Myrtle Grove United Methodist Church
Every member - a good neighbor
MGUMC exists to:
entice people to come,
encourage them to belong,
engage them in worship,
enable them to grow,
and
equip them for ministry.
About Us
- Sr Pastor
- Assoc Pastor
- Youth Dir/Worship Ldr
- Organist/Pianist
- Finance Sectry
- Receptionist/Sectry
- Maintenance
- Nursery Dir
- Media Tech Dir
- Membership Sectry
- Librarian
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 ten years old and is the joy of their home.
Email address: r_richardson@mgumc.org
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 ten years old and is the joy of their home.
Email address: r_richardson@mgumc.org
Associate Pastor
Name: Laura Weant
Role at MGUMC: Associate Pastor
Started on Staff: June 12, 2007
Myrtle Grove UMC is Laura's first ministry appointment. In May 2007, she completed her Master of Divinity degree at Saint Paul School of Theology, a United Methodist seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. Before seminary, she lived for five years in the Pensacola area and is delighted to be able to return here and be near family and friends. She has worked in the fields of architecture and architectural history previously, thus proving that God calls all types into ministry! Laura has a B.S. in Architecture from the University of Virginia and a M.A. in Architecture (focusing on Historic Preservation) from the University of Florida.
Favorite books of the Bible: Psalms and the Gospel of John
Favorite movies: Babette's Feast and Sense and Sensibility
What I like best about my job: Working with the folks at Myrtle Grove UMC as we serve God together. And the food isn't bad either!
For fun I like to: Go to concerts, museums and movies; cook or eat out; read mysteries and novels; work on calligraphy projects; go shopping!
Email address: l_weant@mgumc.org
Name: Laura Weant
Role at MGUMC: Associate Pastor
Started on Staff: June 12, 2007
Myrtle Grove UMC is Laura's first ministry appointment. In May 2007, she completed her Master of Divinity degree at Saint Paul School of Theology, a United Methodist seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. Before seminary, she lived for five years in the Pensacola area and is delighted to be able to return here and be near family and friends. She has worked in the fields of architecture and architectural history previously, thus proving that God calls all types into ministry! Laura has a B.S. in Architecture from the University of Virginia and a M.A. in Architecture (focusing on Historic Preservation) from the University of Florida.
Favorite books of the Bible: Psalms and the Gospel of John
Favorite movies: Babette's Feast and Sense and Sensibility
What I like best about my job: Working with the folks at Myrtle Grove UMC as we serve God together. And the food isn't bad either!
For fun I like to: Go to concerts, museums and movies; cook or eat out; read mysteries and novels; work on calligraphy projects; go shopping!
Email address: l_weant@mgumc.org
Youth Director/Contemporary Worship Leader
Name: Patrick McBride
Role at MGUMC: Youth Director/Contemporary Worship Leader
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
Name: Patrick McBride
Role at MGUMC: Youth Director/Contemporary Worship Leader
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
Organist/Pianist
Name: Jim Hussong
Role at MGUMC: Organist/Pianist
Started on Staff: June 2007
Started Attending MGUMC: June 2007
Family: Wife - Margaret; Son - Bill Wife - Faye Children - Matt & Hope; Daughter - Linda Husband - Tom Danks Children - Christine & Katie
Favorite Book of the Bible: Old Testament - Psalms; New Testament - John & Romans
Favorite Music: Classical Piano & Organ
Favorite Movie: Gone with the Wind
What I like best about my ministry: Being able to express the feeling and meaning I feel in Hymns, both music & text.
For fun I enjoy: Playing Bridge
Name: Jim Hussong
Role at MGUMC: Organist/Pianist
Started on Staff: June 2007
Started Attending MGUMC: June 2007
Family: Wife - Margaret; Son - Bill Wife - Faye Children - Matt & Hope; Daughter - Linda Husband - Tom Danks Children - Christine & Katie
Favorite Book of the Bible: Old Testament - Psalms; New Testament - John & Romans
Favorite Music: Classical Piano & Organ
Favorite Movie: Gone with the Wind
What I like best about my ministry: Being able to express the feeling and meaning I feel in Hymns, both music & text.
For fun I enjoy: Playing Bridge
Finance Secretary
Name: Marie Ponder
Role at MGUMC: Finance Secretary/
Admin Assistant
Started on Staff: August 2004
Family: Husband - Ken Ponder; Children - Tamela & Nicole
Favorite Book of the Bible: Esther & Proverbs
Favorite Movie: The Notebook
For fun I enjoy: Reading, Movies, Crafts, & listening to motivational/leadership CDs/Tapes.
Email address: m-ponder@mgumc.org
Name: Marie Ponder
Role at MGUMC: Finance Secretary/
Admin Assistant
Started on Staff: August 2004
Family: Husband - Ken Ponder; Children - Tamela & Nicole
Favorite Book of the Bible: Esther & Proverbs
Favorite Movie: The Notebook
For fun I enjoy: Reading, Movies, Crafts, & listening to motivational/leadership CDs/Tapes.
Email address: m-ponder@mgumc.org
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
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
Maintenance
Name: Bobby Allen
Role at MGUMC: Maintenance
Started on Staff: March 18, 1983
Family: 2 Daughters; 3 Grandsons
Favorite Book of the Bible: Philippians
Favorite Movie: karate movies
What I like best about my ministry: Preaching God's Word
For fun I enjoy: games
Name: Bobby Allen
Role at MGUMC: Maintenance
Started on Staff: March 18, 1983
Family: 2 Daughters; 3 Grandsons
Favorite Book of the Bible: Philippians
Favorite Movie: karate movies
What I like best about my ministry: Preaching God's Word
For fun I enjoy: games
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!
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 Director
Name: Chuck Boyd
Role at MGUMC: Media Technical Director; Buildings & Grounds member; Sound booth team leader.
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!
Name: Chuck Boyd
Role at MGUMC: Media Technical Director; Buildings & Grounds member; Sound booth team leader.
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 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
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
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
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