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Staff REV. JEFFREY MOTTER - PASTOR
Jeff began his appointment at Monroe UMC in 2022. He was ordained an Elder in the West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church in 2000. He looks forward to sharing Jesus' ministry to the Monroe and surrounding communities with the congregation and is excited to see what God will do in our midst.
Jeff grew up outside Sidney, Ohio. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Mathematics Education with a concentration in Computer Science in 1988 from Wright State University, followed by a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton in 1992. He attended United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, earning a Master of Divinity degree in 1998 while serving as Student Pastor of Jacksonburg UMC. Since then, he has served as Pastor of three other churches and as an Assistant to the District Superintendent.
In 2011, Jeff was blessed to marry Becky, who is also an ordained Elder in West Ohio and a graduate of Duke Divinity School in Durham, NC. They have two children. For fun, Jeff enjoys being Dad to his children, reading, and cooking.
Gina Craft - Director of Children's Ministries
 Gina Craft was born and raised in Middletown, OH. She earned a BFA at Miami University and a MACE at Union Seminary in Richmond, VA. She has experience in children’s ministry, youth leadership, and adult Christian education. She loves to spend time with her son and daughter, as they often go on hiking trips and bike rides together. Gina is grateful whenever God gives her opportunities to share the Gospel with others.
DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY
Gina Craft and Pastor Jeff Motter share responsbility for leading the youth ministry of Monroe UMC.
Larry Daniel - Chancel choir director
Larry Daniel was fortunate to receive a scholarship to The College Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati where he received his Bachelors and Master of Music. He studied Classical trumpet with Eugene Blee and Jazz Trumpet with Frank Brown. His teacher for Instrumental Conducting was Gerhard Samuel and Choral Conducting was Earl Rivers. He has performed with local, regional, and national artists since the mid 70's as well as doing clinics at the High School and College levels. He also maintains a studio teaching private trumpet lessons. Past Church Music positions were with Lebanon Methodist, Harlan Park Church of God, Kings Point Church of God, Mariemont Community Church, and for 32 years at Monroe United Methodist. Larry has been involved with church all his life. He is excited to be back and with God's help to continue to build the music program for the 11:00 am service
Andy Garitson - Contemporary Worship Leader
Andy Garitson joined our church staff in May as Contemporary Worship Leader at our 9:30 am service. In this role, Andy will be choosing relevant music to reinforce Pastor Jeff’s sermons, while also building and rehearsing the Praise Team. In building a strong team (of both musicians and tech volunteers), Andy hopes to spread God’s love to our community so that everyone knows we are here and that all are welcome as they are!
Some of you may not know that Andy grew up in our church. He remembers riding back from Ichthus in Pastor Stan Smith’s truck, experiencing the Billy Graham crusade with Pastor Brad Olson, helping lead worship with Pastor Tim Waugh, and ultimately rededicating his life to Christ with the help of Pastor Joel Harbarger – he is VERY happy to be back home in this music-based position. Over these recent years, Andy had been asked to help with other churches’ music teams as well as many Chrysalis Flights and Emmaus Walks (vocals and keyboards), but he’s also an accomplished trombone player (pre-oxygen machine) having played with the Southwestern Ohio Symphonic Band, a few jazz ensembles around the area as well as many pit orchestras for musical theatre productions around the greater Cincinnati area.
LINDA LARKIN - NURSERY
Linda oversees the nursery / preschool room during our Sunday Mornings services. She also works in our Hornet Haven Latchkey and Honeybee Haven Preschool programs and has done so for more than eight years. Well-trained and equipped in child development, Linda loves kids and helping the church fulfill its mission. Linda’s responsibilities include everything from wiping runny noses to giving much-needed hugs and everything in between, making the children feel safe and secure while being her care. You may Contact Linda at monroeumc@cinci.rr.com
EDNA MILLER - OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Edna has been a church secretary/office administrator/office manager for 30 years. She started out at Faith UMC in Middletown, working there on two separate occasions. Over the last 30 years, Edna has worked at First Baptist Church in Middletown, St. James UMC in Miamisburg, Hope UMC in Hunter and Christ UMC. Edna and her husband, Warren, have been married 28 years and are lifelong residents of Middletown. She has one son, Tommy and Warren has two sons, Rob and Joe. They have three granddaughters, Hailey, Hanna and Julia and one grandson, Hudson. Edna’s son and his family live in Middletown and Warren’s two sons and their families live in North Carolina. Edna and Warren share their home with their dog Skooter who is a Chorkie (Chihuahua/Yorkie mix). She is an avid lover of Golden Retrievers – and has had three over the years – and hopes someday to have another one.
MELANIE FLOWER - ACCOMPANIST
Melanie has been a resident of Monroe most her life. Her family includes husband John, daughter Tonya Deem, son Kevin, granddaughter Morgan and grandson Dakota. She is also blessed to have in the family four dogs and four horses.
Melanie attended Monroe local schools and after graduating went to Miami University and earned a B.S. in Education. After beginning her teaching career she earned a Master’s degree in Classroom Teaching from Wright State. She retired from Middletown City Schools in 1999.
Her hobbies include working outdoors, reading, doing crosswords and Sudoku, and spending time with my grandchildren.
I have been the organist at Monroe United Methodist Church for 49 years. Her responsibilities include playing for the 8:30 and 10:45 services, attending choir rehearsals, practicing and playing for soloists and small groups, playing for special services like Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Christmas Eve. She also play at funerals that are held in our church.
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