Rev. Rick Sale joined the staff at FUMC as senior pastor nearly a year ago,  in June, 2009.   Since then, one of Rev. Sale's priorities has been completing an agressive program of visiting all of our local members.   Through both group and individuals, much of our local congregation has been able to meet with Rev. Sale, to tell him of their dreams for First Church, their fond memories and their desires for the future ministries.

His wife, Carol Markstrom, is also getting to know the congregation through her teaching of a very successfull mid-week class on Native American studies, and through her participation in the Chancel Choir. 

Contact Rev. Sale at revrick@cfumc.org

Rev. Elizabeth W. Baker, Minister of Spiritual Formation and Lay Ministry Development, is an ordained United Methodist deacon. She came to First United Methodist Church after having served six years as Director of College Ministry and six years as an assigned supply pastor. Elizabeth's passion for spiritual formation is captured in her life mission statement: "I want to be a reflection of the light that encourages the flower to open." In her experience, lay ministry is a natural outgrowth of a person's healthy spiritual growth. 

Rev. Baker is married and has two grown son - Ben, in his last year of veterinary school and Bryan in his last year of seminary, in preparation for missionary service. Her husband, Marty, is Manager of Facilities at Clarion University.

If you have any questions or comments please contact me at elizabeth@wvdsl.net

Don Gardner is the Director of Music and Church Operations at First United Methodist Church. He received his Masters of Music in Choral Conduction from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, and a Bachelor of Music Education, magna cum laude, from West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon. 

Don has served as Music Director at First United Methodist since 1978, and through the years also has enjoyed leading Children, Youth, and Adult Ministries.  

Beginning in 2010, the position of Director of Church Operations was created.  In this role, Gardner, will enhance the ministry of hospitality at First Church, and seeks to encourage the congregation to further establish the church's presence in the community. 

Volunteering in many capacities in community activities and in United Methodist denominational events,  he puts into practice his belief in Wesley's emphases on "practical theology", and "the world is my parish"

Contact Don at dgardner55@yahoo.com.

Carrie Whaley, one of our First United Methodist, is serving wonderfully well as new part-time Director of Youth Ministries!    Assisted by the Youth Ministries Council and many volunteers, our 6th through 12th graders are enjoying a wealth of service and fellowship activities.  

For more details, contact us at cfumcbreakawayyouth@gmail.com.