PASTORS
Rev. Jason Ríos
Lead Pastor
Pastor Jason leads through preaching, worship leadership, visioning, supervising staff, and engaging in pastoral care.
Laura Sambrick
Associate Pastor
Pastor Laura leads the ministries of Discipleship, Outreach, and Pastoral Care.
Christian Faux
Minister of Youth and Young Adults
Christian oversees all activities for youth and young adults in the church. He also manages all the technical parts of our ministry, including the livestream worship & YouTube.
Faith Kickery
Coordinator of Children's Ministry
Faith oversees our children’s ministry program, including Sunday school, Children’s Church and events like our annual VBS.
MINISTRY
Dr. Brian Norcross
Worship and Music Director
Brian is the Director of Music and oversees all musical activities for sanctuary worship. He directs the Chancel Choir, selects music, hymns, and service music, selects musicians, and administers sound and lighting for sanctuary services.
Peter Omundsen
Organist, Bell & Youth Choir Director
Peter is the church organist and is the longest tenured staff member at First UMC! He directs the Chapel (youth) Choir and the Wesley Handbell Choir.
Brian Close
Contemporary Worship Leader
Brian is the worship leader for our 9:30 AM Contemporary Service and plans and leads worship each Sunday. Contact Brian if you would like to be part of our vibrant service!
Brian Lehman
Resident Artist
Brian endeavors to activate the visual arts in the worship experience. FUMC's goal of connecting people to their faith through the arts is paramount in his role. Parishioners experience this through classes, art shows, live art and seasonal installations.
Joan Thao
Director of Communications
Joan handles the majority of the communication pieces at First UMC, including social media posts, website maintenance, advertising, digital pieces for special events, newsletters, reports, and weekly email announcements.
Jan Betty
Director of Children's Choirs
Jan directs 2 children’s choirs at First Church. The Carol Choir is for children in 3rd through 6th grade, and meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM. The Cherub Choir is for children 3-years-old through 2nd grade and meets Saturdays at 10:30 AM.
Beth Bjerklie
Nursery Care
Beth cares for the littlest members of our family and provides a fun, safe space for them to begin their journey with Jesus!
Karen Senkowski
Director of Congregation Care
Karen coordinates pastoral care. This care includes hospital & home visitation, transportation to appointments & Sunday services, providing meals, prayer shawls, grief care, and sending cards & packages.
Ashley Richter
Discovery Corner Academy Director
Ashley directs the Discovery Corner Academy Program at First Church. Click HERE to learn more about Discovery Corner and its staff.
OFFICE STAFF
Sharon Heagy
Church Secretary
Sharon handles the clerical needs of the staff and congregation and assists those who come to the church during the week. She is in charge of the bulletin and newsletter, and of keeping the information flowing smoothly to the congregation.
Katherine Spear
Membership Secretary
Katherine's primary role is to oversee the care of First Church's membership records, but she also serves in many capacities to help First Church run smoothly.
Pam Young White
Bookkeeper
Pam oversees all financial bookkeeping at First Church.
Mariam Hazkial
Staff Accountant
Mariam oversees staff accounting.
FACILITIES
Mark Anderson
Facilities Director
Mark brings a wealth of experience in building operations. He oversees maintenance, room rentals, and the use of the building.
Jesus Perez
Head Custodian
Jesus is our full-time custodian, working evenings and Sundays. He is the first smiling face you will see coming to church on Sunday mornings!
Donald Groff
Custodian
Donald works as our part-time custodian.
Kevin Brantley
Custodian
Kevin works as our morning part-time custodian.