Staff
Ann grew up in a small town of only 500, but she has pastored in places of all sizes. She began her ministry as a student pastor at Hancock Chapel United Methodist Church in Corydon, Indiana in 1978. Her next assignment was that of Associate Pastor where she primarily focused on youth ministry at University Heights United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. In 1984 she assumed the pastoral role at Calvary UMC in Indianapolis.
In 1987, she became the first female District Superintendent in the State of Indiana at what was then the New Castle District (now Rushville District). While serving in this capacity she led the conference delegation to General Conference in 1988. She was again appointed as a District Superintendent in 1997 and supervised and encouraged 82 churches in the Bloomington District and served as chair of the cabinet 1999-2000.
Between superintendent positions, she served as Senior Pastor of Southport United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. There she instituted successful contemporary worship and maintained traditional services. She led the church through a new building concept for the future as well as taught Bible studies and established small groups and a singles' ministry that drew 200 persons each week from the Indianapolis area. Most recently, Ann has served as Senior Pastor of Columbus First United Methodist Church.
Ann's Bachelors Degree was granted by the University of Guam. Her Master of Divinity was from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, her Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL. Ann received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from the University of Indianapolis.
Ann enjoys reading, quilting, collecting antiques, and collecting Raggedy Ann/Andy figures. She has a heart for hospitality and introducing others to the love of God. Ann is married to Bill who is an avid reader and book collector. They have two grown sons and one granddaughter.
Elizabeth Gilbert brings gifts of hospitality and administration together in the position of Pastor of Outreach and Spiritual Discovery here at Plainfield United Methodist Church. This is Elizabeth's second church, having previously served under Rev. Dan Stone at Columbia City United Methodist Church.
Elizabeth's husband, Mike, works in management for Amerigas, a national propane company. They have two sons, and share many interests as a family, including golf and soccer. Elizabeth likes to read and work on home improvement projects with her husband. Both Mike and Elizabeth spend much time supporting the boys in their various activities and traveling with them to play soccer.
Elizabeth brings a passion for newcomers and welcoming ministries to her position at the church, and looks forward to sharing that passion with other churches and congregations in the future.
Kevin is serving Plainfield United Methodist Church as Pastor of Missions, having completed a Master of Divinity degree at Christian Theological Seminary in the spring of 2007. He has administered Christian camp and retreat ministries for twenty-three years including seventeen years as the Executive Director of Outdoor Ministries for the South Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. Prior to that, he worked as part of the staff for the Troy Conference in Outdoor Ministries. Kevin graduated from Anderson College with degrees in Religion and Social Work. He worked for six years as a professional social worker following college.
Kevin and his wife Cathy have three grown children who all live in Bloomington. Kevin enjoys the out-of-doors and sports. Kevin has hiked more than half of the Appalachian Trail, much of it together with Cathy. Kevin loves to teach and lead small groups. He brings a passion for missions and community service to his ministry at Plainfield United Methodist Church.
Ron graduated from Pike High School. After two years at Butler University in Indianapolis, he graduated from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, as an Educator and a coach. Ron wanted to go to seminary, and did, possibly due to a very supportive father who was a Minister of the Gospel. It was there that he discovered that he, too, wanted to be a minister. Ron served a church during his senior year in college and "the Lord opened all avenues." Ron's seminary studies were at Garrett, Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Through all of this, Ron received "GREETINGS" from his friends and neighbors during the Korean War and the Purple Heart was bestowed upon him.
Ron loves to play basketball with his sons and other youngsters at the IU Gym. Rumor has it that he keeps up with them too and at times seems to have a little "edge". He also enjoys a little farming on a "Sweet" Owen County farm near Spencer. Ron enjoys reading articles and books on Theology. His projects are described as "Do what comes". Ron is not presently involved in a Sunday School class and usually attends the 9:50 worship service with his son. He may also be found in the pulpit or at the lectern as the occasion may demand. Ron tries not to take himself or the human things he encounters in his daily activities too seriously.
Brendan Hock, Director of Christian Education, came to us in 2006 from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Ministry with a Professional Minor in Theology. Brendan has served in the field of spiritual formation for five years and in that time has had the opportunity to develop youth mentoring programs and community outreach ministries. Brendan has also served as guest speaker at the Institute for Christian Studies and Youth Fellowship International.
In addition to his involvement at PUMC, Brendan enjoys reading the works of Henri Nouwen, Brennan Manning and Frederick Buechner. He also enjoys spending time with his two nieces, Alexis and Alyssa, jogging on the trails throughout Plainfield, and playing tennis and soccer.
Bob joined the full-time staff at the Plainfield United Methodist Church during the fall of 2004 as Director of Youth Ministries. Bob began in youth ministry as a volunteer at the First United Methodist Church in Chicago, and then for many years led the youth ministries at the Northbrook United Methodist Church in northern Illinois.
Bob lives in Plainfield with his wife Diane, and they have three awesome daughters; Karen, Kimberly, and Kelly. As a teenager growing up in Connecticut, Bob found significant enjoyment playing drums for numerous garage bands, playing football and track, going to concerts, performing with theater groups, and finding high adventure in wilderness camping and canoeing. He has great memories of retreats and week-long bike trips with his church’s youth group, and all the numerous times and places spent hanging-out with friends. Bob continues to enjoy sharing the interests and activities of youth, and he loves a good road trip.
For over twenty years Bob has served a calling to share Jesus Christ with teenagers. He focuses his gifts and experience on providing this generation of teenagers with modern worship, experiential Bible teaching, and opportunities for growth through a variety of settings that communicate the relevancy of God’s truth in their lives.
Bob has a master’s degree in business and has served The United Methodist Church for many years as the Director of HealthFlex, a health benefits and insurance program that serves nearly thirty thousand United Methodist clergy and employees nationwide through the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits. Bob currently serves as a member of the South Indiana Conference Committee on Insurance.
Sue has been attending PUMC since the age of 6, which means she is a very long-time member of PUMC! She taught Sunday School for over ten years and has served on various committees at the church. Sue's husband, John, works at Allison Transmission. John operates the sound system during worship services and makes tapes for shut-ins. Sue has two adult children, Andy and Mollie, and a new daughter-in-law, Sara.
Sue attended Ball State University and taught baby deaf children while John was stationed in Rome, New York. She substituted for the Plainfield Community Schools for over seven years before assuming her present position. Sue loves people. She is always willing and happy to help anyone who comes into the office. Stop in and introduce yourself!
Andrea moved to Plainfield in December 2007 with her husband of five years, Michael, who graduated from Plainfield High School in 1998. If asked, Andrea will say she is from Idaho, although she grew up in a military family and spent most of her childhood in Spangdahlem, Germany.
Andrea and Michael have spent the last four years in Wilmore, KY, while they have attended Asbury Theological Seminary; Michael graduated in May 2006 with a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, the same degree that Andrea will complete in May 2008.
While she is unsure what will happen in the near future, Andrea is committed to responding faithfully to whatever opportunities God presents. She is particularly interested in teaching, writing, and hospitality. In her spare time, she enjoys reading literature, creative writing, music, the arts, the outdoors, and travel. She also has growing interests in holistic health and wellness, environmental issues, and internet technology.
Michael Pettry, Director of Music and Organist, has been on the staff of the Plainfield United Methodist Church since 2004. With particular interest in works of the French Romantic period, and improvisation, Pettry also enjoys the music of the late-19th and early-20th century English repertoire.
In addition to his involvement at Plainfield United Methodist Church, Michael is on the staff of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir and is an adjunct instructor (conducting) at Butler University. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Organ Performance, and a Master of Music degree in Conducting.
Before retiring from teaching at Westside Christian School for 15 years, Oma taught music privately in her home. During the time at Westside she began directing the handbell choirs and the children's choir at PUMC. Majoring in music at Indiana University, she received a bachelor of music education degree with clarinet concentration in 1964. Music has been the core of her life. As a small child she listened to her sister sing and play piano until she could begin her own music pursuits at 7 with the violin. From that moment music was the magnet that has drawn her in many directions.
Being in music ministry is the best of both worlds. Wesley Children's choir for children in grades 1-6 sings each month and presents a musical each spring. The handbell choirs play once each month. There are 12-14 in each choir. Many of the seasoned members have played for over 20 years.
Some are just beginning but have had other musical experiences. As with most small group involvement we feel as if we are family. Using our talents to praise God blesses the musician as well as the listener. We welcome those who would like to add to this ministry.
Available Positions - Employment
Plainfield United Methodist Church is seeking to fill the following positions. Please email resume and salary requirments to staffparish@pumc.org.
