Muskogee First United Methodist Church

Biography

            John David “Rusty” Williams is at First United Methodist Church for his twenty-eighth year of Appointed Ministry.  He has served Cleo Springs, Granite/Carter/Willow, the Wesley Foundation at OSU, Wesley in Shawnee, and Good Shepherd in Yukon.  Prior to ministry, Pastor Rusty taught in Broken Arrow High School.

            Pastor Rusty was born in Muskogee and grew up in Braggs.  He attended Northeastern State in Tahlequah where he met and later married Shirley Goss.  Shirley has taught wherever Rusty was appointed and is now retired.  They have two children. Amanda Palafox and husband T.D. are in Chantilly, Virginia, where they are managers for Walgreens.  Seth is a student at Oklahoma City University.

            After doing graduate work at the University of Tulsa, Pastor Rusty finally answered his call to ministry and graduated from Phillips Theological Seminary in Enid. 

Rusty’s hobbies include gardening, lawn care, walking, reading, country cooking, and perusing maps and house plan books.

            Rusty’s personal creed for many years has been, “I can trust in the real presence of the Risen Lord.” 

pastorrusty@fumcmuskogee.org

Sandi Rosson - Director of Youth Ministries

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Sandi is a life-long member of FIrst United Methodist Church and has been youth director since 1982.  She is married to Spencer Rosson and they have 3 grown children Randy, (wife Shari), Ryan, (wife Jan), and Robin (husband Andy) and seven grandchildren: Lauren, Sara, Sydnie, Claire, Max, Charlie and Lucy.  The enitire family belongs to FUMC. Sandi attended Northeastern where she studied joiurnalism and hoped to someday become a writer. Her dreams have come into fruition as she writes a column each week in the church newsletter and also produces a youth newsletter (THE FUMY HUG) each week. (lol!!!)  Her favorite pastimes are reading, painting, playing bridge and hanging out with friends!  She is crazy about God and teenagers.....and loves the creative process of working as youth director.  She wants the youth ministry of FUMC to be a safe and inviting "home" for kids to feel accepted, know they are loved and experience the joy of being a  fullly devoted follower of Christ.  She is thankful for the dedicated   teachers and youth sponsors who help with the youth ministry on a weekly basis and for  the  amazing church family which  prays for, loves and supports the kids of FUMC!

Steve Thomson - Music Director/Building Manager

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Steve is a "life-long" Methodist and grew up in Muskogee, graduating from Muskogee High School.  He is a graduate from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford with a Music Education degree.  He also has a Master's Degree from West Texas State University.  He was a public school band director for a total of 17 years in Texas, Sallisaw, Ok., and at Hilldale Public Schools for the final six years.

Steve is the Director of Music and directs the Chancel Choir.  He oversees all maintenance, scheduling, setup, security, and some of the ordering for the building.  He is also a member of Soul Focus  and has been a youth sponsor for years as well.  

Steve drives a charter bus part time and enjoys most any kind of travel, theater and music.  He also loves to ride his bicycle, when he can.

Steve and wife Cristi have three sons, Matt, Ryan, and Braden, two grandsons, Tanner and Griffin, and two granddaughter, Lily and Mikayla.