 years of full-time service in church music ministry in Decatur, Alabama, suburban Chicago, and Salt Lake City.

Musically speaking...whether it's vocal, instrumental, or keyboard...there is something for everyone at First UMC. I believe that choir practices should be fun and productive while praising God through the art of music!

I joined the staff at First United Methodist Church in August, 1999. My educational background includes a degree in Special Education from the University of Arizona and one unit in Clinical Pastoral Education that I completed in 2001.

I am part of a team including our pastor and volunteers, that oversees the pastoral care of our congregation. This team reaches out to those who are ill, shut-in, or experiencing grief. We have a very caring congregation that expresses love, compassion, and support for others in many ways. It is a special blessing to serve as Director of Caregiving Ministries.

I graduated in 2009 at Kansas Wesleyan University majoring in Religion. I am from Great Bend, where I graduated from Great Bend High in 2005 and went to Barton County Community College and graduated from there in 2007. I was raised in the FUMC of Great Bend, where I became an active member for ten years.

I really love working with children and youth because they are the future of the Church.

I was born and raised in central Kansas, living and working on the farm while growing up. I spent 23 years in the U.S. Army and came to the Abilene-Enterprise area in 1988. Since joining First United Methodist Church in 2002, I have found my church home and have enjoyed being a part of our church staff.