Pastors
TREVOR DANCER
SENIOR PASTOR
I love playing soccer (go Chelsea!) board games, and video games. I am a donut and Dr. Pepper connoisseur and will seek out roller coasters wherever I can.
I have a passion to awaken people to the God possibilities of their life. I believe all people are worthy of loving and belonging and have gifts that are meant to be used for the greater good.
KYRELL NEWELL
ASSOCIATE PASTOR
In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing poetry, athletics and board games with friends. I’m also a huge Marvel fan! My top joy though is spending time with my wife, Michaela and our 6 children.
During my seminary degree, I felt God’s call on my life to serve in some form of ministry and the vision for the Next Generation here at FUMC is a wonderful fit. I believe the work we are doing right now will help the children and youth form stronger more authentic relationships with the adults – thereby fulfilling the Christ’s mission for the church body.
STEVE BUCHHOLZ
PASTOR OF CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Staff
TATENDA GARIKAYI
NEXTGEN DIRECTOR
I love to laugh and engage in conversations. I was born and raised in Zimbabwe, and throughout my journey, I have seen and learned about different and interesting cultures. I have two siblings: my elder sister(Ronia), my little brother(Prince), Mom, Dad, and my Fiance (Tinashe).
I have always found immense joy and purpose in immersing myself in the captivating worlds of books and TV shows, and one of my favorite series is The Chosen. As a devout follower of Jesus, my faith profoundly shapes my worldview and enriches my daily interactions, guiding me to live with purpose and compassion. I first heard God’s call during the summer of 2023, when I attended VBS. There was just something about children and youth that captivated my soul.
PAUL LAEMMLI
CONTEMPORARY MUSIC DIRECTOR
I play music because it brings us together, and we have more commonalities than differences. I love podcasts, books, and late night discussion of philosophy, anthropology, and art. Nature centers my soul.
PAUL ANDERSON II TRADITIONAL WORSHIP AND CHANCEL CHOIR DIRECTOR
BRETT MCGOWAN
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
I have lived in Jefferson City most of my life and consider it home. My wife, Connie, and I have four children and five grandchildren. We love music, being out in nature, and riding motorcycles. In our spare time, we like being with our family, golfing, camping and fishing. I am blessed to be able to use the talents and abilities God has entrusted to me to further his kingdom.
LIZ GRAHAM
COMMUNICATIONS & HOSPITALITY DIRECTOR
I feel privileged to be on this journey of finding interesting and creative ways to connect people and communicate the many activities and programs available at JCFUMC. I also enjoy playing with the 10am Worship Band on Sundays.
I’m a Jeff City native and my interests include music, history, and genealogy. I am blessed with an incredibly supportive family in my amazing husband, Rob, six kids, my parents, and two sisters.
BILL LEHMAN
ACCOMPANIST
I am so grateful to serve as your organist/accompanist and to work with our wonderful choir. Church music is a blessing to those in our congregations and to those of us involved in the ministry. I feel so blessed to serve in a congregation that values art of all kinds and cares for the instruments used in worship. Sing once, pray twice.
JENI DANCER
VIDEO PRODUCER
I enjoy baking and decorating cakes, spending time in nature, playing board games and spending time with my family. I also like to dabble in photography. I have always had a passion for being “behind the camera”, and I love that I am able to use my God-given talents to help others experience the love of Jesus Christ through video. The fact that I get to serve the church that helped raise me is simply a bonus!
LINDA JAEGERS
FINANCIAL COORDINATOR