All are Servants at First United Methodist Church Gulfport.  God has raised up gifted and faithful leaders for our congregation.  Our staff just get to lead and shepherd the servants.

Pastor -- Andy Johnson How would you describe what you do as a member of the Gulfport First UMC staff team? As pastor I get to celebrate our Christian faith by preparing and leading worship, preaching, teaching, offering care and guidance, and by praying with and for people.  Tell us about your family. Kim and I met at USM in the late 80's and were married in 1991.  She is an incredible partner in life and ministry.  We have two daughters -- Hannah & Ebby -- who are smart, funny, and beautiful (and I'm not just saying that because I'm their dad! -- Okay so maybe I'm a little biased). What do you like to do -- hobbies, interests, etc? I'm a geek, I admit it.  I like to work with computers, photography and digital art.  When I get a chance I like to do woodworking (have built some pieces of furniture for our home).  And I love to read. What are some of your favorite books/movies/music? I do a lot of reading for study and some reading for fun.  A couple of my favorite books for ministry are: Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell and Simple Church by Rainer & Geiger.  Favorite movies are: "Places in the Heart" with Sally Field, Danny Glover and John Malcovich  and "Phenomenon" with John Travolta (great theological themes).  Favorite music types are: Acoustic Folk, Jazz, and lots of what is on XM Channel 26.    Contact information. E-mail: andy@fumc-gulfport.org      Office phone:  228.863.0047

                                                                                                                                                                                         

Youth Minister -- Chris Ray How would you describe what you do as a member of the Gulfport First UMC staff team? I am the youth minister. That means I am responsible for the spiritual direction of all the youth grades 7-12. I also serve on the Missions and Outreach committee. Tell us about your family. My wife, Jenny, and I moved here in September 2007 from Chattanooga, TN. Jenny’s parents and brother live in Chattanooga, TN and a sister that lives in Ellijay, GA. My parents live in Loganville, GA a brother in Dallas, GA and a sister in Cincinnati, OH. What do you like to do -- hobbies, interests, etc? I enjoy taking walks on the beach with Jenny. I enjoy reading and always watching Tennessee Football games! Well, to be honest I love watching any college football! What are some of your favorite books/movies/music? Some of my favorite books are: Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell and Deception Point by Dan Brown. Some of my favorite movies are: Elizabethtown, Braveheart, and just about any spy thriller. Some of my favorite music artists are: Switchfoot, U2, Ben Folds and Dave Matthews Band. Contact information. E-mail: chris@fumc-gulfport.org   Office phone:  228.863.0047

                                                                                                                                                                                          

Minister of Music    Kathleen Wold How would you describe what you do as a member of the Gulfport First UMC staff team? Through networking with staff, various committees and individuals I prepare and present music for many facets of our worship, fellowship and education by searching out, encouraging and enabling the talents of our members and friends of all ages. Tell us about your family. My daughter, Deanna, is a medic and lives with her husband, Damien, in Raleigh NC.  They have a toddler- Lane, who is my greatest joy! My son, Aaron, is a recording engineer in Silver Spring MD. Here in Gulfport I have 3 cats! What do you like to do -- hobbies, interests, etc? I am an art buff-- love museums and galleries.  I enjoy gardening and I'm looking forward to learning how to grow things in this climate!  I love all things water related: swimming, boating, fishing,etc,  but I haven't had the opportunity to go out on a boat yet (HINT, HINT!) What are some of your favorite books/movies/music? My summer reading list so far has included Eat, Pray, Love  Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World (which I'd like to lead for a women's Bible study group)  and Lamb. I like non-stressful adventure flicks and comedies.  My musical tastes are too broad to mention! Contact information. kathleen@fumc-gulfport.org      My office is on the 3rd floor of the sanctuary building.  If you want to drop by on a weekday- stop at the office building so Gloria or Debbie can buzz me to open the door for you!

                                                                                                                                                                                           
Organist
Jeanie Pollard - jeaniefrancine@bellsouth.net

Pianist
Mary McKay

Administrative Assistant
Gloria Ribar - gloria@fumc-gulfport.org

Financial Secretary
Debbie Woods - debbie@fumc-gulfport.org

Custodian
Charlee Gaspa