Dr. Jim Pledger
Senior Pastor
Profile coming
Dr. Thomas R. Peel
Minister of Congregational Care
Profile coming
Rev. Joe Ed Goolsby
Minister of Evangelism
Profile coming
Dr. Thomas L. Flick
Liturgist
Profile coming
Zack Landis
Intern Minister, Minister of Youth & Director of Communication
I was born in Ohio, but I got to Texas as quick as I could. I started working at First United Methodist Church in September of 2008 when I was hired as the Minister of Youth. I have loved working with the youth of FUMC Sherman, and I consider it a blessing to be here. I graduated from The University of North Texas in 2007 with a BA in History with a sociology minor. Upon graduating from North Texas, I enrolled in Perkins School of Theology. I am in my last year of studies, and I am doing my required internship right now. I have also taken on the role of Director of Communications. I keep up the website, make the newsletters, run the email system, and produce the regionally heralded FMN (First Methodist News), where I suspect awards will be coming soon. I am a United Methodist Pastor’s Kid, and I am a certified candidate for ordained ministry in the North Texas Conference. I am currently in the commissioning process, and I hope that one day, I will be an ordained minister in the North Texas Conference. I also absolutely love Dr. Pepper and golf.
Jeremy Blackwood
Director of Music and Worship
Jeremy Blackwood just recently joined our staff as Director of Music and Worship in April 2008. Previously Jeremy has served Trinity United Methodist Church (Denton, TX) as Organist/Director of Music and First United Methodist Church (Harrisburg, AR) as Organist/Director of Music. He most recently served as Chair for the Choral Sub-committee of Music Interest Areas for the national organization of the Fellowship of United Methodist and Music and Worship Arts. Jeremy Blackwood is also in his third year as Adjunct Instructor of Voice at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Before coming to SOSU, Blackwood served as a Teaching Fellow for the College of Music at the University of North Texas for four years. While at the UNT, Jeremy completed his Master’s Degree in Voice Performance with a related field in Opera Theatre. He is now in the process of working on the DMA in Voice Performance with a related field in Vocal Pedagogy under Regents Professor Dr. Linda DiFiore and Dr. Stephen F. Austin. Originally from Harrisburg, Arkansas; Jeremy began his opera studies at Arkansas State University where he performed the roles of Eisenstein in Die Fledermaus, St. Peter in Too Many Sopranos and the title role in Don Pasquale. Jeremy came the University of North Texas in 2003 and since has performed the roles of Antonio in The Marriage of Figaro, Mr. Lindquist in A Little Night Music, Bonze in Madame Butterfly, Pandolfe in Cendrillion, Superintendent Budd in Albert Herring and Don Alfonso in Così fan tutte. His role in Cosi fan tutte also landed him an opportunity to perform the role of Don Alfonso in Castelfranco Vento, Italy with the collaboration students from UNT and the Stefano Conservatorio. Other performances have included the opportunity to be under the baton of Maestro Graeme Jenkins of Dallas Opera, in the collaboration of students from UNT and Southern Methodist University in the presentation of Happy Birthday, Wolfgang! Mr. Blackwood’s most recent performances have included Handel’s Messiah, Vaughn Williams, Hodie and the Graun Magnificat with the SOSU Symphonic Choir. Jeremy Blackwood holds professional memberships with Pi Kappa Lambda and National Association of Teachers of Singing.
Janann Powers
Associate Director of Music
Profile coming
Sandy Garbacik
Director of Children’s Ministry
Sandy is a native of Sherman. She graduated from Texas Woman's University in Denton with a Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Sandy has been at First United Methodist Church for 13 years. She directs all Children's Programs, Fellowship Opportunities, and Special Programs including Great Days of Service.
Sandy is also the Director of School for Little People, a program that has been in operation for 42 years at FUMC.
Anne Webb
Director of Junior High Youth & Volunteers
Anne Webb has been a member of FUMC since 1987. She has been in charge of small groups ranging from Bible study to fly fishing to bar-b-q cook-offs to cooking classes. She is now shifting some of her energy to working with the Junior High Youth Program. Her other job description entails keeping track of all of the volunteers. When someone needs a job done, Anne is on the phone enlisting help from one of our members. Her personal wish is to have as many members involved and/or connected to our wonderful church and programs as possible.
Jessica Connor
Director of Senior High Youth
Profile coming
Evelyn Hopkins
Administrative Assistant
Profile coming
Mary Adlof
Financial Secretary
Profile coming
Wayne Reynoldson
Business Manager
Profile coming
Theresa Littlefield
Director of Handbells
Profile coming
Dr. Stewart Mayers
Organist
Dr. Stewart Mayers has been church organist at First United Methodist Church, Sherman since July 2002. He previously served as organist of First United Methodist Church, Ardmore, Oklahoma for 10 years; parish organist at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ardmore, Oklahoma for 5 years; and First United Methodist Church of Watkinsville, Georgia for two years. He is an associate professor in the Department of Educational Instruction and Leadership at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Stewart holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor University, a master’s degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and a doctorate from the University of Georgia. He is a member of the American Guild of Organists.
Gelene Woody
Coordinator of Homebound Ministries
Profile coming
Bobby Johnson
Custodian
Profile coming
Larry Williams
Custodian
Profile coming