Dave and Jana came to Butler in 1992. They have raised their children Bethany and Jonathan here in Butler, and are now very excited to be grandparents to a set of twins! Dave is senior pastor of First Church and Jana is a director at Butler Memorial Hospital. Dave and Jana enjoy traveling, kayaking, hunting for new restaurants, date nights, and hanging out with fun people.

 

Pat and Paul Nelson came to Butler: FUMC on Feb. 15, 2010 after serving various other places of ministry since 1990. Pat is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and has served in Harrisville, Somerset, and New Wilmington before coming here. Paul worked at Castle Rubber Company in East Butler until 1992 when he quit his job there and helps Pat full time in her work. They both love the Lord, have a heart for caring about people and connecting them to Jesus, and serving God in all sorts of ways. Paul is also involved in several of the music ministries of FUMC and is a steady presence at Children’s Church where he teaches the kids the songs they sing at the 10:50 service. Pat supervises and coordinates all of the Congregational Care ministries here at FUMC, as well as shares the “clergy responsibilities” with the other pastors on staff. For fun, they enjoy the “Rails to Trails” on foot or bicycle, they absolutely love the “intense” roller coasters of Cedar Point, and value just relaxing with each other.

Chris and her husband Bill have been a part of First Church for the past 10 years.  Chris joined the First Church staff in October of 2006. Bill and Chris have six grown children!  When not working Chris enjoys reading, baking and spending time with her family. 

Jayme and her husband Cory became part of the First Church family in 2006 after moving “back home” from North Carolina. While in North Carolina, Jayme taught 5th grade for five years. During that time their home grew with the addition of their two daughters Kendyl and Teaghan. After the birth of Teaghan, Cory and Jayme decided to move back to Butler to be closer to family. Jayme came on staff in January 2010 as the part time small group coordinator, after 6 months she took over as the Children’s Director. In her free time Jayme enjoys reading, spending time with family and having date nights with her hubby!! 

Chance Kelosky is the youngest of 8 children, one of which is his twin brother. He received his call into ministry during his senior year in high school. He has recently graduated from Geneva College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Student Ministries and joined the Butler First Church staff in early January as the Director of Youth. His passion is to help young students encounter a love relationship with the God that will change their lives forever. He also loves sports, music, and playing guitar and video games.

Rob and Melanie are new to Butler, though Rob grew up Western Pa. Their days are filled with playing with their four-year old son Samuel. Melanie enjoys reading, photography, spiritual direction and helping individuals and organizations with financial planning. She has her MBA in Finance. Rob loves learning, golf, being outside, good conversations and playing games with friends. He holds Masters degrees in Engineering and Divinity.

Lisa has been attending worship services at First Church since 2002 and became a member in 2009. She has been involved in the Discipleship Pathway and serving First Church since 2007 but has volunteered all of her life in different capacities. Lisa is excited to get other people serving to make a difference in Butler and for His Kingdom. With working and raising three boys, Lisa and her husband Joe rarely have spare time. But when they do, they enjoy quad riding, hiking and of other outdoor activities with their dog, Max. 

 

Dale has been in music ministry for 30+ years. He as been attending first church for 6 years. He lives in Butler with his wife and twin daughters.  They love to play tennis, golf, ski, really any outdoor activities.

 

 

Von has been worshiping at First Church since 2011 when he became the worship leader for our God's Country service. Von has an extensive background in the music business, dating back many years, as a professional musician, singer, producer, songwriter, and worship leader. Von is married to Lynda and they have 3 children and 5 grandchildren and love their family Southern Gospel music ministry known as "One In Spirit".    "We absolutely know that God has called us to First Church, because we have not only fallen in love with our ministry here, but with all of the wonderful people of First Church as well.”

 

 

 

Cindy has been with First Church since April 2006. She, her husband, and their three children reside in Parker with their two cats and two dogs. Not only does Cindy work at First Church, but she is also involved in the art gallery in Foxburg, teaches photoshop classes and is passionate about photography, both nature and portraiture.

 

 

Susan and her husband Bill have been a part of the Crossfire community since its very first service. Susan has helped coordinate the worship service for several years and came on staff in 2009. Bill and Susan were married in November of 1980 and make their home in Slippery Rock. They have 3 children, Billy, Samantha, and Isabella. When not at work or playing with Isabella, Susan loves to read, garden, and tend to her chickens and ducks. When time permits, Bill and Susan love to ride their motorcycles.