Dr. Gary N. Shepard joined the staff at FUMC as senior pastor in June, 2003.  Having completed Doctor of Ministry work in pastoral care and counseling and an internship as a pastoral counselor at Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute, Dr. Shepard has a particular interest in relationship dynamics in families and religious institutions.

"I am currently working with the image of a church that is 'built to last', nurturing within its members a faith that is built to last through the varied weathers and seasons we all journey. The church is a place to search for meaning and to learn how to live our lives meaningfully."

Feel free to contact me at gshepard@cfumc.org.

Rev. Elizabeth W. Baker, Minister of Spiritual Formation and Lay Ministry Development, is an ordained United Methodist deacon. She came to First United Methodist Church after having served six years as Director of College Ministry and six years as an assigned supply pastor. Elizabeth's passion for spiritual formation is captured in her life mission statement: "I want to be a reflection of the light that encourages the flower to open." In her experience, lay ministry is a natural outgrowth of a person's healthy spiritual growth. 

Rev. Baker is married and has two grown son - Ben, in his last year of veterinary school and Bryan in his last year of seminary, in preparation for missionary service. Her husband, Marty, is Manager of Facilities at Clarion University.

If you have any questions or comments please contact me at ebaker@cfumc.org.

Don Gardner is the Director of Music and Adult Ministries at First United Methodist Church. He received his Masters of Music in Choral Conduction from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, and a Bachelor of Music Education, magna cum laude, from West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon. 

Don has served as Music Director at First United Methodist since 1978, and also has enjoyed leading the Children and Youth Ministries through the years until 2003 when he assumed the directorship of Adult Ministries.   Volunteering in many capacities in community activities and in United Methodist denominational events,  he puts into practice his belief in Wesley's emphases on "practical theology", and "the world is my parish"

Contact Don at dgardner55@yahoo.com.