We are blessed to have a wonderful staff of full-time, part-time, and volunteer personnel who keep the ministries of FUMC running.
Rev. Hay is the Senior Pastor of FUMC Palestine. He grew up in the Texas Annual Conference, was in the Central Texas Conference for a few years, and has been back in the Texas Conference since 1984. His undergraduate work was done at Southwestern University in Georgetown and his seminary work at Perkins School of Theology at SMU. Bruce has been at First Palestine since June, 2008. If you would like a visit from Bruce for any reason, click here.
Beverly is our church secretary and receptionist and is the first face visitors see when they come to our church office. She serves as a secretary to the pastor as well as the staff. She also creates and publishes our Visitor newsletter and our weekly bulletins and maintains the prayer lists and other frequently updated material. In addition to these, she provides assistance to those in need through our Society of St. Stephen assistance program. She joined our staff in May of 2008.
Larry Lamely-Facilities Manager
Larry is responsible for all the church site facilities. He also handles the physical arrangements for all functions scheduled with the church office. He has been a volunteer at First Church for many years and joined the staff full time in 2005. When not attending to church matters, he volunteers his time with the Boy Scouts and other service groups in Palestine.
Vickie Shaffer-Financial Administrator
Vickie is the Financial Administrator. She is responsible for maintaining all the financial records of the church. She also handles all purchasing and provides committees with financial information as needed. Vickie has worked in a variety of ministry and management settings. She joined the church staff in January, 2009.
Jason Huffman-Director of Youth Ministries
Jason Huffman joined First Church as our full-time Director of Youth Ministries in May 2006. Jason comes to us with 10 years experience as a Youth Director and a Masters degree in Christian Education. Jason is a graduate of Westwood High School in Palestine, Texas, and returned to Palestine in 2004, and joined our staff in 2006. He is also the webmaster for the church.
Caleb Estrada-Director of Chancel Choir and Glory Bells
Caleb became Director of Music Ministries in April of 2008. He directs the Chancel Choir and Bell Choir and coordinates the other music ministries for the Sunday worship services. He came to First Church having served as an intern to the music minister at another church where he obtained experience directing the choir. Caleb is the Elementary Music Teacher in Elkhart Public Schools where his wife, Katy, is the Middle School Band Director.
Stacey Collier-Preschool Director
Stacey is the Director of the FUMC Preschool. She has been with the program since it began at First Church in September of 2007. She works with the Preschool Board, supervises the preschool staff and works at planning days filled with fun and new experiences for the children. She is also a native of Palestine, TX.
Denise Adams-Nursery Director
Denise has been a long-time member of FUMC and has been very active in the children’s Sunday School program running the computer lab lessons for Power Xpress. Denise took over as Nursery Director in January of 2009.
Monroe Walker-Organ and Piano Accompanist
Monroe joined FUMC as Church Organist in August, 2002. He came to us with 17 years experience in church music. He is also the Fiscal Director responsible for all business matters at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center.
Beth Leonard-Director of Children’s Ministries
Beth is truly dedicated to children. She is a kindergarten teacher full time and also directs the children’s ministries here at First Church which include Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, and the Kids’ Praise Choir. We are blessed to have Beth serving in our church.
