Matt Gorman
Pastor
matt@sheltonumc.net
I spend my time as father of Sean, David, and Wendy, from middle school to high school; husband to Diane, a Jr. High teacher; climbing/back country skiing/backpacking/snowshoeing when I can; and hanging out at the Shelton United Methodist Church, where I have been pastor for the last 4 years or so. I like to run, to cook Chinese food, and to eat just about any kind of food! My greatest passion is being part of a grace-filled community, and doing whatever it takes to be involved with others in bringing about that kind of community.
I have lived in Ohio, Southern and Northern California, and Eastern and Western Washington.
I remember lying in bed at night as a child (we were non churchgoing heathens!) and thinking there had to be something more than what I could see and experience directly. Some years later, after being invited to go to a church youth group, I think I found some of that “something.”
My longing continued, however, to find a place where I really belonged, where I really was loved, where I really was able to be who I am.
I began to follow Jesus, and eventually was ordained as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. Currently, I serve at the Shelton United Methodist Church. I love the church, and the people there, but there are still things missing for me—things that have been hard to find in any church, of any denomination. I long for a place where people can come absolutely as they are and begin to live life alongside each other. I long to join my search for who I am and who God is (ultimately I think these are almost the same thing!) with others’ searches. I long to be known and loved, and to love others in a way that allows them to be truly known.
I find more and more that I really want to be around people who are genuine—who are free to be who they really are. Rob Bell (author of Velvet Elvis) was told, “Your job is the relentless pursuit of who you were created to be. Everything else is sin.” I think I agree with that. I think that when we are, together, pursuing relentlessly who God made us to be—that is what church is supposed to be. And that is where I want to be.
Julie Devine
Office Manager
office@sheltonumc.net
Just wanted to introduce myself to you all, my name is Julie Devine. I am so excited to tell you that I have just been hired as the office assistant, which means I can reach out to the community in new and exciting ways!
My husband David and I have three kids, Andrew, Ruby and Millie. We have been coming to this wonderful church for just over two years now, in that time we have been gracefully accepted into this awesome church family.
Marda Moore
Spiritual Director
I have been a part of Shelton United Methodist Church for over 40 years. In that time I have been a Sunday school teacher, part of many committees, United Methodist Women, the choir, an employee, and part of the team working with youth.
At the present time I am also serving as a Spiritual Director for those who wish to share their walk with God in a safe, loving environment.
The Meditation room in South Hall is a place where God is present, as He is everywhere. If you are interested in a closer walk with the Lord, and need a listening ear, someone who will listen with the ears of their heart, I am available to listen with you.
Kim Fuchs
Children's Ministry Director
Mike Gray
Technical Director
mike.gray@sheltonumc.net
I was drawn to the UMC more than any other denomination because of the ‘think and let think’’ philosophy introduced by John Wesley. Because we believe this we can be open and accepting of all God’s people, not just the ones like us. My wife Jocelyne and I started attending SUMC in the spring of 2004, shortly after we moved to Shelton from Kennewick.
I enjoy reading, video gaming, camping, hiking, medieval armoring, wood working, motorcycling, and setting things on fire.
Laura Wheeler
Organist, Pianist, Keyboardist
Laura Wheeler’s mother once reminded her that she is "doing the job I said I wanted to do in kindergarten.....making beautiful music for people".
As a child, I spent my summers with my Grandmother Geneva Sliva who taught me to play the piano. She was a sought-after accompanist at many Shelton churches but attended the Shelton United Methodist. When I would go to church with her, I was in awe of the choir. Eventually I could not resist any longer and joined.
Because I had accompanied choirs since the 7th grade, word soon got out that I could play and I became a substitute accompanist. Then the church organist left and Pastor Steve Schroeder talked me into applying for the job. I got it! I had never touched an organ before in my life! I took one year of organ lessons, but other than that am self-taught.
I have been married for 17 years to my wonderful husband Pat. We have been blessed with 11-year old Payton. In our spare time we do photography, and I teach piano and love to volunteer at Payton's school. I like to spend as much time as I can ‘with my guys’ and yes, that occasionally means riding dirt bikes together.”
Rose Swier
Nursery Room Supervisor
Beth Johnston
Choir Director
Beth Johnston, choir director at Shelton UMC, grew up in the United Methodist Church and has worshiped in United Methodist churches around the world.
Beth says, "I worship here because I find that our church works hard to include people. There is room for everyone, regardless of whether they are liberal, conservative, young or old, secure in their faith, just learning or even have doubts."
She became temporary choir director five years ago, and she likes to sing in the choir because everyone's voice covers up everyone else' voice. She adds that, "Our goal is to make joyful noise as we praise God and present a message each Sunday with our music.”
"Everyone who wants to join us is welcome," Beth states. "Just come to sing with us for a week, a month or forever."
Beth, a registered nurse, directs Alpine Way Retirement Center in Shelton and works well with senior citizens at the facility. She is a member of a number of church teams and also edits "The Christian Witness," our church newsletter. She teaches an Alpha course once or twice a year and will soon lead a new course on Revelation, the last book of the Bible.
Cathy Mullen
Librarian
During my childhood in Idaho I attended Sunday school and church with my family. Warm memories for me include accepting Jesus Christ as my Personal Savior in the third grade and being baptized in the Spokane River when I was 13. At summer church camp in high school I took communion at the ‘Cross;’ a communion table built in the shape of a cross. It was quite moving and really brought home to me what Jesus did for me when he died on the cross for my sins.
During college I was active in church and worked in the college library. Tim and I (childhood sweethearts since the 4th grade) got married two hours after my college graduation.
In 1973 Tim returned to active duty in the Navy and during the next 19 years we were stationed all over the United States and the world, giving me the opportunity to be active in many different churches. I have especially fond memories of teaching Sunday school at Hanford, California and a lay witness mission weekend which nurtured my faith and helped me after Tim left on a 7-month deployment. Our son Zeb was baptized while Tim was stationed in Iceland, and our daughter Kim was baptized in 1980 while we were at Bangor.
Tim retired from the Navy in 1992. Soon we moved to Shelton and joined the Shelton UMC. Through my duties as church librarian and my other activities at SUMC, my faith has continued to grow in many ways.
Heron Guerra
Custodian
Dave Gorman
Keymaster