Reverend Dr. David C. Lehmkuhl, Senior Pastor
Dave has always believed the church is meant to be a force for good in the world, offering hope, healing and joy to all God’s children. He believes the church should be a place where all of us, seekers and believers, can support and learn from one another as we attempt to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and serve others in his name. Prior to coming to Somerville in July of 2006, he was pastor of the United Methodist churches of Dunellen, Linden, Montgomery and Succasunna.
Born in Staten Island, NYC, David grew up in Sparta, New Jersey. He earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy and religion from West Virginia Wesleyan College, and two master’s degrees (Political Science, Divinity) and a doctorate in ministry from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. He also studied for an academic year abroad at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.
David and Nishat met and married while both were graduate students at Drew University and are proud parents of their daughter, Alia.
Born in Staten Island, NYC, David grew up in Sparta, New Jersey. He earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy and religion from West Virginia Wesleyan College, and two master’s degrees (Political Science, Divinity) and a doctorate in ministry from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. He also studied for an academic year abroad at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.
David and Nishat met and married while both were graduate students at Drew University and are proud parents of their daughter, Alia.
Dr. Janet Stafford, Assistant Minister/Director of Christian Education
A leader in intergenerational worship and education experiences, Dr. Janet R. Stafford's passion is multi-generational worship/learning and empowering parents to be spiritual leaders for their children.
On Sundays she assists in worship, During the week she prepares devotionals for families and adults, coordinates the church's communications, leads various adult and cross-generational short-term groups including confirmation, and oversees the youth group.
Janet is a published novelist and owns a small publishing company called Squeaking Pips Press. She has writes an historical fiction family saga (the Saint Maggie Series) and has published several novellas and short stories.
Born in Albany, New York, Janet spent most of her childhood and all of her teen years in Parsippany, New Jersey and thinks of herself as a Jersey Girl. She has a B.A. degree in Asian Studies from Seton Hall University, and a Master of Divinity degree and a Ph.D. (North American Religion and Culture) from Drew University.
On Sundays she assists in worship, During the week she prepares devotionals for families and adults, coordinates the church's communications, leads various adult and cross-generational short-term groups including confirmation, and oversees the youth group.
Janet is a published novelist and owns a small publishing company called Squeaking Pips Press. She has writes an historical fiction family saga (the Saint Maggie Series) and has published several novellas and short stories.
Born in Albany, New York, Janet spent most of her childhood and all of her teen years in Parsippany, New Jersey and thinks of herself as a Jersey Girl. She has a B.A. degree in Asian Studies from Seton Hall University, and a Master of Divinity degree and a Ph.D. (North American Religion and Culture) from Drew University.
Jennifer McKenna, Office Manager
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Jen McKenna joined the FUMC staff as Administrative Assistant in November of 2016. A Somerville resident for over 17 years, she makes her home with husband, Chris and her two sons, Ryan and Connor. She graduated from West Virginia University, where she majored Interior Design and now owns JAM Designs, a company that specializes in handmade and personalized items for the home. JAM Designs can be found on Etsy |
Regina Koebele-Demaree, Organist and Choir Director
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Regina Koebele-Demaree leads the congregation in worship as organist, pianist, and choir director and is involved in worship planning. A native of Germany, she earned a Church Musician degree for professional organists and choir directors in Hamburg, Germany under the auspices of the Nordelbische Lutherische Landeskirche. As part of her double-major in Music and Education, Regina completed practice exams at the Musikhochschule Hamburg (Music Conservatory) in church organ, piano, conducting, and voice. Working in the rich tradition of Methodist music ministry, Regina feels honored and privileged to serve the congregation of FUMC. To contact Regina please call the church office: 908-725-1473 |
Vida, Church Dog
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First UMC has had an illustrious line of church dogs over the last 13 years. Beginning with China the American bulldog, to Tippy the miniature Australian shepherd, and now Vida the coonhound/beagle mix, our Church Dogs have served as official greeters and dispensers of unconditional love. Vida hails from Tennessee and was moved from a shelter in that state to the SAVE shelter located in Montgomery, NJ. It was there that she and assistant minister/Christian educator Dr. Janet Stafford first met and adopted each other. Please feel free to stop by the office during the week once the COVID-19 crisis has eased up and say hello. You will be warmly welcomed by Vida!
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