Rev. Dr. Doug Griger
Senior Pastor
The Reverend Dr. Doug Griger assumed his role at Blair First United Methodist Church on July 1, 2024. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, he completed his education at Omaha Benson High School and the University of Nebraska - Omaha. His theological studies took place at Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri, culminating in the attainment of his Master of Divinity Degree. Subsequently, he furthered his education at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, earning his Doctor of Ministry Degree. With his appointment to Blair First, Doug embarks on his twenty-seventh year of full-time ministry, having ministered with various churches throughout Nebraska.
Danielle Jensen
Family Ministries Director
I have been a member of the church since I was in middle school. And as a junior high school student (97-98) I started assisting in VBS and started as a Sunday School helper to our 2-year-old class. I moved up with them to the 3- & 4-year preschool class and have been assisting and/or teaching the Preschoolers Sunday School and VBS programs for the next couple of decades. I have also been a member of the bell choir since I joined the church. Post COVID, you may have seen me in the bell choir, at VBS, assisting with the Confirmands, and most recently, substituting in the church office.
Glenn Coates,
Chancel Choir
Director
I am Nebraska born and raised living in several small towns before attending Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln. Both of my parents served as United Methodist pastors in Nebraska. I have 4 older brothers one of which is a United Methodist pastor in Nebraska. I became a member of Blair First United Methodist in 1988 and immediately joined the choir. Due to a variety of circumstances I agreed to become the ‘temporary’ choir director in 1998. I held this temporary job for 18 years. 4 years later I returned to the ‘temporary role’ when our director moved from Blair. Amy and I have 2 daughters both of whom live and work in Omaha. I have worked at Fiserv (formerly First Data) in Omaha for the past 26+ years.
Allison Matson,
Lead Pianist and Accompanist
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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
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. We have two bonus granddaughters, and three grandchildren. My passion is to make church a place that welcomes all.
Email: office@blairumc.org
or call the Church Office:
402 426-2165
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
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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.
Kevin Fleming,
Custodian, Sound Tech
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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
Samantha Geise,
Nursery Attendant
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Samantha Geise (Sam) is our Nursery Attendant.
Samantha is a junior at Blair High School.