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Regular Sunday schedule
Senior Pastor
Nathan began serving as pastor of the UMC of Kent in July 2023. Before coming to Kent, he served United Methodist congregations in Tiffin, Niles, and Berea and held leadership roles across the East Ohio Conference. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Ohio Northern University and both a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary. Nathan and his wife, Megan, enjoy spending time with family and exploring Kent and its local parks.
Minister of Pastoral Care
Bob returned to the UMC of Kent after more than 40 years of ministry, having first served here as associate minister from 1980 to 1985. He has served churches throughout the East Ohio Conference and worked as a hospice chaplain after retiring from the conference in 2016. Bob is also a leader and trainer in Stephen Ministries. He and his wife, Janet, enjoy family, travel, biking, golf, and long walks together.
Director of Christian Education & Youth Ministries
Rick joined the staff in 2006 with a background in elementary education, school leadership, and youth ministry. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Bethany College, a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Malone University. Rick oversees Christian education for young people from birth through twelfth grade and brings deep faith and energy to ministry with children, youth, and families.
Finance Director
Lynnette joined the staff in 2004 with extensive financial and administrative experience in private and nonprofit organizations. Her accounting and data-management background has helped automate and streamline the church business office. A lifelong member of UMC of Kent, Lynnette also founded the congregation’s Prayer Quilt Ministry chapter in 2006.
Business Manager & Director of ZAMARingers
Adam is the church business manager, webmaster, and director of the ZAMARingers youth bell ensemble. A lifelong member of UMC of Kent, he brings experience in public-facing management, graphic and web design, choral music, and local theatre. Adam earned a Bachelor of Arts in Classics with a minor in Art History from Kent State University and lives in Stow with his wife, Patti, and their son, Alexander.
Secretary
Cara is a longtime member of UMC of Kent and brings many years of office experience from retail and private manufacturing home offices. She has served on numerous church committees and as a head usher for the early worship service. Cara helps keep the church office connected with members, visitors, and ministry teams throughout the week.
Director of Music
Frank has directed the Sanctuary Choir since 1996. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Doctor of Musical Arts in composition from the Cleveland Institute of Music and Case Western Reserve University. Under his direction, the Sanctuary Choir offers a wide-ranging program of traditional choral music in worship.
Organist and Director of New Spirit
Dawn joined the UMC of Kent staff in 2018. She earned a Bachelor of Music from Duquesne University and a Master of Music in organ performance from the University of Akron. Dawn supports music education through the Akron Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and performs with the community handbell ensemble Summit Bells. Her organ playing enriches worship, accompanies the Sanctuary Choir, and leads congregational song.
Director of Chancel Ringers
Children's Choir Director
Kitchen Hostess
Staci provides overall management for the church’s active commercial kitchen. She coordinates food preparation and service with church groups, community organizations, outside groups, and caterers for lunches, dinners, receptions, and special events. Her practical hospitality helps the church welcome people around the table throughout the week.
Wesley Chapel
Intimate setting, traditional hymns
Palmer Gym
Casual atmosphere, worship band
Main Sanctuary
Choir, organ, children's moment
