St. Mark's United Methodist Church Staff

Meet The Staff Serving St. Mark's

We are blessed with a staff of gifted Christian leaders who, led by the Holy Spirit, seek to meet the spiritual needs of the church family and the community in which we live.

	Pastor Larry Keller : In my almost 9 years at St. Marks I have enjoyed being part of a Church that has roots and wings. Roots, as our Church has been serving Jesus Christ for over 50 years. At the same time we are open to new ways of being the Church for the Twenty-first Century. This looks like newly installed multi-media equipment in our Sanctuary, a new Director of Hispanic ministries, serving numerous families each week through our food pantry and Angel Food Ministry. We are a Church that is open to all people and not only "talks the talk," but "walks the walk" as disciples of Jesus Christ."
	Director of Music - Youth Director, Janet Carter:is responsible for Saint Mark's music ministry, directing the Chancel Choir and two adult handbell ensembles. She assists in worship planning, supports music ministry to children and youth whenever needed and directs seasonal cantatas and musicals. Janet's musical talents enhance the worship of Christ in many ways, including, piano accompaniment, vocal presentation, choral and bell choir arrangements, and the composition of original music. Our worship service on Sunday morning at 9:30am incorporates music, video clips and other visual elements on the screen at the front of the sanctuary. Janet leads the team that builds and operates the worship software that allows these elements to be used to worship. Janet has been Youth Director since 2004 and coordinates the various programs for youth (6-12th grade) including Sunday Morning youth Sunday School classes and Sunday afternoon youth group activities. Youth activities include games, special event outings, Bible Study, Small groups and annual Mission trips. Transforming Small Groups are very important to Janet and the ministry at Saint Marks. We believe that this is one of the ways Christians grow and deepen their faith. As we study and share together we learn to trust each other with the ups and downs of our lives and we are challenged and encouraged to continue to give our lives to God. Janet leads two Transforming Small Groups and co-ordinates the activities of several other groups that meet during the week. Janet hails from New Zealand. Her musical and spiritual gifts are a special blessing to the worship of God and to the St. Mark's congregation. Please contact Janet if you have any questions about Music, Small groups, youth or video ministries.
	Coordinator of Evangelism - Glendora Davis:
	Organist, Debbie Winter: provides worship leadership with organ and piano performance and accompaniment. Debbie is a member of the American Guild of Organists. She is a graduate of Baker University with a degree in Music Education
	Adminstrative Assistant, Denise McNally: manages the church office and is in charge of the publication all church communications. Denise is that friendly, and happy voice who greets us when calling the church. She also serves as the Wedding Coordinator for the church and those interested in getting married at St. Mark's should contact her at smumcdenise@yahoo.com. Denise is a member of the Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries, the Professional Church Secretaries International. Denise is a graduate of Shawnee Mission North.
	St. Mark's Pre-School Directors, Donna Collins(L), and Mary Barrett(R) with Preschool Teacher, Marilyn Hammond(Center): operate an excellent christian pre-school for children in the community. Mary and Donna joined the St. Mark's Pre-school shortly after its founding in 1970. All three teach the children, in direct classroom activities, the necessary skills to help prepare them for life in God's wonderful world.
	Director of Hispanic Ministry [San Marcos] Cruz Guerra
	Our Nursery Director -- Tina Besco