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Rev. L. Kyle Hern | Senior PastorRev. L. Kyle Hern, is the senior pastor of St. John's United Methodist Church. An ordained elder and graduate of Saint Paul School of Theology (M.Div ’76), Kyle has served United Methodist churches in Missouri since he was a student at Central Methodist University in the early ‘70’s. Appointments include Miami-Mt. Carmel, Independence 1st (Associate Pastor), Platte City, Raytown 1st, Tarkio-Westboro, Marshall, Ashland Avenue (St. Jospeh), Jefferson City 1st, Richmond, and, currently, St. John’s. He served as District Superintendent of the Kansas City South District in the former Missouri West Conference from 1994 to 2000. Kyle has a deep and abiding passion for local and global mission. He has served as a study leader in several Schools of Christian Mission in the Missouri Area over the past two decades. He also has served as a Volunteer In Mission in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the United States most recently serving as a co-leader of the St. John’s VIM trip to our visit our partner church in Lihonzwane, Mozambique. He also enjoys leading study groups to the Holy Land, and other locations. Locally, Kyle is active in CCO (Commnities Creating Opportunities), is a member of the Community Advisory Committee for the Southwest Early College Campus High School, and a member of the Board of Spofford. He also serves as a member of President’s Advisory Council at Central Methodist University. Kyle married Marie (Frazee) in May, 1973, and they have three grown children – Nathan (who married Melissa Horak last summer), Lindy, and Jon, and a little dog named Skyy. Marie is high school mathematics teachers currently teaching at Rockhurst High School. Kyle was born in Moberly, Missouri, and is the son of a United Methodist pastor. E-mail address: khern@stjohnsumc.org. |
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Dr. Dennie Oades-Souther | Associate Pastor | Adult EducationDenise "Dennie" Oades-Souther , Ph.D., received her degree in clinical psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. As a psychologist she has worked in schools, hospitals, and nursing homes, in addition to maintaining a private practice. Dennie has an extensive background in education and spiritual formation, she has been a Stephen minister for several years and has participated in the Emmaus Walk Program. She and her husband, Hal, have a daughter and a son. Her calling is to work in the areas of spiritual formation and education and to facilitate opportunities for growth in relationship with God. E-mail address: dsouther@stjohnsumc.org |
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JOHN OBETZ | Interim Director of Music and OrganistHis radio organ recital, The Auditorium Organ, was heard by an audience of thousands each week for the 26 years it was broadcast nationwide from the headquarters of The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now the Community of Christ) in Independence, Missouri. His bachelor’s and master’s degrees were awarded by Northwestern University, and he earned the doctorate in sacred music from Union Theological Seminary, New York City. Subsequently he studied at the International Academy for Organists in Haarlem, The Netherlands. His impressive concert career has included performances throughout the United States and Europe, including such venues as Westminster Abbey in London, the Duomo in Florence, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and many performances with symphony orchestras. His several CD recordings are available on the RBW label. For more than 30 years, and concurrent with his performance activities, he served on the faculty of the Conservatory of Music, University of Missouri at Kansas City. An ardent and active member of the American Guild of Organists Dr. Obetz served on their National Council for 19 years, chairing several committees. He is a past Dean, Regional Councillor, and National Treasurer. |
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Nancy Bell | Director of Parents' Day OutNancy Bell is an educator who has taught elementary and preschool. She was a teacher at St. John's Parents' Day Out for six years prior to becoming the director. She has been PDO director for 8 years. Nancy has a B.S. in Elementary Education from Missouri University. Nancy and her husband Jim live in Shawnee Mission, Kansas. They have four children and 1 grandchild. E-mail address nbell@stjohnsumc.org |
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Sara Freese | Office Manager/Admin. Asst. |
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Marcella Maxwell | Part time Office Staff |
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Wesley Loewen | Handbell Choir Director |
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