First United Methodist Church
618 8th St. Columbus, IN 47201
Office: 812-372-2851
Email: fumc@fumccolumbus.org
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Worship: 10:00 a.m. Sundays
Senior Pastor, Howard Boles
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
He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
Associate Pastor, Harriet Wilkin
Director of Music, Caio Lopes
Caio Lopes is a doctoral student at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He received his master’s degree in choral conducting in 2020. He has experience with show choirs, church choirs and operatic performances. Caio is originally from Brazil.
Organist, Destin Wernickle
Handbell Choir Director, Joyce Crowder
joyce.crowder1971@gmail.com
joyce.crowder1971@gmail.com
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.
Business Manager, Daron Thayer
Daron grew up in Hope, IN and received a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Hanover College. He currently lives in Columbus with his wife, Jen, and their cat Chloe. Daron enjoys running, camping, karaoke, and watching the Miami Dolphins. His favorite movie is The Sandlot.
Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Co-Director of Learning Tree Preschool, Gayle Kelley
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.)
Favorite Scripture: Mark 9:37
Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.
Co-Director of Learning Tree Preschool, Teresa Nickerson
Teresa grew up in Columbus, In. She and her husband, Scott, have four children. Teresa loves her pet chickens, she finds them relaxing and entertaining to watch. Teresa’s favorite church hymn is The Old Rugged Cross.
Favorite Scripture: Matthew 25:23
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
Custodian,