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.
Director of Contemporary Worship & Youth Ministry
This position is presently available. Click here to learn more about this posting.
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.
Rev.Tim Draxler - Choirmaster
The Rev. Timothy A. Draxler (Choirmaster) was born in Middletown, Ohio, graduated from Lemon-Monroe High School and Asbury University. After seven years in full time ministry, he became bi- vocational working at AK Steel and serving several Middletown area churches. He has two adult daughters working in the medical field and two grandsons.
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.
