About Us


  • Sr Pastor
  • Assoc Pastor
  • Youth Dir/Dir of Music
  • Pianist
  • Finance Sectry
  • Receptionist/Sectry
  • Nursery Dir
  • Media Tech Dir
  • Membership Sectry
  • Librarian
Senior PastorRev Riley Richardson - Senior Pastor

Name: Riley Richardson

Role at MGUMC: Senior Pastor

Started on Staff: June 29, 2008

Started Attending MGUMC: June 29, 2008

Family: Wife - Angie; Son - Isaac

     Rev. V. Riley Richardson was born in Jackson, Alabama, and is a graduate of Satsuma High School in Mobile County. He has a B.A. in Religion and Philosophy from Huntingdon College, Montgomery, Alabama. While at Huntingdon College, Pastor Riley completed honor studies in Hebrew and Old Testament Studies. He received his Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. He has received a years training from the United Methodist Church in “Church Re-Vitalization, Congregational Growth and Development.”

     Pastor Riley is a member of the “Order of the Flame” for the World Methodist Evangelism Council, and a Harry Denman Evangelism Award recipient from the Alabama West Florida Conference. Pastor Riley is an Ordained Elder in the Alabama West Florida Conference, which he has served in for 22 years. He is a co-author with Henry Neufeld in their newly published book, Disciples – Jesus With Us.”

     He has served on The Board of Higher Education, United Methodist Children’s Home, and District Boards of Ordained Ministry, within the Methodist Conference. He is presently serving on the Board of Directors for the Blue Lake Emmaus Community. Riley married Angie Kelly the daughter of Ray and Dianne Kelly, both of whom are United Methodist ministers. His brother-in-law, Rev. Kevin Kelly is presently serving as the associate pastor at Niceville UMC. Angie is a graduate of Auburn University at Montgomery with a B.S. in Elementary Education. Angie has taught both Kindergarten and First Grade, and is now a gifted speaker in ministry with her husband. Their son Isaac is the joy of their home.

Email address: r_richardson@mgumc.org
Associate PastorRev Jenni Hendrix - Associate Pastor

Name: Jenni Hendrix

Role at MGUMC: Associate Pastor

Started on Staff: July 2011

Myrtle Grove UMC is Jenni's first ministry appointment.She graduated from Candler School of Theology at Emory University (Atlanta, GA) in May of 2011. Prior to seminary, she majored in Secondary Education at Troy University in Troy, AL. During her time in school, she has worked with youth, college students, and with a homeless shelter. She is excited to be in full time ministry with the folks of Myrtle Grove to the community!

Favorite books of the Bible: Gospel of John

Favorite movies: Empire Records, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, A League of Their Own

For fun I like to: Watch Baseball ( Go Braves!), go to live concerts and plays, play tennis, read, shop, and of course try new restaurants!

Email address: j_hendrix@mgumc.org
Youth Director/Director of MusicPatrick McBride - Youth Director/Contemporary Worship Leader

Name: Patrick McBride

Role at MGUMC: Youth Director/Director of Music

Started on Staff: February 2008

Patrick grew up in Pensacola and in the United Methodist church and graduated from Southern Methodist University in 2004 with a BA in history. He has been playing in a worship band or helping lead worship since he was 15. Patrick previously served as a worship leader for Gonzalez United Methodist Church, and for Every Nation Church in Sydney, Australia. Now back in Pensacola, Patrick is excited to be working and worshipping with the people of Myrtle Grove UMC.

Favorite books of the Bible: Job, Galatians, Ephesians, and Philippians

Favorite movies: Rushmore, The Thin Red Line

What I like best about my job: Making a joyful noise to the Lord in new and creative ways. Seeing others being transformed by God.

For fun I like to: Eat pretty much anything. Hang out with friends. Go exploring in my truck (though gas is a little too much for that lately). Travel to new places. Paddle in a canoe. Go on any sort of adventure.

Email address: p_mcbride@mgumc.org
PianistPatsy Dean

Name: Patsy Dean

Role at MGUMC: Pianist

Started on Staff: September 2010

Favorite Book of the Bible: Psalms; Corinthians

Favorite Movie: Miracle on 34th Street

What I like best about my ministry: Praising God through voice, piano, organ; being flexible

For fun I enjoy: Pilates, spinning, weight training, teaching piano privately, playing weddings, funerals, special parties.

Email Address: patsyw315@cox.net

Finance SecretaryCarolyn Matthews - Finance Secretary

Name: Carolyn Matthews

Role at MGUMC: Finance Secretary

Started on Staff: May 2011

Family: Three sons - Stephen, Jason and Ryan. Two grandchildren - McKenna and Jay. A brother, sister-in-law, several nieces and nephews. My mother resides near me here in Pensacola.

Favorite Scripture: Psalm 143: 8-12

Favorite Music: Rock & Roll, Oldies but Goodies, Mercy Me, Casting Crowns.

Favorite Movie: The Sound of Music, Romatic Comedy, The King's Speech

For fun I enjoy: read, fish, the beach, visiting with family and friends.

Email address: c_matthews@mgumc.org

Receptionist/SecretaryCheryl Johnson - Receptionist/Secretary

Name: Cheryl Johnson

Role at MGUMC: Secretary/
Receptionist

Started on Staff: March 9, 1999

Started Attending MGUMC: May 1996

Family: Mother; 1 Sister; 2 Brothers; 14 Nieces & Nephews; 21 Great Nieces & Nephews

Favorite Book of the Bible: Matthew & Psalms

Favorite Movie: The Passion of The Christ

What I like best about my ministry:Greeting and helping people.

For fun I enjoy: Reading, walking, knitting, embroidery, puzzles, cards

Email address: c_johnson@mgumc.org
Nursery DirectorAmy Lee - Nursery Director

Name: Amy Lee

Role at MGUMC: Nursery Director

Started on Staff: August 2007

Email address: a_lee@mgumc.org

Amy is native Pensacolian and graduated from the University of West Florida with a degree in Psychology. She was married in this very church to her husband Kevin and they are blessed with two children, Adam and Kinsey.

Favorite Books of the Bible: The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Favorite Movies: I love "It's a Wonderful Life", romantic comedies like "The Princess Bride" and historical romances like "Pride & Prejudice" and "Sense & Sensibility".

What I like best about my job is.....watching the children grow and learn surrounded by faith, hope and love. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to be one of the first people in these little lives to introduce them to Jesus and his unconditional love. I enjoy the fact that the children also teach me and remind me of some of the basics, i.e.
"Jesus loves me."
"Do for others what you would have done for you."
"Pray, pray, pray!"

For fun I like....being with my family and friends, going out to dinner, doing home decorating and remodeling (my husband is not too fond of this one!), and as crazy as it sounds I love to clean and organize things - the messier, the better!
Media Technical DirectorChuck Boyd - Audio/Video Director

Name: Chuck Boyd

Role at MGUMC: Media Technical Director; Buildings & Grounds member; Sound booth team leader. Chairman, Board of Trustees & Angel Ministries Coordinator.

Started on Staff: August 2000

Started Attending MGUMC: October 1991

Family: Wife - Connie; daughter - Beth; son - Wes; Son-in-Law - Aaron; Grandchildren - Jeremy, Rebecca, Natalie
Jeremy's wife Madeline; Great Grandchildren - Jacob.

Favorite Book of the Bible: Psalms and Matthew

Favorite Movie: Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail; all of the Bourne Identity movies.

What I like best about my ministry: Supporting the ministry staff on Sundays & the other days of the week.

For fun I enjoy: Helping those less fortunate through carpentry and other hands-on projects. Working with Top of the Bottom Ministries and Pastor Willie Williams. Being with family & friends!

Membership SecretaryVernon Ard - Membership Secretary

Name: Vernon Ard

Role at MGUMC: Membership Secretary

Started on Staff: 1990

Started Attending MGUMC: 1981

Family: Wife - Sylvia; two daughters - Renee & Teresa

Favorite Book of the Bible: Psalms

What I like best about my ministry: Relationships

For fun I enjoy: Research my family tree

Email address: v_ard@mgumc.org
LibrarianRita Dew - Librarian

Name: Rita B. Dew

Role at MGUMC: Librarian

Started on Staff: April 10, 1990

Started Attending MGUMC: May 15, 1988

Family: Son-Jon Dew; Daughter-Carol Sams;
2 Grandchildren; 2 Great Grandchildren

Favorite Book of the Bible: Psalms

Favorite Movie: Pretty Woman

What I like best about my ministry: Meeting & helping others; Reading new books.

For fun I enjoy: Crossword puzzles