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
Bio to Come.
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
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
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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.
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
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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
Samantha Geise (Sam) will be our new Nursery Attendant.
Samantha is a sophomore at Blair High School.