Rev. Gina Gile
Senior Pastor
I grew up in the small town of Fritch located in the Texas Panhandle. My faith tradition was Southern Baptist and I always felt like I had a call on my life. It wasn't until I became a member of a United Methodist Church in O'Fallon, Missouri in 1994 that I began the process of actually following God's call on my life. The process would eventually lead me to enroll in seminary. Since graduating with a Masters of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology and being ordained a Full Elder, I have had the pleasure of serving churches in Kansas and Nebraska. It is a joy serving alongside the congregation as we journey together in faith always seeking God's direction I am also a graduate of Frank Phillips College and University of Houston with degrees in business and marketing. My husband Steve and I have been married since 1984. We have two adult daughters. Megan and her husband, JD, and our granddaughter Mackenzie live in Houston, Texas.
Kaitlin lives in Rosenberg, TX.
Email: ggile@greatplainsumc.org
or call the Church Office:
402 426-2165
Nicole Thompson
Family Ministries Director
My name is Nicole Thompson, daughter of Julie Thompson and granddaughter of Jan Elvers. My partner, Cameron Clapper, and I have two daughters, Teagan (3) and Tatum (6m).
I started coming to Blair First United Methodist Church in 2002 and have since been baptized and confirmed here. I participated in middle school bell choir, was a member of Hand in Hand, have sang with the Chancel Choir for roughly 5 years, and have recently re-joined the adult bell choir.
I loved growing up in this church, attending Sunday School when all of our rooms were full, having a children's choir, and going to Youth Group on Wednesday nights. I am excited to work alongside the amazing Families Ministry team to bring more youth and their families to our church and to lead our children and youth through a life with Christ.
Glenn Coates,
Chancel Choir
Director
Bio to Come.
Allison Matson,
Lead Pianist and Accompanist
Allison began accompanying the Chancel Choir in the fall of 2017. She was born and raised in Lincoln, NE and earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music and Business Administration from Nebraska Wesleyan University. Over the past 25 years, Allison has accompanied various groups, been a church staff pianist, sang in multiple choirs and taught piano lessons. Receiving the gift of music has been a very spiritual experience for Allison. In a past life, she worked in marketing and communications and now spends time raising two very busy boys, Joel and Owen. Allison's husband, Aaron, works for Cargill and they live in Blair.
She can be reached at allisonmatson73@gmail.com
or call the Church Office:
402 426-2165
Amy Coates,
Cherub Choir Director
I am from Ponca, Nebraska and was a member of the First United Methodist Church there until I married Glenn and became a member of FUMC in Blair. Glenn and I first met at Camp Fontanelle when we were 12 years old and then again in college. We have two daughters; Katie and Allie. I have worked for Banki of the West for 27 years. In addition to leading the Cherub Choir I also teach the 5 Year Old/Kindergarten Sunday School class. I believe that the most important thing I can teach the children is that they
are loved and accepted.
Jeff Mount,
Celebration Bells Director
Jeff Mount is the Director of Celebration Bells,
a bell choir for Adults.
They will meet weekly for practice during the school year calendar.
Marilyn Urwin
Substitute Organist
Marilyn and her husband Tom are long time members of our congregation. Marilyn blesses us with her gift of music and her talents on the organ and piano are appreciated.
Debbie Foust,
Administrative Assistant
Retiring from Coordinator of Christian Education & Small Group Ministries I am excited about serving the church in a new way. My husband Russ, a District Superintendent Appointee, is Pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Kennard. We have 3 grown children, Hannah (Josh), Charles (Tera) and Kevin (Caitlin). We have two step-granddaughters, and three grandchildren.
My passion is to make church a place that welcomes all and the children and youth feel they belong.
Email: office@blairumc.org
or call the Church Office:
402 426-2165
Kevin Fleming,
Custodian, Sound Tech
I was born and raised in Blair and grew up in this church. Linda and I were married in 1981. We have a son Bob and daughter Rayna and son-in-law Josh. We have a granddaughter, Everly and a grandson, Gibson. I work for the Washington County Surveyor's office fulltime along with this job. I've worked in land surveying for forty-seven glorious years and at this job since 2008. Music has always been a big part of my life, playing bass in numerous bands over the years. I'm currently playing in a Christian rock band, Paradise Street Band, playing all original songs. I enjoy my duties here as the janitor, especially the part where I try to keep everybody happy with the sanctuary temperature.
Email: flemingk@abbnebraska.com
or call the Church Office:
402 426-2165
Gabe Goeken,
Audio/Visual Team Coordinator
Gabe has been a member of the Tech Team for several years. He recently graduated from Blair High School and will be attending school in Omaha while working as the Online Worship Team Coordinator.
Layla Kern,
Audio/Visual Tech
Layla is a member of our Technical Tech Team for Live Streaming and Media Screens.
Layla is dedicated to making sure all runs well for our Live Streaming Services.
She attends Blair High School.
Mia Kern
Audio/Visual Tech
Bio to Come
Cassidy Goeken,
Nursery Attendant
Cassidy is certified in Safe Gatherings Practices of the United Methodist Church.
Cassidy is an experienced baby sitter and welcomes your young ones into the nursery during services if needed. Children are always welcome in Worship.