Staff
REV. JOEL HARBARGER - PASTOR
Joel was appointed to the Monroe UMC in 2014. He was first ordained in 1985 and is excited about doing ministry here and now! He loves to spend time with people, young, older and in the middle!
Joel hails from the small town of Jackson, Ohio. He holds a BS in Social Work from Ohio University and a MDiv from Drew University Theological School in Madison, NJ. He spent many years working in Youth Ministry and Campus Ministry before he was called to be the Lead Pastor in some churches.
He has been blessed to be happily married since 1979 and has two grown children living on the West Coast. His other interests include camping, paddling, hiking, bicycling, cooking and eating great food, reading and watching movies.
Ruthie Stout – Director of Youth Ministries
Our wonderful new Director of Youth Ministries
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. ANN COPELAND – PASTORAL CARE AND OUTREACH MINISTRIES
Ann is an ordained minister and has served as youth/children’s minister, pastor and pastoral counselor. She has spent 15 years as a mental health therapist and taught psychology at Campbellsville University. She received undergraduate degrees in nursing and educational psychology and a master’s degree in individual and family counseling/ pastoral care. She lives in Liberty Township with her husband, who is also an ordained minister and serves as Director of Spiritual Care and Ethics at Maple Knoll Communities. They have two children, Rebecca and Ryan. She enjoys reading, traveling and yard sales.
Contact Ann at monroeumc@cinci.rr.com
Rachel Watkins - Director of Hornet haven
Rachel Watkins and family joined Monroe United Methodist Church in the fall of 2005. Over the course of many years she has been a member on our Missions team, Finance Committee, Child Education Committee and held the title of Church Treasurer for 3 years. Her most rewarding service to the church was when she served as a Sunday school teacher for 2 years.
In 2010 she started at Hornet Haven as an assistant pre-school teacher. Within 2 years she was promoted to head Pre-K teacher. In August of 2015, she was named as Director of Hornet Haven. Being given the chance to work with the children of our community and help them with their educational and spiritual needs is a true blessing.
In her spare time some of her favorite things to do are camping, boating and playing soccer with her three sons, Jacob, 17, Alex, 14 and Thomas, 10. She have lived in Monroe for over 18 years and enjoys the small “home town” community. Throughout the past 10 years she has done some amazing things within this church and she is looking forward to the new adventures that God has planned for her.
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.
Stephanie Fleming – Contemporary Worship Leader
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.
STEVE RIZKALLAH - CUSTODIAN
