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 one 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 one daughter, Alia.
Dr. Janet Stafford, Assistant Minister/Director of Christian Education
A leader in inter-generational 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 and sings in the choir, During the week she prepares the FAITH5 (Faith Acts In the Home) devotionals for families and adults, coordinates the church's communications, leads various adult and cross-generational short-term groups including confirmation, and oversees the junior and senior youth groups.
Janet is a published novelist and owns a small publishing company called Squeaking Pips Press. Her historical fiction family saga (the Saint Maggie Series) is comprised of four books and several short stories. In 2015, for a change of pace, she released Heart Soul & Rock ‘N’ Roll a contemporary romance set in Point Pleasant Beach. Click on the link to go to Squeaking Pips Press.
Janet was born in Albany, New York, but spent most of her childhood and all of her teen years in Parsippany, New Jersey – so she thinks of herself as a genuine Jersey Girl. Home for Janet is the parsonage in Hillsborough, which she shares with Tippy, an energetic Miniature Australian Shepherd. Janet went to Seton Hall University where she received a B.A. degree in Asian Studies, and has a Master of Divinity degree and a Ph.D. in North American Religion and Culture from Drew University.
On Sundays she assists in worship and sings in the choir, During the week she prepares the FAITH5 (Faith Acts In the Home) devotionals for families and adults, coordinates the church's communications, leads various adult and cross-generational short-term groups including confirmation, and oversees the junior and senior youth groups.
Janet is a published novelist and owns a small publishing company called Squeaking Pips Press. Her historical fiction family saga (the Saint Maggie Series) is comprised of four books and several short stories. In 2015, for a change of pace, she released Heart Soul & Rock ‘N’ Roll a contemporary romance set in Point Pleasant Beach. Click on the link to go to Squeaking Pips Press.
Janet was born in Albany, New York, but spent most of her childhood and all of her teen years in Parsippany, New Jersey – so she thinks of herself as a genuine Jersey Girl. Home for Janet is the parsonage in Hillsborough, which she shares with Tippy, an energetic Miniature Australian Shepherd. Janet went to Seton Hall University where she received a B.A. degree in Asian Studies, and has a Master of Divinity degree and a Ph.D. in North American Religion and Culture from Drew University.
Ronald Baltimore, Director of Music/Organist
Ronald Baltimore is Organist/Choir Director at First United Methodist Church in Somerville, NJ as well as Organist/Accompanist at Temple Shaloam of West Essex in Cedar Grove, NJ. He has performed as a soloist in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Arkansas in the instruments of piano, organ and voice and has lectured at The University of Virginia, The University of Michigan, The University of Dayton and Agnes Scott College. He holds degrees from Westminster Choir College and Jersey City State College in Church Music and Music Education where he studied organ, voice and harpsichord. He has previous served on the faculty of Fisk University, Philander Smith College, The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Cheyney University and Essex County College. He is the proud husband of the former Johanna Semmling, an alumna of Shenandoah Conservatory of Music and the proud father of an adult son, Ronald, III.
Jennifer McKenna, Administrative Assistant
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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 |
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. Born in 2017, 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 and say hello. You will be warmly welcomed by Vida!
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