Westminster United Methodist Church is fortunate to have a very Christ-centered and dedicated group of men and women who are called into church ministry and are committed to building God's Kingdom in and through this church.
Senior Pastor
Rev. Jeff Powers
jpowers@wumc.com
Jeff Powers comes to us from First United Methodist Church in Teague, Texas where he served for six years. Prior to Teague, he served churches in Lake Jackson, Baytown, and Pittsburg. He has been in pastoral ministry for more than 14 years. He graduated from Brite Divinity School out of TCU with his Master's of Divinity degree. His undergraduate degree in Communications comes from The University of Houston.
Prior to his calling to the pastorate, Powers worked in the newspaper business. He worked at The Houston Chronicle, The Huntsville Item, and The Marshall News Messenger. He was also Publisher of The Observer Newspaper Group serving the Humble-Kingwood-New Caney area.
"I believe that the church should be an exciting, loving place where people encounter Jesus Christ, make new friends and grow as disciples" Powers said. "Westminster is a great setting for that to happen. It is a very loving faith community that has a place for everyone who comes to it."
Jeff and his wife Julie have two children. Christy is a sophomore at Texas A&M and John is a senior at San Marcos Academy.
Director of Children's Ministries
Mrs. Carlene Warren
cwarren@wumc.com
Carlene Warren has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Texas at El Paso and has served as an elementary teacher in New Mexico as well as Texas. Mrs. Warren was selected as an Outstanding Teacher of the Year from Sunland Park Elementary School and has led seminar training for first grade teachers.
Mrs. Warren is a former member of Bible Study Fellowship International serving as a preschool children's teacher in the program.
"Community and church service is a very important part of my life", says Mrs. Warren. She has co-chaired fund-raising and building efforts for the construction of the El Paso Public Library-West. She has served as a Stephen's Minister serving the elderly in Arlington, Texas. Mrs. Warren has shared time with Arlington youth by providing social and game activities for high school students and co-chaired an after-prom event, as well. Duff Elementary PTA has recognized Mrs. Warren's efforts by providing an annual high school scholarship fund in her name for "making a difference with Arlington students". Currently, Mrs. Warren serves as a volunteer by leading the Gathering at Westminster. This program is sponsored by Interfaith Care Partners and serves families impacted by dementia and Alzheimer's.
Mrs. Warren is absolutely delighted to serve God and is grateful for the privilege of working in the children's program at Westminster.
"I have great faith in God and I am so excited to see how He will lead us through the coming months."
Director of Youth Ministries
Mrs. Julie Powers
julie@wumc.com
Director of Music Ministries
Mr. Ed Ellsworth
Westminster is truly blessed to have Ed Ellsworth as our new Director of Music Ministries. Ed and his lovely wife, Janna, have been members of Westminster for several years and have graced us with their beautiful musical talents on many occasions. Ed and Janna have a three year old son, Brennan.
Praise and Worship Leader
Pam Leighton
pam@ardee.com
Director of the Westminster Weekday School
Mrs. Kellie Dietert
kdietert@wumc.com
Kellie Dietert graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development from the University of California, Davis. She worked for eight years as a Child Life Specialist, addressing the emotional and developmental needs of children and families in a health care setting. Kellie has been a teacher at Westminster Weekday Schools for three years and has a deep passion for the education of young children.
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Ginger Hurta
ghurta@wumc.com
Ginger Hurta and her husband, Dennis, have been members of Westminster since 1988 and truly love the church. She has served in many capacities and areas throughout the years. Prior to becoming the Church Secretary, Mrs. Hurta worked in the professional world as a paralegal for 30 years. She is pleased and honored to be able to serve the Lord and the people of Westminster.
Director of Finance/Facilities
Mr. Dan DuBose, CPA
ddubose@wumc.com
Custodian
Mr. Johnny Ybarbo
In 2001 Mr. Johnny Ybarbo joined the staff as our custodian. Working diligently with each and every staff person in preparing rooms for different event, he still is able to make time for his daily routine. Johnny is attending Ministry school and will soon be pursuing a bachelors in Theology. Mr. Ybarbo has preached at different services in both Spanish and English and is a frequent guest preacher at our contemporary service. His powerful messages talk about the word of the Lord though his experiences in life. He has been married for 42 years to his lovely wife, Gloria. Mr. and Mrs. Ybarbo have 6 children and 28 grandchildren.