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Pastor Gary DeWitt, a graduate of St. Paul School of Theology, entered the pastoral ministry in 1991 and has seen significant growth in all churches he has served. He has been senior pastor at Ashland since June of 2008, bringing to our ministries his emphasis on being and making disciples of Jesus Christ. Gary grew up in Warrensburg, Missouri, where he received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration. Gary and his wife Tere enjoy playing bridge and watching Kansas City Chiefs football. They have two daughters, Sarah and Elizabeth.

Pastor Tere DeWitt is starting a new career in professional ministry. Tere has taught math and science for over 25 years and is excited to be able to answer God's call at Ashland UMC, working in partnership with her husband, Gary. While Gary was a "townie" growing up in Warrensburg, Tere grew up on the family farm riding horses and fishing with her grandparents. A lifelong Methodist, she has been especially active in youth ministries, hospitality ministries, and mission work. At Ashland, her areas of emphasis are Radical Hospitality, Intentional Faith Development, Marriage Ministries, Member Care, and Fellowship Ministries. For fun, Tere likes to read mysteries, putter around in her flowers, and watch NFL games; of course the Chiefs are her favorite team.

Kathy has been directing Children's Ministries and the Mother's Day Out program at Ashland since 1998. She enjoys her work with children of all ages and especially enjoys helping them to grow in their knowledge of God and the Bible. Kathy has four daughters - Cristy, Becky (and son-in-law Aaron), Teresa, and Tori. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, cooking, reading, and watching football - especially the Chiefs.

Debbie has allowed her ministry passion to become her vocation as she became the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at Ashland in 2011. She obtained her physical therapist degree in 1992 from the University of Missouri in Columbia and later attended Torchbearers International bible College in Estes Park, CO. While working as a physical therapist, she continued to be involved in various teaching ministries, teaching many years of Sunday school, serving on youth and children's ministry teams, and directing and teaching in Vacation Bible Schools. At Ashland, Debbie's focus is to help youth and young adults mature in their faith and Christ-likeness. She continued to provide some physical therapy services through the St. Joseph School District. Debbie and her husband, Brian, are happy to be raising their children, Van, Hailey, and Cole, in St. Joseph where they were both born and raised. Outside of work, Debbie enjoys time with family and friends, taking walks, and cheering on her children in their hobbies. 

Shaun has been the Director of Music and Worship Arts at Ashland since May of 2004, directly after earning his B.S. in Vocal Music Education with a performance emphasis from Missouri Western State University. He is responsible for all church programs related to worship, music, and worship arts. This includes directing the Chancel Choir, Bell Tones handbell choir, and SonLight praise band. With the support of a worship concept team, Shaun is charged with designing and organizing each of Ashland's worship services. Other areas he is in-charge of is the Ashland Ministry Players drama team, the Audio/Visual technology teams, all special events and concerts hosted by Ashland, as well as being the webmaster for the new church website. Outside of Ashland, Shaun is a former director of the Voices of America, frequent soloist with the St. Joseph Community Chorus, and frequent performer with the Robidoux Resident Theatre company as well as a member of the board of directors. In December of 2009, Shaun completed his M.A. degree in choral conducting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music. When not working or singing, you can find Shaun usually running, following sports, and in general having a good time.

Alma began as Assistant Treasurer for Ashland in December of 1979 so, then current treasurer, Minor Calloway, could become a snowbird during the winter months. She served in this capacity until June of 1982 when Mr. Calloway suffered a heart attack and passed away. She has been serving as treasurer since then. Her title has changed over the years: treasurer, financial secretary, and now director of fiscal ministries. Her husband, Frank, has endured (with much love) this marriage for 48 plus years. They have two sons, Gregory who lives in Columbia, MO and Douglas who lives in Prairie Village, KS. They are each married and have children. Alma enjoys her work at Ashland and has had the pleasure of working along side with many of the pastors beginning with Jay Hartz. "It has been a trule blessing to associate with and get to know so many of our members over the past 25+ years." She enjoys playing golf when time allows but most of all she likes to spend time with the grandchildren.

Chris began working at Ashland in September of 2009 after a ten year hiatus from the work force. However, she is not new to Ashland's business office as she has volunteered there for seven years. Her duties and responsibilities continue to expand, some of which are Ashland's communications including printed publications, announcement slides, maintaining the church calendar and a variety of other tasks. Originally from Kentucky and a coal miner's daughter, she has also lived in Arkansas, Connecticut, Indiana, New Mexico, Texas, Virginia, and, of course, Missouri. She has two children and four grandchildren. Her hobbies are reading, the computer and being with family and friends. Chris and her husband, Frank, have been members of Ashland since October 2002.

Sarah has been the organist at Ashland for over 30 years, during which she also served as director of children's choir for 16 years and began and directed the Bell Tones handbell choir for over 25 years. She earned a B.MEd. and M.Mus with a concentration in organ from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. Having served as organist at churches in Texas and Oklahoma as well as here at Ashland, she is pleased to have been able to use her musical talents in this way of serving God for over 50 years. Sara is also a retired piano and organ teacher. Sara's husband, Don, is a retired mathematics profesor. They have two children, two grandsons, and four granddaughters. When Sara is not doing musical things, she enjoys reading, gardening, playing Wii, volunteer work, and traveling.