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Staff
Rev. Jim Farrer
Senior Pastor
Since arriving at First Church in July of 2008, I have been
having a great time serving in downtown Mesa. My approach
to ministry focuses on involving as many people as possible
in the ministries of the church. It is my goal to have the
people of First Church involved in ministries in our community
and world that make a real difference in people’s lives!
I love and embrace the United Methodist Church's vision of
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors and tend to see the word
"open"as both an adjective describing who we are
and as a verb calling us to action. It is my belief that the
church should embody unconditional love and acceptance at
its very core.
My educational background includes degrees from Indiana University,
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary (at Northwestern
University) and United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
I am married to Sherry who is a Nurse Manager at a Phoenix
Oncology practice and we have three children and six grandchildren
scattered from Brooklyn to rural Indiana to Rapid City. My
hobbies include reading, music and motorcycle riding as Sherry
and I both have our own Harley Davidson bikes.
Rev. Jeri Wilkerson
Associate Pastor
First UMC of Mesa is my first appointment in the Desert Southwest
Conference after graduating from Claremont School of Theology
in May of 2008. Prior to entering the ministry I was a registered
nurse and worked in several hospitals. In taking care of the
living and dying, I developed a call to serve God through
strengthening and caring for the Spiritual needs of people.
I enjoy preaching and worship in my capacity as an Associate
Pastor.
I am a mother of two wonderful children Thom and Mikayla.
When I have free time, I like to participate in all kinds
of art; from attending the theatre to painting at home.
Jeff Harris
Music Director
Jeff Harris holds a Bachelor of Music degree (1977) and a
Master of Music degree (1978) from Arizona State University
where he studied under Dr. Douglas R. McEwen. Mr. Harris has
continued his studies at ASU toward a Doctor of Music degree.
He is currently the Director of Choral Activities and Chairman
of the Performing Arts Department at Westwood High School
in Mesa, AZ. His is also the founding director of the Sonoran
Desert Chorale. He has served as choral clinician and adjudicator
for state music contests and area festivals. He is a past
president of the Arizona Chapter of the American Choral Directors
Association, and the Choral Section of the Arizona Music Educators
Association. Mr. Harris' performance credits include solos
on two recent recordings of the Veritas Chorale.
Nicholle Hansen
Youth Director
I have attended First Church my whole life, and have experienced
many fond memories here. I sang in the children’s &
youth choirs attended the youth group, created lifelong friendships,
and I met and married my Husband Colby here.
I have had the privilege of serving as the youth director
since October of 2005. I attended Mesa Community College and
have an associate’s degree in Elementary Education. I
have taught at our church preschool, and had a wonderful learning
experience working with Special Education Students at Johnson
Elementary School.
I have a passion for serving others, and I am looking forward
to leading the youth on our summer mission trip, and to begin
our summer of service mission project. I also enjoy reading,
camping, and relaxing at Mingus Mountain Camp.
Cheryl Richgels
Family Life Center Director
Greetings from the Family Life Center! My name is Cheryl
Richgels. I have been the FLC Director since July 2005. Before
that I was a volunteer co-director for a year as we began
using our new building. As the director, I oversee the scheduling
of ministry programs and outside groups.
I have been a part of First UMC for over 40 years. I have
been involved in Sunday school, choirs, summer camp, youth
trips and young adult activities throughout the years. I am
joyfully married and blessed with two lovely daughters. When
not at church, I enjoy spending my time gardening and sewing.
One of my favorite Bible verses is Joshua 24:15b, As for me
and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Valerie Jeffords
Church Secretary
I was raised in the Phoenix area. One of 5 children. As a
child I explored Arizona with my father who wrote a column
called “Take a Trek” for the magazine Outdoor Arizona.
You never know what you will see or who you will bump into
while exploring this wonderful state. I remember one day I
actually met an Apache Indian named Nino Cochise the great
grandson of Cochise himself. Some where I have a picture to
prove it. We explored off beaten paths which most people never
knew existed. Those were the good old days.
I have previously worked as the secretary for my home church
Christ Church-Lutheran in Phoenix. I love the caring atmosphere
of working at a church. I have been working at FUMC for two
years in April 09 and everyone has made me feel right at home.
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