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?

Director of Youth and Family Ministries, Jennifer Riddle
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)
Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts.

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, Laura Bottei
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.

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, Tammy Fields
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.

Administrative Assistant, 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, Marcia Hornback
Marcia grew up and currently lives in Columbus. She became the custodian after retiring from Dolly Madison after 32 years. In her spare time she likes spending time with her family sharing old stories. She enjoys reading, riding her bike, and listening to classic rock and bluegrass. Her favorite food is chocolate and anything pasta.
Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.