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Biography

            John David “Rusty” Williams is at First United Methodist Church for his twenty-sixth 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

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Steve Thomson - Building Manager/Activities Director

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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 in charge of the Activities Center and most any activity outside of worship.  He oversees all maintenance, scheduling, setup, security, and some of the ordering for the building.  He is actively involved with the music department and youth department, 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.

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Cindy Culver - Ministries Assistant

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Once a month New Days Cancer Support group meets in the Church Parlor. It is a time for sharing and for listening. Cancer is a disease that no one should face alone. If you or a member of your family has cancer, please contact me for further information.

Our next meeting date is Monday; March 01 at 6:30 p.m.  Please come if you are able.

Our church offers a ministry called "Helping Hands." This ministry gives assistance to families who are in need . Helping Hands is open Tuesday mornings from 9:00-11:00.

Our congregation's making and collecting health care kits through our Missions and Service Committee. Our goal is to make 1,000 health care kits. You may bring them to church and place at the altar when you have them completed. 

Peace be with you,

Cindy Culver

Prayer:

Oh God,

Give us strength to face our daily struggles with confidence.

Give us courage to stand firm in our convictions.

Fill us with love when we feel unloved and at the end of the day,

Give us peace, knowing that we did the best we could do for you.

Amen