"Rev. Roger" as he's popularly known, has been our pastor since July, 2002. His sermons relate Biblical truth to contemporary life experiences, laced with humor and stories. He enjoys creating "cherub chat" children's dialogue during worship, and teaches the 7th - 8th grade confirmation class.
Previously, he has served as pastor in Alliance, Concord, and Canton, Ohio and Pitman, New Jersey. Other appointments have been as Director of the Bolivar-Zoar Youth Center/Lawrence Township Joint Recreation District, Steubenville Urban Mission Ministries, and Cleveland District Associate.
Roger was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, graduated from The American University in psychology, Princeton Theological Seminary, and earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Boston University School of Theology.
His wife Joan is the Pastor of the Vermilion: Grace United Methodist Church. They have two grown children Andrew and Kathryn.
The first voice that you hear answering the phone or the e-mail reply that you receive probably came from Beth Anne McFarland. She is the "hub-of-the-wheel" communications-wise here at the church. She keeps our calendar if you want to schedule an event. She produces our beautiful Sunday worship bulletins and monthly newsletter "The Circuit Rider". Beth Anne handles church correspondence and usually knows where the pastor is. She also takes care of membership records and memorial gifts. Whatever you need to know about church activities, Beth is the "go-to" person. She is married with four post-high school children, and is a certified art teacher.
Our teen-agers are active year-round, and Lynn Bronner coordianates it all. Rev. Roger conducts the 7th-8th grade two-year confirmation class with lessons, activities, games, Bible study, share and prayer time, and snacks. At the same 6:30 PM Sunday hour, Lynn is running senior high Huron Youth Ministry (HYM). Sometimes it is a movie discussion, and always responsive to their needs. She has sponsored a 24-hour Bible reading and fast where the youngsters learn about hunger and homelessness and raise money to help. In the summer they get together for RiverFest, car washes, a concert, or a retreat. A new youth lounge has been created downstairs which is being designed by the youth themselves. Lynn is married with grown children.
Music is the life-blood of ministry here, due in no small measure to the inspiration of Ron Brooker. The "Soul Anchors" Praise Band wakes us up at 8:00 AM every Sunday morning, under his direcftion from the piano, worshiping from the "Faith We Sing" songbook. The Chancel Choir raises our spirits at the 10:00 AM Sunday Celebration Service, singing from the United Methodist Hymnal.
In the summer, Ron provides special music, sometimes gracing us with his own inspiring singing and playing. He has been known to work with the children and hand bell choirs. Ron is a concert violinist, spouse, parent, and fun and knowledgeable vocal teacher in musical styles from classical to spiritual. He is active on both the spiritual and musical aspects of the Heart of Ohio Walk to Emmaus movement.
As a fifteen year old piano student, Norma's choir director Mom asked Norma to substitute until a new organist could be found. Over 40 years later, we are delighted every Sunday with Norma's versitility and spirituality. Playing the massive Schantz pipe organ or piano, in styles ranging from Bach, Bish, and bee-bop, Norma's ministry of music in worship, weddings, funerals, and special services is always right on key. She is married with three post-high school children.
Housekeeping is a ministry which often goes un-noticed, because it is done while people are not in the building. But for over 20 years now, Kathy has kept her church spic and span. Getting ready for Sunday morning worship is often a challenge in between the miriad of activities that take place in this busy church building. Moving tables and chairs, sweeping, and vacuuming were especially challenging during a six month massive reconstruction. Kitchen clean-up, class room straightening, disenfecting to guard against germs, weddings, funerals, special events, all fall in her area of expertise. Kathy is married with grown children.
LOGOS is one of the most unique and dynamic outreach ministries in the city of Huron. It is available for any family regardless of church affiliation. Many want an introduction to the Christian faith, and do not yet have a church home. Our doors are always open. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2012, LOGOS is an after-school program on Wednesday afternoons during the school year for Kindergarten - 12th grade. Bible study, recreation, contemporary worship skills, and dinner are all included. Jackie is married with two children. She is an approved ministerial candidate, a certified lay speaker, and a student at Ashland Seminary.
Josh Orndorff was raised in Huron, Ohio, and graduated from Huron High School in 2006. He went on to get a Bachelors of Science degree in Physics with a minor in Mathematics from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Josh was responsible for developing the church's first website in 2005, and for its overhaul and redesign in 2011. He does freelance web design for his startup business, QuickSite Design, and is available for contract work.
