Church Staff

Rev.  Gary A Carter – Pastor
Gary was appointed to serve with the people of First United Methodist Church in Kennett beginning in September 2005. He began preparing for Ordained Ministry in 1986 when he began studies at St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City while serving as a Student Local Pastor at the United Methodist Church in Miami, MO and the Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church. He received a Master of Divinity Degree in May of 1989. Gary was Ordained an Elder in the Missouri East Conference of the UMC in May of 1991. Before moving to Kennett, Gary served with the people called United Methodist in the Leslie UMC, Casco UMC, Champion City UMC, First UMC Sikeston, Wellsville United Methodist Presbyterian, Middletown UMC, Licking UMC and Raymondville UMC.

Chris Wheeler – Director of Youth & Family Ministry
Chris Wheeler was hired as Director of Youth and Family Ministry on June 1st, 2003. Chris belongs to the Serendipity Sunday School class, Sisters Circle, Church Council, Nurture Committee, Wednesday night Bible Study and Youth Leader Network group. Chris plans and programs youth activities; outings for our Mature Methodist Travelers; coordinates the Soul Cafe,  and organizes family activities for First UMC. Chris met her husband, John, at church camp. John still directs Sanctuary Kamp at Blue Mountain and Chris is a counselor there. They have three children, Alex, Katie, and Sarah.

JoBeth Rickman – Church Secretary
JoBeth officially joined the staff at First UMC on May 29, 2007.   She comes to us after several years with the Kennett Public Schools, serving as a Teacher’s Aid.

Vickie Hamlett – Nursery, Housekeeping

Tina Qualls – Nursery, Children’s Church Leader

Jackie Scoggins – Nursery, Children’s Church Leader

Barney Greenway – Librarian

Roger Wheeler Sr – Maintenance

Emily Story – Musician, Organ

Jan McDaniel – Sanctuary Choir, Chancel Choir

Daryl Wilcoxson – Youth Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Upwords Songleader

Charolyn Hilburn – Carol Choir