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 Joyce Bradley - Faith Community Nurse
(born in a farm house near Orange City, Iowa on March 2)
Family Facts: I am married to Ron Bradley - met him in the operating room in Minneapolis, MN. We have 2 wonderful children. Kevin, his wife and 2 children live in Omaha, NE; he works as a Senior Program Analyst for Union Pacific. Lori and her family live in Wentzville, MO; she is a stay at home mother and home school teacher to her 5 children. We are blessed with 7 beautiful and grandchildren.
Education: Ongoing!
The most important thing I do around here is: To reclaim the churches commitment to follow Jesus' example of "holistic" ministry of body, mind, and spirit.
A few things about me: I retired from full time hospital nursing in order to expand my Faith Community Nursing practice. I like Gospel, Cityscape, and lite Classical music. Keeping active is important to me and I do so by bike riding and exercising. In my spare time I like to read, do craft projects - needlepoint and scrap booking - for my children and grandchildren.
One way folks can pray for me: Pray that I may help others to experience the healing power of God in their body, mind and spirit.
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 Jill Chaloupka - Treasurer
(born in Crete, Nebraska on November 16)
Family Facts: I have been married to Mike, my high school sweetheart for 23 years and have two awesome children, Abbey and Nathan.
Education: B. S. from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln
The most important thing I do around here is: I do the paper work around here - checks, bulletins, financial reports, and any thing else that deals with numbers.
A few things about me: I love spending time with my family - I enjoy camping, riding bikes, playing cards, etc.. When I have time, I like to sew, quilt, and scrapbook. Mike and I have fun doing our own mini "home makeovers". I grew up on TV so love watching it - among my favorites are Amazing Race, Survivor, Biggest Loser, and CSI.
One way folks can pray for me: Please pray that I continue to grow in my faith and that I have the courage to follow God's calling.
Email Jill at: jchaloupka@kearneyfumc.org
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 Carolyn Gillespie - Secretary
(born in Lansing, Michigan on June 8)
Family Facts: Husband - Kent; three lovely children: Sofia, Chloe, and Isaac; one dog, Grace, and one cat, Curry (and hourly fights between them).
Education: B. S. from William Jewell College - but my real education comes from my family on a daily basis.
The most important thing I do around here is: Keep the office running (with help from Jill!) and be a cheerful face at the church.
A few things about me: I really love to sing (that's probably not a surprise to most people). I also enjoy watching my kids play soccer, and going on mission trips whenever possible.
One way folks can pray for me: That no matter how my life may change, that I will always keep my heart on God and His redeeming grace.
Email Carolyn at: office@kearneyfumc.org
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 Ken Greiner - Choir Director
(born in St. Joseph, MO on June 6)
Family Facts: Married to Ann and we have two children, Sarah Martens and John. Sarah and Andy Martens also have blessed us with 3 granddaughters (Tess, Kate and Jane).
Education: BS and MS in Music Education from NWMSU.
The most important thing I do around here is: Responsible for the music in the 8:15 and 10:45 services and also direct the Sunrise Singers and the Chancel Choir in those services.
A few things about me: I am a retired music educator and taught in the MO Public Schools System for 30 years. All of my part-time jobs have something to do with music in one way or another. I love to play golf, listen to music of all kinds (as long as it's performed well) and spend time with my kids and granddaughters.
One way folks can pray for me: Pray that the music that I select and rehearse will honor God, and be a blessing to the congregation and the choirs.
Email Ken at: kenagreiner@yahoo.com
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 Amy Irsik - Preschool Director
(born in Fort Worth, Texas on December 6)
Family Facts: My husband Daryl and I grew up in Kearney. We moved back here, after 7 years out of state to raise our three children: Ethan - 10, Eli - 7, and Eden - 4.
Education: B.S. from SMSU (now MSU) in Springfield in Elementary Education and Early Childhood.
The most important thing I do around here is: I play a very small part in educating the wonderful preschoolers who attend Joyful Noise Preschool.
A few things about me: I enjoy watching my two boys play sports. Our weeks are full of games and practices. I love playing games, watching movies and spending time with my family. When I find a little time to myself I enjoy reading and scrap booking.
One way folks can pray for me: Pray for full enrollment next year for the Joyful Noise Preschool.
Email Amy at: joyfulnoise@kearneyfumc.org
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 Lou Marchbank - Sunday Morning Nursery Coordinator
(born in St. Louis, MO on June 2)
Family Facts: Gary and I have been married for 40 years and have 4 children. Steve is a pediatrician, and is married to Delara. Sara is a probation and parole officer for the State of Missouri. She and her husband, Drew Lemberger, live in Rocheport, Missouri with their son, Bacchus. Jessica is the director of Byron (IL) Historical Museum, and lives with her husband, Seth McCanse and our first grandchild, 20 month old Grayson, in Oregon, IL. Josh teaches 8th grade reading in the Park Hill school district, and will soon be married to Courtney Sutton.
Education: I attended Drury Univeristy in Springfield, MO.
The most important thing I do around here is: Give loving and attentive care to infants and toddlers so their parents can fully enjoy and participate in worship and/or Sunday School, knowing that their little ones are safe and happy.
A few things about me: I love to garden -- both flowers and fruits and vegetables. I had an in-home daycare for 25 years, retiring in 2006 when Gary retired from the Children's Division of the State of Missouri. For the past 10 years, I've been the coordinator for a 70-family natural foods buying club. And yes, it's true -- after retirement you are busier than ever!
One way folks can pray for me: To help me remember that all things are in God's hands.
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 Brady McNellis - Praise Team Worship Leader/Youth Assistant
(born in North Kansas City, MO on July 12)
Family Facts: I am the third of four brothers. I am single and loving it.
Education: B.A. in Computer Science with a minor in Sociology from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa.
The most important thing I do around here is: I try to give the praise team everything they may need to lead the congregation in music for a meaningful worship experience. I also form relationships with the youth and try to make them feel included and comfortable when they are here for youth events.
A few things about me: I like singing and playing music. I like all sports but soccer is easily my favorite. I enjoy reading, especially what others have to say about spirituality and Christianity. Sometimes I read boring computer books for fun too. I really like nature/camping/hiking.
One way folks can pray for me: That I can listen for God and know what He is calling me to do, and then actually do it. That I can genuinely love people the way I know I should in my head but have so much trouble doing in my heart.
Email Brady at: BradyAlanMcNellis@gmail.com
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 Michelle Overstreet - Pianist
(born in North Kansas City, MO on April 24)
Family Facts: Daughter, Katie, age 6. Parents, Jim and Pat Munkirs are longtime members of the KUMC as were grandparents, Wallace and Hazel Munkirs.
Education: Bachelor of Science of Business Administration with a Major in Accounting; MBA from University of Central Missouri.
The most important thing I do around here is: Support the choir and music director. I also wear some other hats including serving as Chair of Finance Committee and Vice- Chair of Adminstrative Council.
A few things about me: In my day job, I serve as the Chief Financial Officer of the United Way of Greater Kansas City. I love travel, sports and all of the things that go along with being a Mom.
One way folks can pray for me: Pray that my music touches those that hear it.
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 Lynda Thummel - Youth Director
(born in Smithville, MO on May 5th)
Family Facts: Husband - Jason; one adorable child: Gavon; one dog-brother: Royals. Gavon named our puppy a couple months prior to us agreeing to adopt and now we can't imagine life without them playing and fighting with each other.
Education: Bachelors of Science from the University of Central Missouri.
The most important thing I do around here is: Connecting with students and encouraging them to grow closer to God in their personal relationship with Him.
A few things about me: I love spending time with my immediate and extended family. The three of us enjoy exercising and spending as much time outside - weather permitting. I love all types of sports and enjoy reading. I enjoy going to movies but find lately I only get to see the animated movies.
One way folks can pray for me: Wherever I find myself on life's journey that I will continue to focus on God and live my life to glorify Him.
Email Lynda at: lthummel@kearneyfumc.org
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 Loree Wohlfarth - Pianist
(born in Gary, IN on March 15)
Family Facts: My immediate family lives in the Kansas City Area, which makes KC a good place to be.
Education: Bachelor Degree in Human Relations and Management.
The most important thing I do around here is: Assist in the worship experience.
A few things about me: I enjoy almost all types of music, old movies, traveling and anything to do with water - liquid or frozen.
One way folks can pray for me: That the music I play will reflect God's love.
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Facilities Care
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Donald Huff - Custodian
Emily Truster - Custodian
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