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Joy Schlesselman - Pastor

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I've been married to Ken Burrus, fisherman and carpenter, for 8 years.  We have no children, but I have 3 nephews, David Olson, age 27, who lives in Springfield, Missouri, Alex Schlesselman, 19, who lives in Tokyo, Japan, and Paul Kinred, 17, who lives in Kansas City.

I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, went to college in Grinnell, Iowa, and seminary at St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City.

More about Pastor Joy:

What is your favorite verse of scripture and why?

My favorite verse of Scripture... only one?? Really?

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned...Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you... Do not fear, for I am with you." Isaiah 43:1-5

No matter how great and powerful God is, He still chooses to be with us, to  know each of us by name and to love us as God's precious children!

Oh, yes, and I agree with Tonya, John 3:16!

If someone borrowed your car, what would they hear when they turned on the radio?

If you borrowed my car, you'd either hear WCIC FM, contemporary Christian music... or you'd hear silence because sometimes I just need to ride in the car and think and pray without any noise.

What is the last book you read?

I have just completed another time of reading through the entire Bible in a year.  If you've done this, you know that it is not for the faint of heart!  You really need the support of a group with which you can share your questions and the celebrations of the amazing and surprising things you find there!

I also read Making a Good Move, Opening the Door to a Successful Pastorate, by Bishop Michael J. Coyner.

Your most frequently visited website?

Our United Methodist Conference website, www.igrc.org, and that of our UM Credit Union, www.ummcu.org

If you purchase a gift card for a thank-you, what kind of card would it be?

It would vary, depending on who it goes to, but probably a restaurant or a bookstore.  But if it were for my husband it would definitely be the Bass Pro Shop!

Lori Carlson - Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries

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Lori grew up in Henry, Illinois.  She and her husband Dan have three school-age children:  Mitch, Nick and Colby.

More about Lori: 

What is your favorite verse of scripture? Why?

The whole book of Nehemiah.  I love how he stands strong and encourages the people when called to do the hard stuff (building a wall around the entire city), even when others try to stop the project.

If someone borrowed your car, what would they hear when they turned on the radio?

Either 80's rock or WCIC, but if the hubby last drove the car, it will be blaring NPR radio - uggghh!.

What is the last book you read?

A Hole in the Gospel, by Richard Stearns

Your most frequently visited website?

www.pluggedin.com  This is a great site by Focus on the Family that does in-depth reviews of movies, video games, music, basically everything to keep a parent in the loop.  

If you purchase a gift card for a thank-you, what kind of card would it be?

Buffalo Wild Wings or Casey's - depending on if I am craving wings or feeling practical!

Rosalie Honold - Secretary

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Rosalie is originally from Elmwood, Illinois. Her family includes her husband Carl and their three daughters:  Carra, Emily (deceased) and Hilary.  Carra and her husband Tim live in San Antonio, Texas with their son Noah.  Hilary lives in Cordova, Tennessee.

More about Rosalie:

What is your favorite verse of scripture? Why?

Psalm 118:6.  When my middle daughter died suddenly in 1988, I kept repeating this verse and received "some" comfort.

If someone borrowed your car, what would they hear when they turned on the radio?

Country channels.

What is the last book you read?

Take One series by Karen Kingsbury

Your most frequently visited website?

www.nancysnotions.com or local quilt shops

If you purchase a gift card for a thank-you, what kind of card would it be?

Starbucks

Tonya McArthy - Assistant Director, Youth & Young Adult Ministries

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Tonya grew up in Deer Creek, Illinois and graduated from Dee-Mack High School in 1987.  She and her husband of 14 years, Mark, have two children:  daughter Tess and son Tate. 

More about Tonya: 

What is your favorite verse of scripture? Why?

John 3:16. Pretty much sums up the whole reason why I believe that God is an awesome God and gives me hope for the future. Plus, my Sunday School class sings a cool song to that verse. It gets stuck in your head!

If someone borrowed your car, what would they hear when they turned on the radio?

Depends on what mood I was in when I last drove it. I have lots of different kinds of music on my presets. I like 80’s rock, a little classical music, Christian pop, oldies, anything except country or talk radio.

What is the last book you read?

Kingdom Seekers 4. Sounds like a Christian book, but is really a series of books my teenager likes to read. They are mysteries that take place in Disney World. I read them so we have something in common to talk about. They are pretty good books too!

Your most frequently visited website?

Daniellesplace.com. A website I use to get ideas of activities to do with the youth to go with Bible stories I am teaching (especially my younger Sunday School class and Mystery Night). I believe kids learn more when they are having fun playing games, doing crafts, and other activities that have to do with the Bible, not just sitting in a study group. Learning should be hands-on.  

If you purchase a gift card for a thank-you, what kind of card would it be?

To a restaurant. I love to go out to eat-someone cooks, serves and cleans up for you!