making and maturing disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world
Pastor Brandon Keck – Ext. 307Pastor Brandon Keck has been serving in the United Methodist church since 2006 when he graduated from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO) with a Masters of Divinity. He has served at 3 churches prior to us, most recently having served at Three Crosses United Methodist Fellowship in Mid-Ohio. He has a passion for mission trips of all kinds and he believes that all faith communities need to be engaged in these activities and that the best opportunities for spiritual growth can happen when we host mission teams here in our own backyard.
I am most often visible playing guitar and serving as a lead worshiper for our 8:30 and 9:45am modern worship services, and also function as technical director and one half of the communications team at First UMC. I am a hopeless geek about almost everything and a proud father of two sons. My wife Stacy and I reside in Bolivar, where I also base my wedding and portrait photography business. Serving alongside such an active and loving church family is an honor, and I’m thankful to worship and serve at First UMC.
I have been a part-time employee here for 14 years. I come from a self-employed/finance background, have four (young adult) children, and one grandson. You may also find me volunteering with our soup kitchen, special events committee, or VBS decorating. I have always felt very welcomed into this church. Through the events and programs that I am involved with, I want others to feel the same way. I have been very blessed with God’s awesome journey for me, my family, and my friends.
Josh Smith – Ext. 305I am often found running with kids and laughing with parents on a Sunday Morning, while trying to eat a doughnut and get “another” cup of coffee down. I graduated from Malone University with two degrees in Bible/ Theology & Youth Ministry and am working my way through a Master of Divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary. My wife, Emily, and I have been married since 2014, she’s a teacher at Perry Local, and we have a puppy son, Cooper. I enjoy basketball, coffee, Cleveland sports (except the Browns… I’m a Steelers fan), and being with people.
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