Staff Bios
Pastor
Pastor Jennifer K Jones has been blessed with an amazing combination of diverse life experiences that now enable her to reach others with humor, warmth, transparency and strength. Pastor Jennifer delivers uplifting sermons that connect on a personal level. Her depth of spiritual knowledge seamlessly intertwines with what’s going on in our world right now and challenges us to apply the timeless truths of Scripture to our everyday lives.
Jennifer grew up as a preachers kid in the Buffalo Rochester area of New York. Her life has been dedicated to living by example and encouraging men and women how to live up to their full potential in Christ. She attended College at Ohio Northern University. While there, she participated in an exchange program with Glasgow Caledonian University in Glasgow, Scotland. She attended Seminary at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC where she earned her way through school by giving tours of Washington. In a way, she continues her “Tour Guide” work as she now guides us to develop a love and sense of compassion using her ever present passion for Christ.
Before coming to Haysville United Methodist Church in June of 2016, she served 6 other churches in four conferences including one appointment as a two point charge. She and her husband Jason have three children, two beautiful daughters and an adventurous son. Pastor Jennifer says, ”I am truly blessed to be a pastor. Jason and I love building relationships with people and helping them grow in their faith and understanding of who God is and God’s call on their life. I look forward to ministering with you.”
Church Secretary Our secretary keeps the church office running like clockwork. The secretary provides detailed administrative support to all staff members, working alongside each to coordinate communication and plan. The church secretary is the servant’s servant, ministering to the ministers and to the church in quiet ways. Few other individuals contribute in this way; behind the scenes to the success of the church’s programs. The secretary will often be the first person visitors and newcomers come across at the church, whether by phone or in person, and is an integral part of the church’s public image and outreach. Discretion, a positive attitude, copy editing and excellent interpersonal skills round out her body of talent.
Director of Media & Music Ministries Gary has many years of diverse experience establishing himself as a respected leader and program director with particular expertise and repeated success in educational leadership. His extensive career comprises expertise in program development, staff development, operational logistics, and financial strategy, as well as public relations. Gary says, “Within every professional capacity, I’ve taken a people-first approach to all endeavors, striving to empower and develop them through superior programming.” Gary is an admirable communicator, thriving amid opportunities to collaborate with other leaders in order to identify avenues of growth and propel innovation.
In this role, Gary is part of our team planning dynamic worship services. Gary’s experience with music, graphics, scripts, and technical specifications has served him well. He has spearheaded recruiting and direction of many dedicated volunteers, orchestrating training and mentorship. Gary concludes, “I am poised to pioneer exceptional programs, develop musicians, and deliver continued success.”
The Music Ministries under this position include: Chancel Choir, Hand Bell Choir, Reflections Ensemble, children and youth music involvement, and Praise Band!
Music Staff
Ardith Simmons Accompanist, Worship Pianist
Jamie Pegg Praise Band Lead
Kent Stucky Accompanist, Worship Pianist
Tech DirectorOur Technical Director oversees and coordinates all aspects of the Technical Ministry in regards to audio, lighting, and video. The Tech Director’s ultimate goal is to ensure that services and events across all facilities and ministries are able to utilize technology efficiently, effectively, and strategically in order to enhance the experience of those attending.
While Taylor may not be in the spotlight like the pastor, worship leader, or musicians, he is always arriving earlier and leaving later than anyone else. He’s setting everything up, organizing, running the slides, planning lights, and doing everything else related to Sunday Morning Worship and more.
The media team at our church is always in the process of growing and adapting to new technologies. If you want to help with video, technology, lights, and sound on Sundays and other special services, let Taylor know!
Director of Youth MinistriesKris has been in a continuous youth ministry position since 2000 and is a lifelong Methodist. After growing up in Hays and Derby Kansas, he married his high school sweetheart Melinda and now lives in west Wichita. Kris answered the call to minister as a teen, volunteering at Camp Horizon and various other United Methodist facilities. He arrived at Haysville UMC in January 2014 serving both as a volunteer and the Director of Youth Ministries.
Through organization, communication and planning Kris’ successful ministries have enabled him and the youth he’s worked with to crisscross the U.S. ministering in countless venues to those in need of God’s message. One of his greatest joys is to re-connect with his spiritual sons and daughters as they continue on in life’s journey, some with their own ministries now!
Kris considers his most cherished accolades, though, to be centered on his family. He is the proud dad of two adult sons. Together, he and Melinda look forward to another 30+ years of marriage and ministry.
Financial Secretary Lisa is accountable to the Congregation, Church Treasurer and the Finance Committee to receive and record funds that come into the church treasury. Lisa works full time at Koch Business Solutions. She also runs her own business – Hyde Accounting, and in her spare time she helps keep the books at the church, not to mention taking care of her own family!
Church Treasurer
Sandy sees her position as a place for ministry to the congregation and the community. She has the skills and experience for this position and years of practice in financial matters. Sandy keeps detailed, accurate records and maintains appropriate confidentiality. Her ability to work with individuals and ministry teams rounds out this simplified version of Sandy’s work.
Custodial Staff Coordinator
Gail Klinginsmith
Gail’s team works with our Trustees and other volunteers to maintain and care for our beautiful grounds and facilities.