rsanderford@mcfirst.com

As of June 11, 2009, Rev. Ricky Sanderford has been appointed to our church as senior pastor. We are thrilled to have him and his wife Kay and their son Samuel join us in ministry. Ricky comes to us from Sierra Vista UMC in San Angelo.

kharrison@mcfirst.com

Ken Harrison, hails originally from Indianapolis, Indiana where he graduated in 1966 from Butler University. Ken attended Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, graduating in 1970 with a Master of Divinity degree before being ordained an Elder in the South Indiana Conference the same year. Ken and his wife Susie moved to Texas in 1976 where Ken served as the Associate Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Brownsville. He became a member of the Southwest Texas Conference in 1977. They have three grown children: Zack, Sara, and Becky.

Serving churches throughout the Southwest Texas Conference over the past 26 years, Ken was appointed to Raymondville, Ozona, Weslaco, and Harlingen before coming to McAllen First in 1997. Now in his eleventh year at First Church, Ken finds fulfillment in the overall practice of ministry, especially favoring the areas of pastoral care, preaching, and teaching.

“One of the things I find most exciting about serving in ministry at First Church is that we are a seven day a week congregation. There is always something good going on and there is something for everyone. I’m glad to be a part of a congregation that takes mission seriously. It is inspiring to see how teachers, staff, and parents bring little children into awareness of mission possibilities all around us. We abound in study groups, opportunities for children, youth, and adults. Anyone can plug in here.

I also take a great deal of pleasure in watching how the laity of our church see needs and help to identify, support and develop new ministries to reach out, offer care, hospitality, and vision for our community. It is a joy to serve among the creative active people of First Church!”

cevins@mcfirst.com

Cathe Evins has served as Associate Pastor of First United Methodist Church since 1999. She is an ordained elder in the Southwest Texas Conference of the First United Methodist Church. She is a graduate of Clinton Community College, University of Texas Pan American, and Perkins School of Theology. In addition to her pastoral responsibilities, Cathe enjoys working out, cooking, traveling, and attending concerts. Her husband Jerry is a health and life insurance agent. They have three children: Chinae, Stephanie, and Skyler.

“FUMC is a great church and I find it very fulfilling to be in leadership ministry here. In particular, I enjoy preaching and teaching Bible Studies because I can help people grow in their faith and in their understanding of discipleship. I also find great satisfaction in pastoral counseling and visitation, because it affords me an opportunity to bring the comfort and care of Christ to people when they need it most. Also, I feel privileged to be connected to families through my work with weddings, funerals, and baptisms because those are sacred moments in people’s lives. Perhaps the most satisfying part of my ministry is making visitors feel welcome and assisting them as they get to know our church family and ultimately make the transition into membership. We have a lot to offer people through our church, but the best thing we can offer people is a relationship with Jesus Christ. I believe our church offers that relationship and nurtures it in wonderful ways, and I’m thankful to be a part of that process through hmy ministry as Associate Pastor.”

laclemons@mcfirst.com

Lee Ann has been a member of First United Methodist Church since 1967 when her family moved to McAllen. Through the years, FUMC has been the center of her family’s spiritual life.

After receiving an education degree from UT Austin and marrying Gary Clemons, Lee Ann joined First Church. She has been a stay-at-home mom for their three children: Jeremy, Nicole, and Shay, and a teacher while being involved in various aspects of FUMC as a church member.

The last several years, Lee Ann has been staff at First Church as a Day School teacher, Director of Infant and Toddler Ministries, secretary, and now as Director of Children's and Educational Ministries.

“It is such a blessing to get to call FUMC not only my church home but also my workplace. This place is filled with people who love God and find ways daily to demonstrate that love through caring for others inside and outside of our church family. I look forward to working with the children and their families.

smullin@mcfirst.com

Shane is the Director of Youth Ministries. He & his wife Tara moved here from Arlington over a year ago.

alfarocd@aol.com

Carlos is back with us as the Music Director. He is a choir director with the McAllen Independent School.

dstolley@mcfirst.com

Debbra has been a member of FUMC for many years. She & her husband are members of the Motet Choir and Friendship Sunday School Class. Debbra has gone to Brown Bag Bible Study each week and is currently a member of the "care core" sending notes to members each week. Welcome, Debbra, to the front office!!!

lfowler@mcfirst.com

Lizan Fowler has lived in the Rio Grande Valley for 19 years. She has been a member of FUMC for 14 years and has served in many volunteer roles. Several years ago she answered the call to be the Director of Infant and Toddler Ministry. She loves animals, all outdoor activities, and enjoys reading. Her husband Doug is a Regional Manager of Clayton Homes, They have 3 children: Rafe, Morgan, and Kelian.

“At First Church, we have a wonderful caring church family. I feel that we truly care about one another. As Director for Infant and Toddler Ministry, family needs to be my specialty. I find great satisfaction in helping our young families feel welcome and secure in the knowledge that we will provide a loving, safe, and nurturing environment for their children so that they can be free to worship, grow, relax, and fellowship. I feel so blessed to have this privilege in serving our Lord.”

shellums@mcfirst.com

Susan Hellums has been a member of FUMC for 21 years. She is a graduate of Trinity University and University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and has a teaching certificate from UTPA. Susan enjoys gardening, cooking, music, and working with children. Her husband Tom is the Manager of Wilson Oilfield Supply. They have two daughters: Whitney and Kelsey.

“As a member and staff at FUMC I have grown through worship, Bible Study, small group gatherings, friendships, support, and prayers. Through this church family and these experiences, I feel God has led me into the position as Border Area Mission Coordinator. The willingness to serve and the many outreach ministries of our church exemplify our member’s desire to be the “hands and feet” of Christ, not only in our own community but far-reaching as well. In addition, I am privileged to work with many visiting churches and groups who come to our area to serve in mission and with churches in South Texas and Northern Mexico in assisting to meet needs in their mission and outreach ministries. It is a blessing to be a part of this church family and share with it in God’s mission along this border.”

mhetrick@mcfirst.com

Michelle has worked in child care in McAllen for over 20 years. She has her Child Development Associate and is recognized as a Director for licensed child care centers through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Her husband Michael owns Hetrick & Barber A/C and Electric Service in San Juan. They have four chidren: Mandie, Mathhew, Megan, and Macie.

"I feel very blessed to be working at FUMC. Everyone I meet is so friendly and helpful. I enjoy working with young children. It is amazing to watch them grow and learn new things. I love working with the children, the parents and the staff of FUMC DaySchool."

susanmhickey@aol.com

Susan Hickey grew up in Edinburg, TX and was raised a Presbyterian. She first played in church at the age of 10 and continued until the present. She has been the organist for a Presbyterian Church, Christian Church, Catholic Church, and the last but not least Methodist. Susan graduated from The University of Texas in Austin with a degree in Piano Performance in 1972. Currently, she is a staff accompanist for the McAllen School District at Rowe High School. She also teaches piano lessons privately in her home along with her responsibilities here at First Church. She and her husband Tom have two grown children Patricia and Kevin and a dog named Rusty.

"It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of a growing congregation not only in number, but in spiritual outreach and service as well. I enjoy this family of faith, and the love, support, and fun in working with the entire staff."

kherrera2004@yahoo.com
Karen Herrera comes from Alvin, Texas. (on the southeast side of Houston) and graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 1985 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. Karen served as a choir director in Lamar Consolidated ISD and Leander ISD before moving to McAllen in 1992 with her husband. She began working in McAllen ISD at Brown Middle School as a choir director and in 1998 atteined her master's degree in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Pan Am. She is the Director of Fine Arts for the McAllen Independent School District. Karen joined FUMC shortly after moving to McAllen where she sang in the Motet Choir for 4 years. She also served many years as a Sunday school teacher at a variety of grade levels from kindergarten through middle school. She sang in the McFirst Praise Team before beoming our assistant worship leader.
Karen's husband, Oscar, is a band director and they have 4 teenage children, Kathryn, David, Daniel and Holly.

"I am humbled everyday at the thought that God has chosen to use me through music with the worship band at First Church. It is a great opportunity to work with such talented musicians and we have such a great time using our talents for the Lord. I extend an invitation to anyone who would like to try worshiping in a contemporary way to attend the 9 am service on Sunday mornings."