Pastor Elizabeth became the pastor at the Independence and Rowley United Methodist Churches in October 2024. How should you address me? I prefer Pastor Elizabeth, but will answer to Pastor or Pastor E or even P.E. I don’t shorten my name to any nickname. I was baptized as Elizabeth and that is how I preferred to be addressed. Do you have family? I have a daughter and a son. Katie is 26, a tattooist and artist. She will be entering Boston University in August 2025 in their M.F.A. program. Rogan is 24, is a certified welder, with an AA degree in Diesel Mechanics. He works at the Wal-Mart Distribution center in Mt. Pleasant. He is engaged to Emily, who is a nurse at Jefferson County Health Center in Fairfield. They recently purchased their first home in Olds. I have two dogs, both rescues. Their names are Kazak (pronounced Kah-zahk) and Stewie. How long have you been a pastor? I began my work in professional ministry in 2013. I was ordained during the pandemic in 2020. I graduated from Iowa Wesleyan in 2008 and Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary (G-ETS or Garrett) in 2017. I have specialties in Church Leadership and Evangelism and am currently taking my second unit of CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) that will be complete in March of 2025. I am currently the Conference Board of Trustees Chair, serving until 2027. These are basic facts to give you an idea of who I am as a pastor and a human being. I tend to be a pretty open book so if you have questions, I would welcome coffee chats or visits to the office. This will allow me the opportunity to get to know you all as well. May God bless you all as we have an adventure together! Amy started as our treasurer at the church in November 2024. Kari lives in Independence with her husband, Brad, and their two children, Claire and Logan. She also has one dog (Belle) and one cat (Squishy). She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2005 from the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse. Kari previously worked at the Jesup and Independence libraries. In her spare time, Kari likes to read, go to libraries, knit, quilt, and play the clarinet. Kari has worked at FUMC since December 2018. Tim is our sound technician here at church. He is married to Pam and father to Melissa and Tara. Tim is also in charge of our radio program which is aired every Sunday at eleven a.m. on KQMG 953. Mary has served as church organist/pianist at First United Methodist Church since 1999. She earned degrees in music and biology from Wartburg College, and has enjoyed teaching piano for many years. She and her husband Leo reside in Independence, and together claim six adult children and one dog. Her ministry is centered on acclaiming His Saving Love through music. I have been the Director of Music Ministries here at First United since February 1999. I am the director of the Chancel Choir, Good News Singers, Bell Choir, and a member of the Men's Quartet and Blessed Promise Band. I am also the Director of Children's Choirs at East Buchanan Elementary in Winthrop. I currently teach grades PreK-5 grades at East Buchanan and have been the elementary music teacher there since 1996. I received my Associate of Arts Degree in Business management at Kirkwood College in Cedar Rapids in 1992, a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 1995 and my Masters in Education Degree from Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI. in 2007. Rick & Brenda Greiner started custodial duties at the church in September 2024.Rev. Elizabeth Bell
Pastor
Amy McGraw
Treasurer
Kari Johnson
Office Manager
Tim Dryml
Sound Technician
Mary Schubich
Organist
Jim Brown
Director of Music Ministries
Rick & Brenda Greiner
Custodian
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