Pastor
Rev. Gary A. Carter
gary.1stumckennett@sbcglobal.net
Gary was appointed to serve with the people of First United Methodist Church in Kennett beginning in September 2005. He began preparing for Ordained Ministry in 1986 when he began studies at St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City while serving as a Student Local Pastor at the United Methodist Church in Miami, MO and the Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church. He received a Master of Divinity Degree in May of 1989. Gary was Ordained an Elder in the Missouri East Conference of the UMC in May of 1991. Before moving to Kennett, Gary served with the people called United Methodist in the Leslie UMC, Casco UMC, Champion City UMC, First UMC Sikeston, Wellsville United Methodist Presbyterian, Middletown UMC, Licking UMC and Raymondville UMC.
Chris Wheeler was hired as Director of Youth and Family Ministry on June 1st, 2003, when 1st UMC, Kennett dedicated the new Christian Life Center. Chris is very involved in the life of First UMC; she belongs to the Serendipity Sunday School class, Sisters Circle, Administrative Council, Education Committee, Wednesday night Bible Study and Covenant Discipleship group, Building Usage Committee and the Lay Witness Mission team. Chris plans and programs youth activities, from children's church to senior high youth to Vacation Bible School; she plans outings for our Mature Methodist Travelers; coordinates the Soul Cafe, leads several small group Bible studies and organizes family activities for First UMC. Chris met her husband, John, at church camp. John still directs Sanctuary Kamp at Blue Mountain and Chris is a counselor there. They have three children, Alex, Katie, and Sarah.
JoBeth officially joined the staff at First UMC on May 29, 2007. She comes to us after several years with the Kennett Public Schools, serving as a Teacher's Aid.
Ron was recently hired as the First UMC Summer Youth intern. Some of his duties include aiding Chris in weekly youth meetings and other events, Summer Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Children's Church. Prior to Ron's internship he served in several capacites: Administrative Coucil, President of the Youth Group, Building Usage Committee, Sanctuary Choir, and Liturgist. Ron is a sophomore at Murray State University in Murray, KY. He will be spending the fall semester at Hunter College CUNY in New York, New York as part of the National Student Exchange Program.
Nursery and Housekeeper: Vickie Hamlett
Nursery Workers and Children's Church Leaders: Tina Qualls & Jackie ScogginsLibrarian: Barney Greenway
Maintenance: Roger Wheeler
Musicians
Emily Story
Jan McDaniel directs the Sanctuary Choir (Adult) and the Chancel Choir (4th-6th grade)
Daryl Wilcoxson directs the Youth Choir, accompanies the Sanctuary Choir and plays keyboard and leads the singing at "UpWords", our Contemporary Worship Service
Charolyn Hilburn directs the Carol Choir (1st - 3rd grade)
