Staff - McPherson FUMC

McPherson First United Methodist Church has a dedicated staff committed to the growth and betterment of a servant church. Click below to learn more about our pastors and laypersons:
		Michael Marion, Lead Pastor Reverend Michael Marion, Lead Pastor, was appointed to serve McPherson’s First United Methodist Church in 2000. In previous assignments he has served Kechi UMC, Derby Woodlawn UMC, Argonia UMC, and Community UMC in Union City, Ohio. Michael earned an undergraduate degree in Religion and Philosophy from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas. He has a M.A. in Religious Education from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, and a M.A. in Counseling and Psychology from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Michael also holds a M. Div. in Theology and Biblical Studies from Phillips University Graduate Seminary in Enid, Oklahoma. Michael is an accomplished musician and composer. He is co-author of the musicals: Peace in the Kingdom - A Musical Parable about Shalom, Trash - The Earth Day Musical, Where the Heart Is - A Musical About the Homeless in America, The Tree and Me - The Trees for Life Story, and Stranger at the Table. He has also been the Producer of: This I Know, Nativity and The Tree and Me Original Soundtrack. Michael was born and raised in Oklahoma. He is married to Cindy, who currently teaches drama and English at McPherson High School. They have three grown children: Heidi, Josh, and Kate. Michael’s hobbies include: theatre, golf, guitar, mandolin, banjo, jazz piano, Indian tabla and sitar.
		Karen Rice Ratzlaff, Pastor Reverend Karen Rice Ratzlaff was appointed at First United Methodist Church as one of the Pastors in July of 1996. She has also served at Calvary UMC in Wichita and Shawnee UMC in Shawnee, KS. Karen is a graduate of Bethel College with a B.A. in Bible and Religion and Speech and Drama. She earned a Masters of Divinity from St. Paul School of Theology in 1993. Karen grew up in Goodland, Kansas and appreciates rural life and the wide open skies of western Kansas. Karen is married to James Ratzlaff and they have three children: Daniel, Elizabeth and Luke. They reside in Moundridge. Karen especially enjoys attending her children’s activities and taking family walks. She also enjoys teaching aerobics, and is the coordinator and instructor of the Moundridge Recreation Baton Twirling program.
		Lori Johnson Coordinator of Evangelism and Volunteers Chancel Choir Director Lori Johnson is the Coordinator of Evangelism and Volunteers. She filled this position on July 3, 2005. Lori was also named the Chancel Choir Director in August of 2006. She has a B.A. in Music Education from Bethany College and a M.S. Ed in Music Education from Northwest Missouri State University. She previously was a music teacher and now enjoys teaching Kindermusik classes at FUMC. Before moving back to central Kansas and while living in the Kansas City area, Lori was a member and part-time staff of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. There she was actively involved in many different aspects. She saw COR grow in church membership from 1,500 to over 10,000. Lori has always had a heart for ministry and is excited about sharing her experiences and the “Good News of Jesus Christ” at FUMC! Lori keeps busy being a mom of two young children, Paul & Emma. In her spare time, she enjoys making jewelry, playing mini-golf, cards or board games, playing piano, singing, and cutting-the-rug on the dance floor.
		Gail Renner, Children’s Ministry Coordinator Gail Renner has been the Children’s Ministry Coordinator since February of 2003. She graduated from Emporia State University with a bachelors degree in Elementary Education. She also holds a masters degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Fort Hays State University. Gail previously taught preschool special education for 12 years, before staying at home with her children. She also enjoys reading to preschool aged children at the Inman City Library during story time. Gail and her husband, Al, have 3 boys - Jacob, James, & Caleb.
		Sara Rice, Children's Ministry Assistant and Middle School Youth Coordinator Sara Rice joined the FUMC staff in January of 2007. She serves as the Children’s Ministry Assistant and the Middle School Youth Coordinator. Sara graduated from Goodland High School and attended Emporia State University. Prior to coming on staff, Sara spent several years as a stay at home mom and community volunteer. She enjoys cheering on her children at the ball field and the dance floor. As well as spending time together on family vacations. She also enjoys reading, writing, and speaking to women’s groups. Sara feels passionate about helping children and youth grow in their faith and develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Her and her husband, Randy live in Moundridge with their four young children; Alli, Ethan, Bethany and Avery.
		Darren Frazier, Pastoral Assistant and Senior High Youth Coordinator Darren Frazier is a Pastoral Assistant and Senior High Youth Coordinator at 1st UMC. Darren Graduated at McPherson High School and is working on undergraduate hours at Hutchinson CC. he has completed the Kansas East Conference license to preach school and will be taking the course of study, at St. Paul school of Theology next year. Darren is a certified law enforcement officer through the University of Kansas. Darren is married to Valerie, and has two daughters, Erin and Kimberly. He enjoys reading and fishing in his spare time when not busy at the church.
		Reverend Harold Nelson, Pastoral Care Reverend Harold Nelson, Pastoral Care part-time, earned a B.A. from Kansas Wesleyan University, a M. Div. from Drew University, and a D. Div. from Kansas Wesleyan University. Prior to coming to McPherson in 1978, Harold served as the District Superintendent of the Hutchinson District from 1972-1976. He has also served as a Methodist/United Methodist pastor for 40 years. After retirement in 1991, he has served for 4 years as the Conference Registrar of the Board of Ordained Ministry. Harold is married to Evelyn and they have three grown children: Sonia, Douglas and Anita. He is also presently Chair of McPherson’s Opera House Operation Committee.
		Reverend Robert (Bob) Fleenor, Pastoral Care Reverend Robert (Bob) Fleenor has served FUMC part-time in Pastoral Care since 2003. He holds degrees from Fort Hays State University (B.S.), Iliff School of Theology (Th.M.) and advanced training at St. Paul School of Theology. Bob has served many churches as a full-time Pastor including Deerfield UMC, Anthony UMC, Concordia UMC, Larned UMC, & Clay Center UMC. He has served as a part-time pastor at Geneseo UMC, Ebenezer UMC, Roxbury United Parish and McPherson’s FUMC. Bob and his wife Elaine have three grown married daughters and seven grandchildren. Their oldest daughter is a UMC pastor’s wife in Ft. Scott, KS. In their retirement, Bob and Elaine enjoy traveling and volunteer work. Because Elaine is a member of the Church of the Brethren, they spend a considerable amount of time participating in activities of both congregations.
		Lynette Pauls, Church Secretary Lynette Pauls began as the Church Secretary in February of 2006. She attended McPherson High School and Hutchinson Community College. Prior to this position she was a legal secretary and has had experience in banking. In her spare time she enjoys working out, singing and reading. Lynette is married to Greg. They have 3 children: Hayley Schroeder from Grand Island, Nebraska, Kiley Severns from Goddard, Kansas, and Lauren Pauls, a junior at McPherson High School. They also have 3 granddaughters and another one on the way.
		Joyce Hall, Senior Organist Joyce Hall is the Senior Organist here at the First United Methodist Church. She has been a part of our music ministry staff since 1968. Joyce holds a B.A. in Music Education from McPherson College and has also studied organ with Dr. Dunn at Tabor College. She taught for 16 years as an elementary music teacher for USD #418. During this time, she implemented a pilot program for “Art in the Elementary” and started “Music and Movement” for K - 2nd grade at Roosevelt Elementary School. After retirement, Joyce substitute taught for 3 years. Joyce is married to Howard and they have 2 married children and 4 grandchildren.
		Evelyn Nelson, Director, Alleluya Bell Choir Evelyn Nelson is the Director of the Alleluya Bell Choir. She holds the following degrees: BA from Kansas Wesleyan University, MS at Emporia State University, & RTC from Glasser Institute. Evelyn started the Youth Bell & Adult Choirs at Trinity UMC, Hutchinson. She is also past president of the Kansas American Guild of English Handbell Ringers. Evelyn’s love for the arts goes beyond handbells. She is also a private piano teacher, President of the McPherson Art Council, and a board member of the McPherson Opera House. Evelyn is retired from 30 years of teaching. The last 14 years were at USD #418 in the area of Special Education. Evelyn is married to Rev. Harold Nelson. They have 3 grown children.
		Frances King, Lay Visitor Frances King joined the First Church staff in 1999 as our Lay Visitor. She attended Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland, Oregon. Frances was born and raised in California and has lived in Kansas since October of 1981. She retired from being a supervisor in the pharmaceutical industry for 25 years. Besides visiting our homebound members, Frances is active in missions and has been on 13 “Volunteers in Mission” trips and 4 work camps. Her VIM trips have taken her to Haiti, Cuba, Guatemala and many other places. She is currently chairman of the Missions Ministry Team and oversees the FUMC Food Cupboard.
		Amy Warner, Assistant Organist Amy Warner is FUMC’s Assistant Organist. She joined the staff in 2003. As the Assistant Organist, she plays for the 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. church services one Sunday each month. Amy attended McPherson College for two years then transferred and graduated from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio with a bachelor’s degree. She is currently Dean of the Hutchinson chapter of the American Guild of Organists and studies organ privately with Shirley Brandyberry in Hutchinson. Amy and husband, Jay, farm west of McPherson.
		David Hobson, Custodian David Hobson is FUMC’s Custodian. He joined the staff on October 1, 2002. David has an A.A. Degree from Central College and a B.A. in History from McPherson College. David is married to Crystal with whom he shares son, Josef, and a daughter Zahara. He enjoys spending time with his family and working at McPherson’s FUMC. In his spare time, David likes to hunt, fish, and travel to Wyoming. One of his favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 22:1.
		Charlotte Becker, Financial Secretary Charlotte Becker is FUMC's Financial Secretary. (Not pictured)