About FUMC

Program and Support Staff

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Roberta is the Office Administrator and has been with FUMC since November 1995. She maintains the church's website, prepares the worship bulletins and newsletters, coordinates the church calendar & office, including weddings, baptisms & funerals, and a variety of other tasks.

Cedric began March 3, 2012 as our new full-time custodian, working in the afternoons and evenings. Cedric has a B.A. degree in Architecture from UNL and previous experience in building maintenance in Lincoln.

Becky is a multi-talented addition to our staff who has been with First United Methodist Church since 1998. She coordinates the youth program and is the Director of Membership Development.

An award-winning composer and organist, Mark Kurtz has been Director of Music Ministries at First United Methodist Church since the year 2000. His education began at the North Carolina School of the Arts, where he won a Chancellor's Award for Excellence and graduated as Outstanding Senior. He continued his studies at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he was twice named an Angell Scholar and graduated with highest honors.

Next, he studied at the University of Minnesota, where he branched out from his conservatory-style background and began to be involved in performance art, musical theater, and conducting. His compositions have been performed across the United States, in Canada, and in Europe. He has received many commissions for new work, from groups such as the American Guild of Organists and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He regularly writes new pieces for the Chancel Choir and Handbell Choir of First United Methodist Church; two CD's of his compositions, performed by the church choirs and with guest soloists and instrumentalists, have been produced.

Jerry joined the staff on August 8, 2010. He is part-time and you see him most Sundays and other days as the schedule requires.

In 2007, I completed my 36th year of teaching music to elementary-age students in Omaha schools. My husband, Bob, and I have been members of FUMC for 13 years and our daughter, Elizabeth, was confirmed in FUMC. We love to travel, be a part of the Chancel Choir, listen to music, cook, play bridge and follow Chicago Cubs baseball. It has been my privilege to know and work with Mark Kurtz and members of our terrific Chancel Choir as the Music Associate. We feel blessed to be a part of a faith community that has been very welcoming and very supportive, has challenged our thinking, and stood by us in times of joy and times of sorrow.

Steve has been the Building Manager at FUMC since May 1, 1989. He and his wife, Karma, have been married since 1976 and their family have been members of FUMC since 1983. Heather and Jason were born, baptized, went to preschool, grew up in and have worked for FUMC helping with many functions held here. Steve and Karma both love to work together designing and creating quilts, pendant flags, and a variety of other projects. Steve's main passion is woodworking and has made several pieces at FUMC. He designed the log cabin that sat on the south lawn of the church to help celebrate FUMC's 150th Anniversary in 2005. He loves working with the many volunteers and feels it is very important for people to get involved and mostly to feel welcomed when coming to FUMC.

Ed began February 27, 2012 as our Finance Manager. He processes payroll, receivables and payables, prepares monthly and yearly finance reports, maintains contribution records and generally oversees administration of all church accounting. He is in the office 5:30-7:30 most evenings and on some Saturday mornings. Ed also sings in the choir and has served in leadership on most all administrative committees of the church.

Sue is on staff part time to work with Healing Arts and Jesus' Friends.

Mary began March 15, 2012 as Adult Education Director. She is a valuable link to Healing Arts, Horizons of Faith and FaithStudies@First and is developing new ongoing adult classes and coordinating short term studies. Mary is a professional educator and counselor, holding a Bachelor's of Music from the University of Wyoming and a Master of Science from UNO. Additionally, Mary shares her gifts in our choir and leads the Worship Committee.

Jessica grew up in this congregation and we were very pleased when she accepted this position starting with us on Sunday, May 5, 2013. She will also assist with Urban Abbey ministries and create opportunities for college groups and student ministry with UNO.

Linda Thompson is Director of Rainbow Factory Preschool. She has been at the Rainbow Factory since June 1987. She previously taught first and second grades in Omaha Public Schools.

Linda is currently on the Board of the Omaha Association for the Education of Young Children and serves as co-chairperson for the Week of the Young Child activities for the Omaha area. She also is a Board member of Prevent Blindness Nebraska.

Linda believes children learn through play, by doing, exploring, solving problems and enjoying self-initiated activities and projects.