Our Staff
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Denny Silk
Senior Pastor
Denny Silk
Senior Pastor
The simplest way to describe my job as pastor is to say my work is to help all of us grow in our love of God and neighbor. This happens through conducting worship and administering the sacraments, teaching and leading classes, and visiting. And I am pleased to say that I find in doing this work, that I too am feeling deeper love for God and neighbor.
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Todd Rogers
Youth Pastor
Todd Rogers
Youth Pastor
I attended school at Arizona State University, Finance and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.
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Joshua Elder
Minister of Music
Joshua Elder
Minister of Music
I oversee the entire music department and am directly responsible for the Chancel Choir and First Praise band. Equally as passionate about Modern and Traditional worship forms, I see music as the vehicle for the message, not the message itself and strive to bring that understanding to others in the church. In addition to conducting and leading worship, I am also an active composer, arranger, and song-writer.
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Robin Spencer
Parish Nurse
Robin Spencer
Parish Nurse
As Parish Nurse, I coordinate our Congregational Care Team, S.W.A.G. (Second Wednesday Adult Group) fellowship, Women’s Retreat, Grief Support groups, T’ai Chi Chih classes, medical equipment loan closet, Home Shared Communion, Gourmets for God, Healing Services, UMCOR mission teams, home visits, prayer notes and lots of phone calls. I always love making connections with new faces at First Church.
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Russ Morrow
Business Administrator
Russ Morrow
Business Administrator
My primary responsibilities include managing the campus and facilities, supervising the campus and office staff, and administration of finance and foundation operations. I also provide administration support to the Weekday School Director and staff. I enjoy working with the staff, congregation and friends of First Church by building and providing a welcoming environment on the church and school campus.
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Beckie Humphrey
Director of the Weekday School
Beckie Humphrey
Director of the Weekday School
As the Director of the Weekday School, I oversee the entire program, staff and activities. The Weekday School is very much a part of the life of the church and we often overlap with activies that include weekly chapel with the associate pastor, Vacation Bible School and the Cherub Choir. The school also participates in other church social events such as the Fall Festival and Christmas events.
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Natasha Hawkins
Assistant Director of the Weekday School
Natasha Hawkins
Assistant Director of the Weekday School
Asst. Director of Weekday School
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Ron Rhode
Organist
Ron Rhode
Organist
I am originally from a small town on the Mississippi called Port Byron, Illinois. It’s a big “metropolis” now at 1,100 or so, but it was 283 when I was growing up!
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Elizabeth Leyva
Director of Children and Youth Choirs
Elizabeth Leyva
Director of Children and Youth Choirs
I grew up in the United Methodist Church and my musical career began there, so working at the church was only natural.
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Jen Heffington
Children's Ministry Coordinator
Jen Heffington
Children's Ministry Coordinator
I read all types of books, whether fiction or non-fiction. I love to spend time with my family, helping my son and daughter with their extracurricular activities. I have an amazing group of friends who I enjoy spending time with. Selfishly, I like to spend time around the house organizing, cleaning, and relaxing.
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Jenni Bayardi
Jr. High Youth leader
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Cathy Fuentes
Office Manager
Cathy Fuentes
Office Manager
My name is Catalina Fuentes. A lot of people know me as Cathy. I am a mother of 5 kids and a grandma to a grandson. I have been in the management field for about 15 years. I am a people-person and look forward to working and assisting you all with your needs, whether it is work related or situations that arise.
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Darlene Keller
Office Assistant
Darlene Keller
Office Assistant
Darlene moved to Arizona in 2001 from Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania. She enjoys reading, researching, hiking and interior decorating. Darlene’s son, Gerald, is an officer in the U.S. Army and her daughter, Meredith, works for the Department of Defense. Darlene comes to us with experience working at Glendale First United Methodist Church, CCA Episcopal Church in Paradise Valley and for the Blue Lodge Masonic Temple in Philadelphia. Darlene also gives tours at the historic Manistee Ranch in Glendale. Darlene enjoys meeting and engaging with people and is very happy to be on the staff of First Church.
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Dan Hawkins
Maintenance
Dan Hawkins
Maintenance
I supervise, plan and execute all aspects of building maintenance and custodial needs. The larger portion of work that is completed includes painting and plumbing, but is not limited to these. Other duties include: remodel/job planning, meeting with contractors and vendors, custodial work, keeping inventory of all needed supplies and electrical/electronics repair. Assist clergy, program staff, and parishioners successfully set up and complete church events.
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Don Vance
Custodian
Don Vance
Custodian
Don is our resident host and custodian.He is responsible for preparing rooms for meetings and events, hosting visiting groups, providing support to campus maintenance, and campus security. Don also provides support to our wedding coordinator during rehearsals, ceremonies and receptions.
