Lead Pastor Alecia Hilmer
Pastor Alecia will be entering her twenty-third year here at First United Methodist Church . Here is a little background on her journey. She attended The University Of Dubuque Theological Seminary and got her Doctorate in Church Revitalization in 2004. Alecia is married to her husband, Todd. She has two adult children, Samantha and Jonathan and Todd has three adult children, Ben, Nick, and Rebecca. In her spare time she enjoys being outdoors in nature, gardening and LOVES to read a good murder mystery novel. Her hopes in ministry is for the church as well as herself, to continue to love God and love our neighbors. Random Fun Fact : ” While horseback riding in Alaska, I was chased by a grizzly bear!” Favorite Bible Verse : Romans 8:38-39
Email: pastor@southslope.net
Director of Youth & Children's Ministry – Alison Hanson
Alison is in her third year here at the church as the Director of Youth Ministry and now Children's Ministry! Alison graduated in May of 2022 with her bachelors degree in Religion and Management. Alison is married to David Hanson and they have a cat named Charlie. In her free time Alison enjoys ballroom dancing, hanging out with friends, singing, acting, and spending time exploring nature! Alison loves to see people growing in their faith and loves to help people on that journey. Random fun fact: “I have been performing on stage since I was 3 years old!” Favorite Bible Verse: Matthew 18:3 & Proverbs 31:25
Interim Church Office Manager – Katie Mohr
Katie Mohr is filling in as our Interim Church Office Manager while we search for the right fit to fill the role. We are grateful for Katie's ability to help us out during this time. Katie has a M.A.T. Science Teaching from the University of Iowa in 2006 and a B.S. AST from Iowa State University in 2004. Katie is married to Nick and they have 4 children Ben, Chris, John, and David. Katie enjoys spending time doing things with her boys, crocheting, and reading. Random Fun Fact: "I learned to sail a sailboat last year with Ben" Favorite Bible Verse: Isaiah 40:31
Katie Mohr is filling in as our Interim Church Office Manager while we search for the right fit to fill the role. We are grateful for Katie's ability to help us out during this time. Katie has a M.A.T. Science Teaching from the University of Iowa in 2006 and a B.S. AST from Iowa State University in 2004. Katie is married to Nick and they have 4 children Ben, Chris, John, and David. Katie enjoys spending time doing things with her boys, crocheting, and reading. Random Fun Fact: "I learned to sail a sailboat last year with Ben" Favorite Bible Verse: Isaiah 40:31
Director of Music Ministry – James Gaffey
James Gaffey began in the fall of 2022 as our Director of Music Ministries. When asked about what musical instruments he plays, James’ replied, “Pretty much everything.” His favorite instrument is the melodica, which is handheld free-reed instrument similar to a pump organ or harmonica. We had to look it up, before we remembered him playing it on a Sunday morning! James’ said one little known fun-fact about him is that he once was a professional Tetras player. James is a life-long member of the church.
Email: jamesgaffeymusic@gmail.com
Director of Creation Kids Childcare Center – Michelle Eide
Michelle has been the Director of Creation Kids for over 20 years . She received her AA in Early Childhood Education. Michelle is married to her husband, Dustin and together they have four children, Jaelynn, Peyten, Landen, and Ashlynn. On the weekends you can find her cheering for her children at their sporting events and spending time with her family. Michelle wishes to continue teaching and growing the children at Creation Kids to prepare them for elementary school and also in their love for God. Favorite Bible Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6
Email: ckdir@southslope.net
Assistant Director of Creation Kids Childcare Center – Kara Fenstermaker
Kara has her AA in Early Childhood Education and been the Assistant Director for more than 15 years. She is married to Andrew and they have three awesome boys, Braylon, Brekkon, and Brylor. Their family time is spent with each other camping and being in the great outdoors. She also likes to craft. Random Fun Fact: ” I have worked in every position at Creation Kids except Director.” Favorite Bible Verse: 1 John 4:19
Email: asstckdir@gmail.com
Executive Director of The North Liberty Community Pantry – Ryan Bobst
Ryan received his Bachelor’s Degrees in Social Work and Political Science at The University of Iowa in 2009 and his Masters of Social Work at The University of Iowa in 2011. He Just started as the Executive Director at The North Liberty Community Pantry in the summer of 2023. In his family he has his wife Michelle, daughter Danielle, and son Levi. Ryan has several hobbies he relishes like: going on walks with his family and playing sports. Random Fun Fact: ” I lived in North Liberty from 2009-2012, moved away for 10 years, and now we’re back in the area!” Favorite Bible Verse: Deuteronomy 16:20
Custodial Maintenance – Bob Housel
Bob has been our Lead Custodian since November 2018. He spent three years at The University Of Iowa for Business where he met his wife Karen. They later were married in 1980 and had two sons. Their adult sons are now married themselves. Bob enjoys volunteering his time here at The North Liberty Community Food Pantry. He is also a Wild Land Firefighter and helps aid in controlled burns. When Bob has free time, he along with his friends and neighbors split wood for the campers and donate the proceeds to Friends of Coralville Lake (FOCL). Favorite Bible Verse: Exodus 3:14
Email: rjh3418@gmail.com