A church is more than a building or a place. A church is made up of people - those who believe in the living Word of God and are inspired by God. The First United Methodist Church of Plymouth is made up of spiritual people who believe in the grace, truth, and fullness of the living God. Please take a moment to learn more about our church's staff by reading their profiles below. Please contact the church to connect with our staff. You can also learn more about who we are and what to expect when you visit.
Pastor Lauren Hall
I grew up in a small, rural community in northern West Virginia located about an hour’s drive from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Although Bethany, WV is considered an established town, it primarily existed to support the faculty and staff of Bethany College. It had one grocery store, one church, a post office, a firehouse, and an elementary school. Every other place of business was associated with the college. This is where I established my roots. When I wasn’t going to school, I participated in 4-H, school sports, Christian Youth Fellowship, and I helped our neighbors with some of the chores on their dairy farm. We spent our summers with our family in New England, where I developed a variety of hobbies, including reading, writing (both poetry and fiction), running, and exploring nature.
How exactly did | end up in Indiana? It’s a long story, but as I look back on my journey, I would have to say that God led me here. When we have time perhaps I’ll share the entire story over a cup of coffee, but for now I’ll simply share that I have had a number of experiences ranging from working at Pizza Hut and 7-11 to serving in the US Army to coaching High School track and cross country to teaching Environmental Education to New York City children to finally, developing a Christian Camping Program at Camp Crosley YMCA, which is where I discovered my passion for Youth Ministry. All of these experiences deepened my relationship with Christ, ultimately led to my discovering my call to ordination, and they have all played their part in preparing me for my role of leading the church.
I graduated from Virginia Tech University and Saint Paul School of Theology and hold an undergraduate degree in English Education and a Master’s Degree of Divinity. I am currently working on my Doctorate of Ministry with a specialization in Leadership for Transformational Change. Prior to my graduation from seminary, I spent many years working in YMCA camping, developing Christian programs for children and youth. Before receiving my first appointment as the Associate Pastor at South Bend Grace, I served as a Youth Pastor in my home church in North Webster, IN and also at Broadway UMC (now called Keystone UMC) in Kansas City, MO. I also served as the Lead Pastor at South Bend Southlawn UMC, Peru Main Street UMC and most recently, Senior Associate Pastor at West Lafayette First UMC.
My personal life is relatively simple. I enjoy being outdoors and I like to relax over a cup of coffee. In addition to serving the church, you will usually find me involved in some way with ministries that serve the poor. I love volunteering to coach track at the local schools, and I enjoy attending the concerts, plays and sporting events of the youth in the church. I have one daughter, Rowynn, who has many interests, including track, social media, video games, nature, and cats. Second only to God’s grace and salvation offered through Jesus Christ, she is the greatest blessing God has ever given me.
I firmly believe that the grace and love of Christ is personally experienced and shared in the way we live our lives. I can’t wait to meet you!
Blessings,
Pastor Lauren Hall
Christine Rust
Office Administrator
I am a child of God, wife, mom, and Mimi. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, knitting, antiquing and repurposing old items.
Favorite Bible verse:
Isaiah 43:1b “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine."
Kay Finlay
Organist
Kay Finlay has served as organist for FUMC for over 50 years. She strives to provide appropriate service music for each service and accompanies the Chancel Choir or any other special music that occurs during the 10:30 worship service. Working with the Chancel Choir has given Kay great satisfaction throughout the years. A retired insurance agent, she enjoys reading, needlework, games of all kinds and bridge.
Jeff Mills
Maintenance and Custodian
Jeff takes care of our building inside and out, keeping things clean and in good repair.
All the Members of the Congregation
Believing that God has blessed us all with gifts to do the ministry of the church, it only seems appropriate to include a few pictures of our congregation! (Ephesians 4:12)
