Staff

The staff of First UMC McAlester is always ready to help any way we can.

 

Dr. Charles Neff

Senior Pastor

Dr. Neff is an Ordained Elder in the Oklahoma Conference of The United Methodist Church and began his ministry at Grand Avenue / First UMC in June 2007.  He previously served as Associate Pastor of Faith UMC in Tulsa (2003-2007) and Pastor of Green Valley Chapel UMC near Mount Vernon, Ohio (1999-2003).  He is a graduate of Oklahoma City University (BA, MBA), Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MDiv, MTS), and Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. (DMin).  Dr. Neff is a lifelong United Methodist, having grown-up at East Cross UMC in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.  He received his calling to ministry at the age of 14 while at church camp.

 

  

  

Rev. Chris Symes

Associate Pastor

Rev. Chris Symes was appointed to First UMC of McAlester in June 2011.  A native of OKC, OK, and a graduate of OU, Chris later attended and graduated from Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, KY where he met and married his wife Ashley.  Prior to his appointment at McAlester First, Chris served as Associate Pastor of Centenary UMC in Lawton, OK.  Rev. Symes is responsible for First UMC's young adult ministry, Tween ministry, discipleship ministry, and contemporary worship.

 

 Robin Woodley

Youth Minister 

Robin has been on staff with First UMC-Grand Avenue for seven years, a Methodist for forty-seven years, and a member of GAUMC for almost twenty years. She taught secondary English, Speech and Drama for thirteen years at McAlester Public Schools and coached a variety of sports including softball and cheerleading. She has served on many community boards and currently is the President of the Wanting Abstinence in Teens Coalition for Pittsburg County and the director of The Fellowship of Christian Athletes for MPS. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and has pursued graduate work at the University of Tulsa. Robin, her husband Steve, and their children Chase and Taylor, are all lifelong residents of McAlester.

  

 

 

 

Linda Dusenberry, Minister of Music & Organist

Linda has been with First UMC-Grand Avenue for ten years in the capacity of organist and choir director. She taught music in the public schools for 21 years prior to this tenure. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Northeastern State College in Tahlequah, and has done graduate work at both NSU and the University of Tulsa.  Her first position as organist was at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Tulsa at the age of 12.

 

Laura Neff, Interim Children's Minister

Laura is wife to our Senior Pastor and is serving as Interim Children's Minister while the church makes its transition to the new space.  Laura has a degree in Early Childhood Education from Ohio Wesleyan University and served as Director of Tween Ministries at Faith UMC in Tulsa and Youth Minister at Green Valley Chapel UMC in Mt. Vernon, Ohio.  She has two children of her own in the program, so she is motivated to make it a wonderful learning environment!  Every Sunday morning and Wednesday night you'll find her at the church with a big smile!

 

June Kelley, Nursery Director

June is minister to our youngest disciples. She coordinates our Little Disciple Center on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights, overseeing our caring staff of paid and volunteer nursery workers.  June has an extensive background in child development and has been a part of our staff since 2008.

 

Cara Bland, Financial Administrator

Cara is First UMC's financial administrator. She hails from Arkansas and is still greatly involved with the family business there. Her husband is a judge, and her children Eli and Ryli are both in college. Cara is active in the community, serving on many boards and committees.

 

Peggy McBeath, Care & Outreach Coordinator

Peggy has been with First UMC-Grand Avenue for 24 years; but is a life-long member of the United Methodist Church.  She is working with the Outreach Ministry and Children's Programs.

An Oklahoma State University graduate, Peggy is a secondary Math education major working for McAlester Public Schools in the seventh and eighth grade level.  Also, she teaches the Beginning and Intermediate Algebra Classes at Eastern Oklahoma State College, McAlester Campus.  She has one daughter, Stefanie, who is married and lives in McAlester.

 

Donna (Cox) Manning, Custodian

Donna maintains our facilities throughout the week.  She is a native of Indianola and a great asset to our church.