Howard has roots in Indiana and grew up in Indianapolis.  He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Evansville and a Masters of Divinity from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary.  

 

Howard is married and has 5 children and several grandchildren.  He enjoys traveling, hiking, jogging, riding roller coasters, attending concerts, and reading.  His favorite book is “Jayber

Crow” by Wendell Berry.

 

Favorite Scripture:  Micah 6:8  

Jen was born in Western New York and has lived in Indiana since 2010.  She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Grove City College, a Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis from Northeastern University, and a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary.  Jen’s previous career was devoted to helping children with autism reach their full potential.  

 

Jen cherishes her role as step-mom to her husband Eric’s two children.  She enjoys pushing her limits in running, focusing on developing a healthy lifestyle, reading a wide variety of books, spending time with her cats, and traveling with family.  Jen’s favorite vacation was an anniversary trip to Greece and England.  She loves college basketball and NFL football.  Jen tolerates baseball, having lived in Boston and married into a family of avid Cardinals fans.  

 

Favorite Scripture: James 3:13 (MSG)

 

 

 

Laura Bottei is a native of Green Bay, Wisconsin and currently lives in Bloomington, where she is pursuing her Master of Music in organ at the Jacobs School of Music. She previously spent four years in Chicago, where she earned bachelor’s degrees in music and psychology. Outside of music, her interests include dogs, yoga, gymnastics, and cooking and eating vegan food.

 

Joyce Crowder is the new Handbell Choir Director. Joyce has previously held this position at other churches and brings a great appreciation for the ways handbells can enhance the worship service. She is also teaching homeschool children the skills of handbells.

 

Tammy grew up in Columbus, IN and she and her husband, Bob, have 2 children and 5 grandchildren.  Tammy enjoys spending time with her family and looks forward to family dinners.  Her favorite food is any pasta and chocolate.  She is an IU fan and enjoys quilting, cooking, and riding her motorcycle.  Her favorite song is “Hallelujah Chorus” by the Canadian Tenors/Celine Dion.

 

Favorite Scripture:  Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

 

 

Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:6

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

 

 

Sue Ellen attended Hanover College and received a Bachelors of Science degree in Political Science and received a Masters in Public Administration degree from IU Bloomington.  

 

Sue Ellen and her husband, Glen, have 2 children.  She enjoys traveling, watching sports with her family, eating meals around the kitchen table, and sewing.  Sue Ellen enjoys reading and her favorite author is John Grisham.  Her best vacation was to Boston.

 

Favorite Scripture:  Philippians 4:13

 

Gayle is a Columbus native.  She and her husband, Chris, have 3 children.  Gayle’s favorite color is blue.  She enjoys Italian food and watching basketball.  Her favorite family vacation was when she traveled to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.  They enjoyed watching the zebra, gazelle, and wildebeest migration. They enjoyed a hot air balloon safari where they got to see elephants, giraffes, topi (fast African antelope), kongoni (African antelope), and impala up close and personal.  

 

Kiswahili Proverb:  Kila ndege huruka na mbawa zake.  

(Every bird flies with its own wings.)

 

 

Mike Martin is the new Maintenance Supervisor. Mike and his family live in Columbus and one of his children attend the Learning Tree Preschool. He has worked as a handyman bringing skills that will benefit his work at First UMC.

 

Marcia is from Columbus, Indiana and has been a custodian at FUMC since 2009.  

 

She enjoys line dancing, antique shopping, bicycle riding, and reading books.  

 

Marcia always gets excited about spending time with her family and reminiscing, which she gets to do often.  Her brother, the oldest, remembers the best stories from their childhood and Marcia never tires of listening to them.  

 

Roland and his wife, Ann, live in Columbus.  He has been a custodian at First Church since 2014. 

 

Roland like bicycle riding, driving, and watching TV.