Leadership

Being the youngest of four children, I am originally from rural NE MO (Knox County), and grew up on our family farm with my 3 siblings.  I graduated from Central Methodist College, majoring in Physical Education and Health. While there, I competed in three sports (volleyball, basketball and softball). My teaching career began at Knox County Schools (Edina, MO) teaching Physical Education and Health, coaching different sports, and serving as the school Athletic/Activities Director for some of those years. I was a basketball official for 30+ years, which I truly enjoyed—partly because I was working with young people and it kept me involved in sports. Although I felt a “call” to ministry from an early age, it took several years before I acted on that “calling”.

While teaching/coaching I began filling in at the pulpit occasionally. That led to a desire to do more in the ministry arena. Eventually I began pastoring several rural churches on a part-time basis while continuing to teach/coach. During this time I felt I was devoting most of my time to teaching and coaching, while ministry was getting whatever time was left over. In time, I felt my priorities were changing as I felt ministry was moving up on my priority list. I felt I was short-changing God and decided it was time for a change.

In 2008 I made the decision to go into full-time ministry. My first full-time appointment was at Clark County UM Parish for 11 years. My current appointment came in 2019 when I began serving at Unionville UMC in Putnam County. UUMC is a very community-oriented church family who takes pride in serving others and in supporting a wide array of community organizations and events. To reach me, you can call the church at 660-947-2270, or the parsonage by calling 660-947-3968.  Please leave a message if I do not answer. God has great plans for this church family and I am pleased to be a part of those plans.