About First church
Our Mission is to connect and empower people for living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We are a community of believers whose faith has been formed through reason, experience, scripture, and tradition. We are a diverse group with the common goal to connect and empower people to live out the Gospel of Jesus.
Believing that all people are unique and beloved children of God, Lawrence First United Methodist Church affirms that all persons, without exception, are welcome to participate fully in the life of our congregation.
First United Methodist Church is a part of the Reconciling Ministries Network, and we stand in solidarity with LGBTQ individuals.
The First Church Team
Rev. Tom Brady
Senior Pastor
tom@fumclawrence.org
tom@fumclawrence.org
I have been at First Church since February of 2006. In my free time, I enjoy watching and playing sports. I prefer emailing over texting and my favorite part of my job is meeting new people and talking to them about what they believe.
Rev. Jeni Anderson
West Campus Lead Pastor
jeni@fumclawrence.org
jeni@fumclawrence.org
I came to First Church in July 2019. I love discovering how our own stories intersect with God’s sacred story & all the new, & unconventional ways Jesus is working in the world! I love all kinds of music & get some of my greatest joy from laughter shared with my husband & three adult sons. FYI–you are known and loved.
Sara Wentz
Minister of Music
sara@fumclawrence.org
sara@fumclawrence.org
I’ve been a staff member at First Church for 17 years.
It is a great joy!
Morgan Hannah
Director of West Campus Worship
morgan@fumclawrence.org
morgan@fumclawrence.org
I joined the First Church staff part time in July 2016 & came on full time after I graduated from KU in 2014. I majored in history & communications but my true passion is music. In August 2018, I started the Impressing Children’s Choir, which performs at the church & in the community. I also lead the West Campus Worship band & play guitar.
Susan Mercer
Director of KU Campus Ministries
susan@fumclawrence.org
susan@fumclawrence.org
I grew up in rural Illinois but Lawrence & First Church have been my home for over 20 years. I joined the First Church staff in 2016, after a 20-year career at KU. My husband, Jack, & I have two adult children, Chloe & Jackson. My passions are helping others discover who God is calling them to be, building teams, & creating new things.
Linda Edman
Office Manager
linda@fumclawrence.org
linda@fumclawrence.org
I began working at FUMC in 2014 but I have been a member since 1977. My husband, Don & I were married in this church in 1989 & we have 2 children, Michael & Morgan. My husband & I graduated from KU. The best part of my job is the joy of interacting every day with church members & a great staff to assist with all the missions of FUMC.
Laurie Kallenbach
Director of Congregational Care
laurie@fumclawrence.org
laurie@fumclawrence.org
I joined the staff in October 2014, however my husband, Loren, & I have been members for over 20 years. We met at KU & have lived in Lawrence most of our adult lives. Our sons, Josh & Jake, keep us busy with Scouting, youth & sports events. A favorite family activity is curling up with our 4 basset hounds & rooting for the Jayhawks.
Tami Clark
Director of Youth Ministry
tami@fumclawrence.org
I was called to youth ministry as a teenager & began volunteering as a young adult leader at 19. My second passion is art ministry. At First Church, I work in both, as the Director of Youth Ministry since 2007 & as the coordinator of the after school arts program called the Art Cafe. My family & I have been members since 1994.
Cindy Nelson
Director of Children’s Ministries
cindy@fumclawrence.org
cindy@fumclawrence.org
Miss Cindy has been a member of the First Church staff for 3 years. She loves kids of all ages, is a devoted UMW member, and loves to laugh.
Marc Ridenour
Facilities Coordinator
marc@fumclawrence.org
marc@fumclawrence.org
Marc was born in central Florida and moved to the midwest in Junior High. He was a biology major in college, but found his passion in healing buildings instead of people. After selling his remodeling business, he was called to use his skills at First Church. Marc has two sons, one granddaughter, loves to cook and play worship music.
Kristy Teska
Financial Manager
kristy@fumclawrence.org
kristy@fumclawrence.org
I joined the staff at FUMC in the fall of 2015. I grew up in Lawrence and rural Franklin County and attended KU for both my undergraduate and masters degrees. My husband, David, and I have two children and stay busy keeping up with their activities. I have several creative hobbies and enjoy spending time with my family.
Deb Rukes
Administrative Assistant
deb@fumclawrence.org
deb@fumclawrence.org
Deb joined the First Church administrative team in February 2019. She is a lifelong UMC member. Deb opened Lawrence’s first Fair Trade store, Kretyen, where she met many First UMC friends. She has volunteered with the Honduras Mission team, Family Promise & VBS. Stop by the office & say Hi!
Eve Loos
Preschool Director
eve@fumclawrence.org
eve@fumclawrence.org
John Oliver
Custodian
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