Menu

Staff

Who should I ask?

If you aren’t sure who to contact, please call the Main Church Office at 817-336-7277 and speak to our Receptionist, Donna Smith.

Adult Education
Rev. Linda McDermott | lmcdermott@myfumc.org | 817-339-5064

Children’s Ministries
Mark Burrows | mburrows@myfumc.org | 817-339-5097

Choirs, Special music programs
Thomas Williams |twilliams@myfumc.org | 817-339-5074

Communications
Clint Church | cchurch@myfumc.org |  817-339-5087

Discipleship, Grace Groups, Young Professionals
Dr. Zhenya Gurina-Rodriguez | zgurina@myfumc.org | 817-339-5067

eleven:eleven, Disaster Relief
Rev. Tom McDermott | tmcdermott@myfumc.org | 817-339-3881

Facilities, Use of rooms & spaces
Sandy Williams | swilliams@myfumc.org | 817-339-5092

First Street Methodist Mission
Linda Murphy | lmurphy@firststreetmission.org | 817-339-2404

The Gathering
Rev. Lance Marshall | lmarshall@myfumc.org | 817-339-5078

Hospitality, Guests & New Members, Joining FUMCFW, United Methodist Women
Lisa Helm | lhelm@myfumc.org | 817-339-2403

Leadership opportunities, Baptism, Sanctuary Service
Dr. Mike Marshall | mmarshall@myfumc.org | 817-339-2409

Online giving
Steve Fagan | sfagan@myfumc.org | 817-339-5085

Outdoor Ministries, A/V
Austin Patton | apatton@myfumc.org | 817-339-5081

Parents’ Day Out, Nursery
Paula Wagstaff | pwagstaff@myfumc.org | 817-546-4414

Pledging, Financial gifts
Nancy Fisher | nfisher@myfumc.org | 817-339-5098

Pastoral care, Counseling, Senior Adults, Costa Rica Mission Trip
Rev. Phyllis Barren | pbarren@myfumc.org | 817-339-5082

Preschool
Nina Burrows | nburrows@myfumc.org | 817-870-9174

Youth Ministries, Confirmation
Kat Bair | kbair@myfumc.org | 817-339-5070

Full-Time Clergy

Rev. Lance Marshall

Senior Pastor

Rev. Phyllis Barren

Associate Pastor of Congregational Care & Senior Adults

Rev. Brenda Brooks Alexander

Associate Pastor of Service

Dr. Mike Marshall

Associate Pastor of Leadership Development

Rev. Dr. Jenn Pick

Associate Pastor of Grace Groups and Discipleship

Program Leaders

Allison Alvarado

Executive Director

Elizabeth Becker

Director of First Street Methodist Mission

Mark Burrows

Director of Children’s Ministries

Nina Burrows

Director of FUMC Day School

Kylie Campbell

Director of Youth Discipleship

Clint Church

Director of Communications

Steven Fagan

Director of Finance

James Melton

Director of Security

Sid Johnston

Executive Director of First Methodist Church Foundation, Inc.

Aaryn Landers Lamb

Executive Director, Methodist Justice Ministry

Michaela Lidecker

Director of Operations

Angie Parish

Director of Connection and Welcoming

Kagan Parker

Eleven:Eleven Spiritual Director

Austin Patton

Director of Facilities and Infrastructure

Clemon White

Campus Experience Manager

Thomas Williams

Director of Music & Worship Arts

Children

Mark Burrows

Director of Children’s Ministries

Megan Ladd

Children's Ministry Assistant

Youth

Kylie Campbell

Director of Youth Discipleship

Rebekah Davis

Youth Ministries Program Staff

Elaine Johnson

Confirmation Coordinator

Claire Manno

Youth Ministries Program Staff

Music and Worship Arts

Thomas Williams

Director of Music & Worship Arts

Clint Church

The Gathering Music Leader

Michely DeSouza

Music Assistant

Peggy Graff

Organist and Associate Director of Music & Worship Arts

Elaine Johnson

Worship Coordinator, Wedding Consultant & Confirmation Coordinator

Brad Thompson

eleven:eleven Band Leader

Business Office

Steven Fagan

Director of Finance

Meredith Ball

Financial Secretary

Stephanie Brown

Accounts Payable

Support Staff

Rhonda Gaber

Executive Assistant to Senior Pastor & Executive Director

Megan Ladd

Children's Ministry Assistant

Becky Miller

Funeral Coordinator and Ministry Assistant

Kim Shannon

FUMC Day School Assistant

Donna Smith

Receptionist

Communications

Clint Church

Director of Communications

Richard McQuillar

Graphic Designer

Ali Starnes

Creative Producer

Calix White

Technical Specialist

Taylor White

Website and Database Developer

Operations

Austin Patton

Director of Facilities and Infrastructure

Steve Armstrong

Director of Security

Michaela Lidecker

Director of Operations

Jeremi Bradford

Security Officer

Magnolia Garcia

Custodial

Zachary Lidecker

Lyle Lodge Caretaker

DaJuan Miller

Custodial

Jessica Perez

Custodial

DeVante Southall

Security Officer

Clemon White

Campus Experience Manager

FUMC Day School

Nina Burrows

Director of FUMC Day School

Nikki McInnis

Assistant Director

Kim Shannon

FUMC Day School Assistant

Catherine Youngberg

Infants and Toddlers Coordinator

First Methodist Church Foundation, Inc.

Sid Johnston

Executive Director of First Methodist Church Foundation, Inc.

Lindsay Geiser

Executive Associate of First Methodist Church Foundation, Inc.

First Street Methodist Mission

Elizabeth Becker

Director of First Street Methodist Mission

Kristen Joy Hester

Outreach Specialist

Phil Patterson

Site-Based Services Coordinator of First Street Methodist Mission

Mark Segura

Experience Specialist of First Street Methodist Mission

Joe Stein

Outreach Specialist

Anthony Townsend

Program Associate

Methodist Justice Ministry

Aaryn Landers Lamb

Executive Director

Yajaera Chatterson

Development Director

Jodie Connaughton

Legal Director

Norma Serrano

Executive Legal Assistant and Office Manager

Jonathan Turner

Attorney

Milana Bolash

Attorney

Castilla Gaby Cena

Bilingual Intake Specialist

Ada Castaneda

Administrative Assistant

Rev. Brooks Harrington

Founder

Dementia Friendly Fort Worth

Gail Snider

Executive Director

Emily Corbin

Program Assistant

Martha Brown

Program Facilitator

Dr. Mike Marshall

Associate Pastor of Leadership Development

817-339-2409

 

Mike Marshall has served as an Associate Pastor at FUMCFW from 1997 to 2005, and from 2008 to the present.  He grew up in a small town in NW Illinois and loved participating in high school basketball.  He attended Centenary College in Shreveport (B.A. in Christian Education), Iliff School of Theology in Denver (Master of Divinity), and McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago (Doctor of Ministry).  From 1984-1996 he served four churches in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
His wife Jan is a native Texan from Van Alstyne.  They are grateful for the wonder of their three children and five grandchildren!  Since three of these grands are in Fort Worth, they relish consistent times together.  And whenever Jan & Mike’s schedules allow, they are always eager to reconnect with the beauty of the Hill Country in beloved places like Fredericksburg, Boerne, Comfort, and Kerrville.
Mike cherishes the opportunity to serve as a pastor in this historic and vibrant congregation.  Every day is a fresh experience of God’s gracious love in a community of people who desire to be joyful followers of Jesus.  He does not take these blessings for granted.  One of Mike’s mantras is well-described by Tom Hanks:  “Show up on time… and solve more problems than you cause!”

Email Mike

    Rev. Phyllis Barren

    Associate Pastor of Congregational Care & Senior Adults

    817-339-5082

     

    Rev. Phyllis Barren was born on a 300 acre farm in Sanger, Texas where some of her fondest memories were formed around cattle and the smell of wheat being cut by a combine. Ministry was a natural extension of Phyllis’ family life. “If the doors were open to the church, my family was there. I went to my grandmother’s house every weekend and went to church with her and my parents every week. I stayed with Nannie for four years until she died, and I saw God work in me and through me during that time. I was 18 — 22 years old. I have always enjoyed serving and working with older adults so I truly find joy serving the church. Now, I am doing my dream job — visiting with people, making hospital rounds and playing chicken foot with the seniors of this church.”

    When she’s not working at the church, Phyllis likes to read in her garden and take long walks on nature trails, but what she enjoys most is her family. “I have three sons that are the light of my world.” Miles, Trevor and Hunter all share a love of animals. Her two older sons have a Husky and a Bichon-Frise. Hunter, who is in high school, and Phyllis, share two ShihTzu, although Phyllis says they’re her babies. “They have sweaters when it’s cold and rain coats. They follow me everywhere I go.”

    Phyllis holds a BS in Education, MA in Early Childhood Education, did her seminary work at SMU/Perkins School of Theology, holds a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, and will soon have her LPC.

    Email Phyllis

      Rev. Lance Marshall

      Senior Pastor

      817-336-7277

      The theologian Frederick Buechner once wrote, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet,” Rev. Lance Marshall, FUMCFW Senior Pastor, says he knows God’s call on his life pairs his love for starting new things with reaching new people in need of hope and purpose.

      Ever since joining the First Church staff in 2013, Lance has focused on finding new ways to engage new people with the good news of Christ’s love, grace, and peace. He is passionate about teaching Scripture and discipleship in ways that are relevant, engaging, and life-giving. He would love to buy you a cup of coffee and hear your story—reach out and ask!

      Born in Houston and raised in Colleyville, Lance is married to his best friend and Grapevine High School sweetheart, Elizabeth. They have four young children and reside in north Fort Worth. They love jumping on the trampoline, watching countless movies, and pizza every Friday night.

      Lance’s favorite way to relax is to spend time listening to podcasts and playing video games early in the morning. He’s played the electric guitar since he was 13 and really should be better at it by now.

      Lance graduated from The University of Texas with a B.S. in Communication Studies and from Brite Divinity School at TCU with an M.Div.

      Email Lance

        Clint Church

        The Gathering Music Leader

        Email Clint

          Allison Alvarado

          Executive Director

          817-336-7277

          Mark Burrows

          Director of Children’s Ministries

          817-339-5097

           

          Email Mark

            Thomas Williams

            Director of Music & Worship Arts

            817-339-5074

             

            Email Thomas

              Peggy Graff

              Organist and Associate Director of Music & Worship Arts

              817-339-2405

              Born in Hastings in Nebraska, Peggy graduated from Hastings Senior High School. She holds a bachelor of music education degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a master’s degree in sacred music from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. Before coming to FUMCFW, she served as church organist/pianist and assistant choir director at First UMC Grapevine for 14 years and taught choral music at Birdville High School for 14 years.

              Even as a child, Peggy conducted worship services at home, complete with music and scripture.”When I was in the fourth grade, I was called to be a Christian,” she says, “and the ministry just came as a natural outgrowth of that.”

              She started playing piano in Sunday School when she was 11 years old and playing organ for the church when she was 13. “I feel like I have in my fingertips a direct connection to God. Playing the organ and the piano is like praying to me.”

              In playing for worship services, Peggy says she likes to add meaning to congregational hymns by providing harmonizations and “color” to the text. “For example,” she explains, “if there’s a verse that is not as uplifting — maybe it’s a little more sorrowful, I’ll play it in a minor tonality with a softer registration; for a verse that is more uplifting, I’ll play more exuberantly.

              Peggy says that she enjoys collaborating on ideas for the future of our Music and Worship Arts program and events that will take place at our church, as well as being with the people in Choral Union: “Is a lot of fun,” she adds, “it’s a great group of people!”

              In her spare time Peggy likes spending time with her husband, Rev. Chuck Graff, whom she describes as her best friend, decorating the house, and being helpful to others.

              In addition to her work with First Church, Peggy serves her profession as a mentor to young teachers, a judge and clinician for UIL choral competitions, and accompanist for band solo and ensemble contests and high school choir concerts.

              Since the passing of her 14-year-old miniature dachshund, Scooter, she is currently between pets. She is stepmom to two lovely adult children, Sonia and Jonathan, and three grandchildren, Sadie, Macie, and Bella.

              Brad Thompson

              eleven:eleven Band Leader

              Steve Fagan

              Director of Finance

              817-339-5085

              Born and raised in Fort Worth, Steve has a BBA in Accounting from The University of Texas at Arlington. He earned his CPA certificate while working in public accounting and then spent 25 years working in the corporate world. He says, “I feel very blessed to be able to use my skills and experience to serve the church.” Steve is married to his Western Hills High School sweetheart, Julie, and after 20 years at Trinity United Methodist Church in Arlington, they transferred their membership to FUMCFW in 2018. Their daughter, Sarah, is a professional dancer in New York City, and their son, Sean, is a managed IT consultant in Dallas.

              Email Steven

                Thane Arther

                Associate Director of Finance

                817-339-5065

                 

                Email Thane

                  Olivia Perkins

                  Business Office & Stewardship Assistant

                  operkins@myfumc.org
                  817-339-5079

                  Olivia says she knows there is a reason why God placed her here at FUMCFW. She first came to the church as a client of the Methodist Justice Ministry as she was seeking guardianship of her siblings for whom she had been caring. After she received help, Olivia was introduced to the Business Office staff and offered a job as their administrative assistant.

                  Since she enjoys being organized, Olivia’s favorite part of the job is using her organizational skills to assist the “awesome team” she works with here. “It is my passion to help people,” Olivia exclaims. “From the moment I stepped into the church, I knew that everyone here shares that same passion.”

                  Olivia graduated from Granbury High School, and she is currently attending Tarrant County College Trinity River Campus where she is pursuing a degree in Nursing. She hopes to one day become a traveling nurse so she can fulfill her dreams of traveling the world as a missionary while also caring for people in need.

                  Throughout her life, Olivia’s journey has always been linked to helping other people, but she just never saw that as serving them. As she’s grown to know herself better, she’s discovered that she has a huge heart that wants what’s best for her and for others. Olivia now lives to serve, and that brings her great fulfillment. “The church has been such a blessing in my life,” she adds. “I am so happy to get the opportunity to pay it forward through my work.”

                  When she’s not working, Olivia enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, hiking, exploring, napping, and trying new foods. She lives in Weatherford with her boyfriend, Ryan; her three younger siblings, Matthew, Caylin, and Allison; and their dog, Bruce. They love going on outdoor family adventures whenever they get the chance.

                  Clint Church

                  Director of Communications

                  817-339-5087

                   

                  Email Clint

                    Richard McQuillar

                    Graphic Designer

                    817-339-2402

                    Richard McQuillar was born in Oklahoma city and spent seven years of his life in Okinawa Japan. Returning to Oklahoma, he graduated from Choctaw High School. He is the son of retired Air Force veterans.

                    Richard is responsible for designing the enews, weekly, Connect and “any other project that lands on my desk.” “This is a great opportunity to grow professionally and spiritually that I couldn’t pass up. I enjoy knowing that the work I do helps get people involved in the worship, volunteer and social opportunities that FUMCFW provides.”

                    In his spare time, Richard likes being with his family, going to church, participating in sports, watching science fiction movies, writing and illustrating children’s books and eating spicy Korean food. “I enjoy being creative and pushing myself to learn new things every day.”

                    Richard has been married to his “smart and lovely” wife, Laura, for seven years. They met in freshman English class at the University of Tulsa, where Richard received his Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis on graphic design and minors in business and art history. Fort Worth is Laura’s hometown. They have two sons, Maxwell, 3, who “enjoys playing sports and being a big brother” and newborn Miles, who “enjoys grunting and staying up until the wee hours of the morning.”

                    Email Richard

                      Austin Patton

                      Director of Facilities and Infrastructure

                       

                       

                      Email Austin

                        Rhonda Gaber

                        Executive Assistant to Senior Pastor and Executive Director

                        817-339-5062

                         

                        Email Rhonda

                          Elaine Johnson

                          Worship Coordinator, Wedding Consultant & Youth Choir Admin

                          817-339-2406

                          Elaine Johnson wanted to reconnect with the church at the same time she was searching for a job. Her mother, who is a retired Deacon, saw Rev. Phyllis McDougal at a church conference, and she told her the church needed some help. “The job fell in my lap, and the rest is history,” says Elaine.

                          Elaine loves the people she works with and the family atmosphere at FUMC. She also enjoys connecting with other members of the congregation.

                          Outside of her work at church, Elaine is very involved in her children’s activities, including the PTA. She likes to camp, hike, scrapbook, knit, crochet and read.

                          Born and raised in Arlington Texas, Elaine married her Arlington High School sweetheart, Rod, in December 1991. They have two children, Jenny and Michael. Her family also includes Bud, a 120-pound bloodhound that thinks he is a lap dog. An animal lover, she also has a rabbit, and a small pond with 20 goldfish.

                          Elaine holds a B.B.A. in Business Education and a B.A. in Dance Education from Texas Woman’s University.

                          Email Elaine

                            Kim Shannon

                            FUMC Day School Assistant

                            817-870-9174

                             

                            Email Kim

                              Donna Smith

                              Receptionist

                              817-336-7277

                               

                              Email Donna

                                James Melton

                                Director of Security

                                 

                                 

                                Email James

                                  Lawrence Camacho

                                  Lyle Lodge Director

                                  817-444-1076

                                   

                                  Email Lawrence

                                    Nina Burrows

                                    Director of FUMC Day School

                                    817-870-9174

                                    Nina Burrows has always been involved in education, holding positions as a textbook editor, first grade teacher, reading specialist, preschool teacher and now, preschool director. “I love working with children and find my job to be rewarding and fun. Kids are just always making me learn and making my laugh.”

                                    Nina was born and raised in Wyckoff, New Jersey ─ a long way from Texas. “This church and this school were such a support as Mark and I raised our children, especially since my mom lives on the east coast. I think it’s extremely important for children to grow up with lots of people around them who care for them.  We don’t always have families close by, but we do offer an amazing school family.”

                                    Sharing her thoughts about early education, Nina says, “I think that we are putting more and more academic pressure on our children at a younger and younger age. It is true that they are capable of amazing things, but they only get one childhood. Our school does a great job of preparing kids for school without putting too much pressure on them. Kids love coming to preschool, and they learn so much while they are here. We do a wonderful job of preparing them for school; I think we foster a love of learning, too.”

                                    Nina is married to Director of Children’s and Family Ministries, Mark Burrows. They met as teachers at an elementary school in Dallas and have two girls. Nina says the girls are “the center of our lives.” The family’s newest addition is a chocolate Labrador named Hazel.

                                    Nina holds a B.A. from Dickinson College and an M.A. from Texas Women’s University. In her spare time, she likes to run, read, and rest.

                                    Email Nina

                                      Sara Walters

                                      Assistant Director of FUMC Day School

                                      817-870-9174

                                       

                                      Email Sara

                                        Nikki McInnis

                                        Assistant Director

                                         

                                         

                                        Email Nikki

                                          Sid Johnston

                                          Executive Director of First Methodist Church Foundation, Inc.

                                          817-339-5072

                                           

                                          Email Sid

                                            Elizabeth Becker

                                            Director of First Street Methodist Mission

                                             

                                             

                                            Email Elizabeth

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                                              Donald Sanders

                                              Experience Specialist of First Street Methodist Mission

                                              dsanders@firststreetmission.org

                                              Michaela Lidecker

                                              Manager of Operations

                                              817-339-5071

                                               

                                              Email Michaela

                                                Jodie Connaughton

                                                Legal Director, Methodist Justice Ministry

                                                methodistjusticeministry.org

                                                Norma Serrano

                                                Executive Legal Assistant and Office Manager, Methodist Justice Ministry

                                                methodistjusticeministry.org

                                                Brooks Harrington

                                                 Founder, Methodist Justice Ministry

                                                methodistjusticeministry.org

                                                Jonathan Turner

                                                Attorney

                                                methodistjusticeministry.org

                                                Ada Castaneda

                                                Administrative Assistant

                                                methodistjusticeministry.org

                                                Melanie Hanna

                                                Development Director, Methodist Justice Ministry

                                                methodistjusticeministry.org

                                                Yajaera Chatterson

                                                Development Director

                                                methodistjusticeministry.org

                                                Gail Snider

                                                Executive Director

                                                817-332-6266 office
                                                817-994-3803 cell

                                                 

                                                Email Gail

                                                  Martha Brown

                                                  Program Coordinator

                                                  Heather White

                                                  Program Coordinator

                                                  Claire Manno

                                                  Youth Ministries Program Staff

                                                   

                                                   

                                                  Email Claire

                                                    Mark Segura

                                                    Experience Specialist of First Street Methodist Mission

                                                     

                                                     

                                                    Email Mark

                                                      Brenda Brooks Alexander

                                                      Associate Pastor of Service

                                                      817-339-5078

                                                       

                                                      Email Brenda

                                                        Mirta Cadena

                                                        Youth Ministries Assistant

                                                         

                                                         

                                                        Email Mirta

                                                          Meredith Ball

                                                          Financial Secretary

                                                           

                                                           

                                                          Email Meredith

                                                            Taylor White

                                                            Website and Database Developer

                                                             

                                                             

                                                            Email Taylor

                                                              Ali Starnes

                                                              A/V Specialist

                                                               

                                                               

                                                              Email Ali

                                                                Sarah Pricer

                                                                Attorney, Methodist Justice Ministry

                                                                methodistjusticeministry.org

                                                                Donna Schardt

                                                                Attorney, Methodist Justice Ministry

                                                                methodistjusticeministry.org

                                                                Maria Cena

                                                                Bilingual Intake Specialist, Methodist Justice Ministry

                                                                methodistjusticeministry.org

                                                                Rev. Rebekah Davis

                                                                Youth Ministries Program Staff

                                                                 

                                                                 

                                                                Email Rebekah

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                                                                  Stephanie Brown

                                                                  Accounts Payable

                                                                   

                                                                   

                                                                  Email Stephanie

                                                                    Phil Patterson

                                                                    Site-Based Services Coordinator of First Street Methodist Mission

                                                                     

                                                                     

                                                                    Email Phil

                                                                      Anthony Townsend

                                                                      Program Associate of First Street Methodist Mission

                                                                       

                                                                       

                                                                      Email Anthony

                                                                        Carley Wynn

                                                                        Outreach Specialist

                                                                         

                                                                         

                                                                        Email Carley

                                                                          Joe Stein

                                                                          Outreach Specialist

                                                                           

                                                                           

                                                                          Email Joe

                                                                            Clemon White

                                                                            Campus Experience Manager

                                                                             

                                                                             

                                                                            Email Clemon

                                                                              Becky Miller

                                                                              Ministry Assistant and Funeral Coordinator

                                                                              817-339-5091

                                                                               

                                                                              Email Becky

                                                                                Angie Parish

                                                                                Director of Connections and Welcoming

                                                                                 

                                                                                 

                                                                                Email Angie

                                                                                  Aaryn Lamb

                                                                                  Executive Director

                                                                                  methodistjusticeministry.org

                                                                                   

                                                                                  Kagan Parker

                                                                                  eleven:eleven Spiritual Director

                                                                                   

                                                                                   

                                                                                  Email Kagan

                                                                                    Megan Ladd

                                                                                    Children’s Ministry Assistant

                                                                                     

                                                                                     

                                                                                    Email Megan

                                                                                      Rev. Dr. Jenn Pick

                                                                                      Associate Pastor of Grace Groups and Discipleship

                                                                                       

                                                                                       

                                                                                      Email Jenn

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                                                                                        Kylie Campbell

                                                                                        Director of Youth Discipleship

                                                                                         

                                                                                         

                                                                                        Email Kylie

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                                                                                          Michely DeSouza

                                                                                          Music Assistant

                                                                                           

                                                                                           

                                                                                          Email Michely

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                                                                                            Catherine Youngberg

                                                                                            Infants and Toddlers Coordinator

                                                                                             

                                                                                             

                                                                                            Email Catherine

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                                                                                              Calix White

                                                                                              Technical Specialist

                                                                                               

                                                                                               

                                                                                              Email Calix

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