Our Staff


		Our Staff

		Meet the Pastors
		Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Susan Patterson-Sumwalt s pattersonsumwalt@umcwfb.org Ext. 108	Dr. Susan Patterson-Sumwalt is the senior pastor of our congregation. She originates from Sheboygan, Wisconsin. She received a B.A. in religious studies and elementary education from North Central College and continued her theological education, attaining a Master of Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary. During her ministry years in Colorado, she has also completed a Doctor of Ministry from Iliff School of Theology in Denver. She is married to her husband Bob with whom she has three sons, Nelson (24), Marshall (18), and Parker (15). She also has a beloved dog named Max. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family. She loves ministering to this church because she loves the people so much. Her favorite passages from Scripture comes from 1 Corinthians 12, which is a description of the diverse body of Christ, a description that fits our church quite well.
		Pastor of Discipleship Rev. G. Wiley Gladney wgladney@umcwfb.org Ext. 109	Rev. Wiley Gladney serves the church as Pastor of Discipleship. He grew up in Georgia, but theological studies took him to North Carolina where he earned a Master of Theology from Duke Divinity School. He focused his studies in theology, ecology, and agrarianism. He lives with his wife Heather and his son Liam Austin. In his free time, he loves fishing, hiking, gardening, and in general playing with his son. He also loves to eat Memphis style barbecue with "all the fixins." His favorite part of his ministry is getting to know his parishioners and hearing their stories.
		Pastor of Legacy Ministry Rev. Dr. Don Francis Home: 262-241-5363 Cell: 262-617-9330 francislee1977@sbcglobal.net francisd@lakeland.edu	Don R. Francis serves the church as Pastor of Legacy Ministry. He has extensive theological education, earning a Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, and a Ph.D. in Whole System Design at Union Institute and the University of Cincinnati. Previously, he has taught philosophy and ethics at Governor’s State University. Don lives with his wife Jeong Rim Lee, his son Daniel John, and his daughter Hannah Lee. He loves eating his mom’s apple pie or when that is not available, any custard from Kopps. He loves his ministry because it allows him to talk with people about their calling, their vocation, and what is most important to them.
		Pastor Rev. Gerry Harrison gharrison@umcwfb.org Ext. 120	Pastor Gerry Harrison is originally from the great state of Texas where she comes from a family of six. Her education brought her to Wisconsin, where she attended both Marquette and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, earning her masters degree from UW-M in 1972. She pursued theological studies, earning a Master of Divinity from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Chicago. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, reading, knitting, listening to music, and going to the theater. She loves her role as pastor, particularly the opportunity it affords her to work with people and to see their lives transformed and, as a result, the entire community changed.
		Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. Dick Jones

		Ministry Staff
		Director of Adult/Senior Ministry Richard Whitaker rwhitaker@umcwfb.org Ext. 121	Richard Whitaker is the Director of Adults and Senior Adult Ministries. He hails from Savannah, Georgia. He possesses a B.S. in special education from Georgia State University, an M.S. in education from the University of Georgia, and an M.A. in Christian Education from Scarritt College for Christian Workers. He has been married to his wife Martha for 34 ½ years with whom he has two grown children, Nathan (28) and Beth (26). He and his wife also sponsor a ten year old child named Winnifred from Uganda. He enjoys biking and camping as well as working in the Waukesha County Historical Society Museum. He even serves as a judge in the State History Day competition. He considers working with 60 homebound members his greatest blessing.
		Director of Music & Fine Arts Ministries Neil Bubke nbubke@umcwfb.org Ext. 118	Neil Bubke serves the church as the Director of Music and Fine Arts. He is originally from Holstein, Iowa. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from the University of Northern Iowa, a Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa, and a Masters in Choral Conducting. He conducts all the choirs at UMCWFB and he always leaves the congregation singing. In his free time, he likes hiking, running, listening to music, watching dogs, and riding bikes. He also loves a good meal of prime rib. He enjoys making beautiful music, seeing relationships grow in ensembles, and feeling the Holy Spirit touch the congregation through music, dance, and art. Appropriately, his favorite Bible verse is Psalm 100:1: "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth."
		Director of Evangelism Carleen Sook csook@umcwfb.org Ext. 117	Carleen Sook is the Director of Evangelism. She grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago, but has now been in Wisconsin for ten years. She has a B.A. in finance from Depaul University and prior to her position at the church, she worked as a CPA in the medical industry. Carleen has been married to David for 20 years and together they have two daughters Tasha (14) and Fiona (8), both of whom are involved in music at school and church. In her free time she enjoys hiking, scrapbooking, cooking, and spending time with her family. She loves her ministry and particularly the opportunity it affords her to meet new people and to help them find a home in the church by connecting them with others as they grow in their faith.
		Director of Food Ministry Brandon Roethel broethel@umcwfb.org Ext. 124
		Director of Stephen Ministry Leona Jordan ljordan@umcwfb.org Ext. 117	Leona Jordan serves the church as the Director of Stephen Ministry. She grew up in West Des Moines, Iowa. With her husband Ron, she has raised five children and now is the grandmother of nine grandchildren. She loves cooking, creating, reading, meditating, and playing with her grandchildren. Serving others is what she likes best about her ministry.
		Director of Preschool Ministries Christy West cwest@umcwfb.org Ext. 116	Christy West is the Director of Preschool Ministry. She is originally from Noblesville, Indiana. She has both a bachelors and a masters degree in elementary education. She has two boys, Benjamin (4) and Thomas (2) as well as Patch, her 13 year old Blue Heeler. In her free time she enjoys hiking, camping, reading, and playing with her boys. She also loves to eat chocolate!
		Director of Youth Ministries Eric Rose erose@umcwfb.org Ext. 137	Eric Rose serves the church as the Director of Student Ministries. He comes to Milwaukee by way of Sandusky, Michigan. His studies took him to Spring Arbor where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Studies. Additionally, he earned a certificate in therapeutic crisis intervention from Cornell University and is currently pursuing graduate theological studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. His wife’s name is Meghan and they have a beloved dog named Shasta. He enjoys biking, traveling, reading, watching sports, playing the piano and singing. His favorite part of his ministry is connecting with the students, parents and leaders.
		Director of Equipping Ministries Nell Nash nnash@umcwfb.org Ext. 110	Nell Nash serves as the Director of Equipping Ministries. She was born in Milwaukee and has spent all of her life in this area. She earned a Masters degree in library science from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. She lives with her husband Randy with whom she has raised four children, AJ, Sarah, Lauren, and Julia. In her free time, she enjoys eating, walking her dogs, singing, dancing, and reading. And she loves chocolate chip cookies. . .homemade only though. When asked what she likes best about her ministry, the answer is easy, the people!
		Director of Children & Family Ministry Dana Saxton dsaxton@umcwfb.org Ext. 113	Dana Saxton, our Director of Children and Family Ministry, hails from Dayton, Ohio. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from College of Mount Saint Joseph in Cincinnati. She lives with her husband Scott with whom she has raised three kids, Alex (16), Abby (13), and Anna (9). In her free time she enjoys boating, swimming, traveling, and playing with her family. She feels blessed to serve in her position because of the children—she loves sharing the love of Christ with children.
		Director of Carpenter's Shop Christian Daycare Monica Bessette mbessette@umcwfb.org Ext. 125	Monica Bessette is the Director of the Carpenter’s Shop. She grew up in Watertown, Wisconsin and considers her growing up years and her education quite a blessing. She now lives with her husband Scott, two children Kyle (14) and Kayla (11). They also have a dog Shadow and a cat Sassy. In her free time, she loves reading, camping, and watching Packer games. She also loves ice cream! Monica finds her work amazing and extremely fulfilling.

		Administrative Staff
		Business Manager Pam Vaughan pvaughan@umcwfb.org Ext. 111	Pam Vaughan is the church’s business manager. She originally comes from Peoria, Illinois. She is married to Fred and with him has raised two children, a son Tyler and a daughter Molly. Tyler is a recent graduate of Texas A & M and is currently in the Navy while Molly is a senior at Southern Methodist University. In her free time, Pam loves being with her family, gardening, and reading. She loves her ministry because she finds that she still learns something new every day, even after being on staff for 16 years.
		Administrative Assistant Karen Seward kseward@umcwfb.org Ext. 102	Karen Seward serves as the office manager. She comes from northern Wisconsin, specifically the Rhinelander, Antigo, Cranden area. She lives with her husband Sam and is the proud grandmother of five step grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, golf, traveling, reading, and hiking. She also enjoys good seafood and has a bit of a sweet tooth. She loves her job for the opportunity it gives her to mingle and know the church members. Her favorite Bible verse is 1 John 4:4 which states "Greater is He that is in me, than He that is in the world."
		Staff Assistant Lynn Bennett lbennett@umcwfb.org Ext. 124	Lynn Bennett serves as the kitchen assistant and as a general staff assistant. She grew up in Clarkston, Michigan where she was the oldest of six children, five of whom were girls. She is now the proud mother of two daughters and four grandchildren. In her free time, she likes to read and to spend time with her grandchildren. The aspect of her ministry she loves most is the opportunities it affords her to have fellowship with the people of the church. She feels daily blessed by the great joy and grace and unconditional love she experiences.
		Editor of Monthly Joy Newsletter Marti Kriefall mkriefall@umcwfb.org Ext. 103	Marti Kriefall serves the church as the monthly JOY editor. She was born in Wichita Falls, Texas and grew up in Artesia, New Mexico. She met her (then future) husband Bob while playing in the Blue Jeans Philharmonic Orchestra in Estes Park, Colorado. She came to Wisconsin to pursue a degree in anthropology and philosophy, with a minor in music, at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. She currently lives with her husband Bob, with whom she has raised two children, Jennifer and Matt. In her free time, she loves playing the cello and she currently plays in the Milwaukee String Quartet and Festival City Symphony, among other groups. She also likes walking her dog, reading, canoeing, knitting, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
		Technology Ministry Steve Brook scbrook@umcwfb.org Ext. 136

		Music Staff
		Middle and Senior High Choir Director Neil Bubke nbubke@umcwfb.org Ext. 118	Neil Bubke serves the church as the Director of Music and Fine Arts. He is originally from Holstein, Iowa. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from the University of Northern Iowa, a Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa, and a Masters in Choral Conducting. He conducts all the choirs at UMCWFB and he always leaves the congregation singing. In his free time, he likes hiking, running, listening to music, watching dogs, and riding bikes. He also loves a good meal of prime rib. He enjoys making beautiful music, seeing relationships grow in ensembles, and feeling the Holy Spirit touch the congregation through music, dance, and art. Appropriately, his favorite Bible verse is Psalm 100:1: "Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth."
		Principal Organist Charles Sullivan cqsmusic@hotmail.com Ext.	Charles Sullivan is the principal organist for the church, playing the organ for the 10:30 service. He grew up in Kendall, Wisconsin in a large family with five siblings and 97 first cousins! He enjoys reading legal thrillers and social commentaries. He finds meaning in the Scriptures, particularly his teachings in the Beatitudes. He feels privileged to prepare and present inspired music for the congregation.
		Director of Taizé Worship Sue Stanley sstanley@umcwfb.org	Sue Stanley serves as the MACC Director, along with her husband Tony, as well as the Director of the Taize service on Friday nights. She hails from El Paso, Texas. She grew up Baptist and attended a Baptist seminary where, she recalls, “I learned I was a Methodist.” In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband and son Jacob, as well as biking, singing, watching movies, camping and doing Sudoku puzzles. She loves both of her ministries, particularly getting her MACC kids excited about music and worship and in the Taize service, working with a group of people committed to creative, Spirit-filled worship.
		K4/K5 MACC Leaders Tony Mortellaro and Sue Stanley sstanley@umcwfb.org	Tony Mortellaro serves as the MACC Director along with his wife Sue. Tony is a native of Whitefish Bay, although his travels and education has taken him elsewhere for a time. He possesses three bachelor’s degrees, although he is fond of reminding people that he is a high school drop out. In his free time, he loves playing with his son, biking, watching movies, woodworking, and photography. He loves his ministry and particularly getting to know some of the younger church members.
		Organist - 8 a.m. Service Catherine Beyer cbtempo23@yahoo.com	Catherine Beyer plays the organ for our 8:00 am service on Sundays and fills the chapel with wonderful sounds for the worshippers. Originally from Marion, Wisconsin, she is the proud mother of two grown sons and two great grandsons. In addition to playing the organ, she also plays the piano and in her free time she enjoys gardening, fishing, and reading. She believes that the various churches she has served keeps her centered in her faith each time she plays one of her favorite hymns.
		Director of JOY Singers Jane Crise janecrise@gmail.com	Jane Crise serves as the Director of JOY Singers. She is a proud native of Winterset, Iowa and she attended and graduated from the University of Iowa. She lives with her husband Bill with whom she has two children, Eddie and Angela. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, swimming, reading, attending plays and attending sporting events. She loves her ministry, particularly when she helps the choir to learn and sing music that they originally insisted was “too hard.”
		1st/2nd/3rd MACC Director Caitlin Arterburn	Caitlin Arturburn teaches in the four-year-old classroom in the Carpenter’s Shop and also leads the first, second, and third MACC choirs. She grew up in Michigan and she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in voice. She now lives with her husband Max and her son Declan. For Caitlin, her job seamlessly corresponds to her preferred hobbies, music and children.
		Carpenter's Shop Christian Daycare
		Program & Resource Coordinator Jill Wessel	Jill is a long time member of the United Methodist Church. She has her elementary education teaching license and has taught preschool and been in daycare for the past 8 years. She enjoys scrapbooking, gardening and spending time with her family.

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