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Staff
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Rev. Richard Northcutt is the pastor at First United Methodist Church in Kirksville. He is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and has been in pastoral ministry for 13 years. Previously, he served as: pastor of Centenary UMC in Bonne Terre; campus pastor of the Wesley Foundation at Truman State University; and associate pastor at New McKendree UMC in Jackson.
Pastor Richard has a master of divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis. He also has a master of public relation's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. He received his bachelor's degree in mass communication from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.
Prior to entering the ministry, Pastor Richard worked as a reporter for newspapers in Missouri and Mississippi. He also was a professor of journalism for eight years at colleges and universities in Missouri and Nebraska.
Pastor Richard and his wife, Erin, have been married for 25 years. Erin is a fourth grade teacher. The couple have two children: Abbey and Samuel.
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Lynae McFarland, Director of Children and Youth Ministries
Hi! I'm Lynae McFarland, the Director of Children and Youth Ministries. My ministry at the church is mainly devoted to our awesome children and youth. I am honored to work with incredible people who strive to always GIVE GOD OUR BEST! I also have the privilege of directing the 8:15 service Celebration Choir. I love my choir family and cherish our times of creating music together, praying together, supporting and encouraging each other.
I am a graduate of Central College and Pella Christian High School in Pella, Iowa. I always thought I would raise my kids in Iowa. When Barry and I moved here to Kirksville 14 years ago we thought we might stay for a year or two. We love Kirksville and the people here and now consider it our home. God has given me 4 incredible people in my life. My husband, Barry McFarland and three sons, Grant, age 15, Matt, age 11 and Ben, age 9. I love being a wife and a mom. I hope you will feel a special welcome when you are at First. I want to help you know more about our church and I can't wait to meet you!
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Marla Gramling, Administrative Assistant
Hi! I am Marla Gramling, Administrative Assistant. I started at First UMC in November of 1996. I had served as Administrative Secretary for four years and Assistant Director for eight years at the Wesley House Campus Ministry here at Truman State University. I have been a member of First UMC since 1986 and want to share my love of the Lord with others.
Our Office Assistant, Novelle Meredith, and I have three main goals in our ministry in the church office (1) to assist the pastor and staff as they serve the Lord through their ministries, (2) to help the members of the congregation and the community to feel welcome as they enter the church office or call on the phone and help them with their questions, and (3) to share information through various media: newsletters, bulletins, e-mail, etc. about all the dynamic programming we have to help individuals of all ages at First UMC with their walk of faith. We are thankful for our many volunteers that help in these goals.
I have a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Masters of Education in Guidance and Counseling from Lincoln University in Jefferson City and additional certification in Elementary Counseling from Truman State University. My background of working in the business world in retail and insurance positions, teaching business courses to high school and adult students, counseling elementary and junior high students, and serving in campus ministry helps in this position. I have been a member of the State and National Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries (PAUMCS) since 1997. I enjoy being a part of the Sarah Circle, Blueberries Bible Study Group, Empty Nesters, and 50+ Luncheon Group.
My husband, Steve, assists in helping out in many ways in this ministry. I invite you to come and visit our church and see what First UMC has to offer. Look forward to meeting you!
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Novelle Meredith , Office Assistant
Hi, I am Novelle Meredith, Office Assistant here at First UMC. I have done volunteer work in the office for several years, but began my job as Office Assistant about a year and half ago. About the only thing I brought to this job was my willingness to help wherever I can.
My late husband Bob was a Local Pastor in the Methodist Church for about 10 years, serving small churches at Galt, St. Catherine, Humansville/Vista and Unionville/Mt. Hermon - all in Missouri. We moved to Kirksville after he retired. We were blessed with 7 children, 3 of whom have gone to be with the Lord, along with their father and grandparents. I have 15 grandchildren, ranging in age frrom 8 years to 30 years. I really do enjoy my work at the church - I have learned a lot about the "workings" of the church and met some wonderful people. We have a great staff who does great things. I am honored to be a part of it all. God's blessings and peace.
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Dianthe Cable, Organist
Hello, I am Dianthe Cable, Organist at First United Methodist Church. It has been my privilege to play at 1st UMC for 41 years. I first started here in 1960 after playing during my college years at Trinity Episcopal after just 3 organ lessons. Playing for the many church services is a joy and a chance for me to give back to God who has given me so much.
I graduated from Truman State University in 1960 with a BS in Music Education. After teaching several years, Bill and I had our two daughters and I decided to stay at home and be a full time mom. In 1968, I began playing full time for the church. Later, I received my MA in Guidance and Counseling from TSU. Over the years, I have seen our church grow from one service on Sunday to two morning services and many small group opportunities. I feel honored to be a part of such a wonderful church and church family.
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Pat Larson, Custodian
Pat has been the custodian at First UMC for two years. She takes great pride in making sure the facilities are not only clean, but also well decorated. Pat and her husband, John, have attended First UMC for many years.
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Elizabeth Anderson, Worship Arts Intern
Elizabeth began her position as First Church's worship arts intern in July 2009 after two years working with the youth. As Worship Arts Intern, she is responsible for creating the weekly worship slides, updating the website, and any other tasks thrown her way. You can also find her ringing in the bell choir and lending a hand at youth and children's ministry events. She recently graduated Truman with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and English. She is now continuing her studies at Truman in the graduate Education program.
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John Harrison , Church/Trustees Treasurer
Sara Stock, Director of Handbells
Becky Harrison, Assistant Director of Handbells
Rev. Dick Detweiler, Pastor Emeritus
Rev. Leota Moore, Pastor of Grief Ministries
MINISTERS: ALL PEOPLE
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