Meet the wonderful people who serve First United Methodist Church in the
many ministries that we share with our congregation and the Magnolia Community!
Our Staff
Meet the wonderful people who serve First United Methodist Church in the
many ministries that we share with our congregation and the Magnolia Community!
Reverend Gary Maskell, Pastor
Email: gary.maskell@arumc.org
Phone: 870-234-4530
On Staff Since: 2019
Favorite Scripture: "And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Romans 8:28
Favorite Person from the Bible: Jesus
Favorite Food: Pizza
Hobbies: Reading, Video Games & Music!
A fun fact about me is: I once made marshmallows from "scratch" using an old Betty Crocker Cookbook recipe! (My advice: It's too costly and way too much trouble! Just buy a package at the store!)
Shelly Burgess, Director of Children and Families Ministries
Email: shellyb@magnoliafumc.org
Phone: 870-949-1818
On Staff Since: 2017
Favorite Scripture: "Be still, and know that I am God!" Psalm 46:10
Favorite Person from the Bible: Peter
Favorite Food: Chocolate
Hobbies: Genealogy
A fun fact about me is: I am a licensed contractor in the state of Arkansas. I also love essential oils!
Elizabeth "Liz" Wilson, Director of Youth Ministries
Email: liz@magnoliafumc.org
Phone: 870-234-4530 ext. 104
On Staff Since: 2022
Favorite Scripture: "Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received." 1 Peter 4:10
Favorite Person from the Bible: Deborah
Favorite Food: Anything chicken!
Hobbies: Digital and traditional character art, video games, playing and listening to instrumental music
A fun fact about me is: I was a barista at Starbucks and I love to experiment with different espresso and coffee drinks at home!
Kim Shirey, Director of Music
Email: klshirey@att.net
Phone: 870-904-3546
On Staff Since: 2003
Favorite Scripture: Psalm 91:4 "He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge."
Favorite Person from the Bible: Paul
Favorite Food: Pizza
Hobbies: Working in the yard
A fun fact about me is: My father and my son have the same birthday.
Sharon Ard, Organist
Email: sharonard@yahoo.com
Phone: 870-814-8574
On Staff Since: February 2018
Favorite Scripture: All of Song of Songs chapter 2. Favorite verse from that chapter is verse 6, "His left hand is under my head and His right arm embraces me."
Favorite Person from the Bible: Ruth
Favorite Food: Fresh seafood
Hobbies: Reading, music, swimming, hiking, Pilates, gym
A fun fact about me is: I have hiked the Inca Trail!
Tracie Nipper, Administrative Secretary
Email: tracie@magnoliafumc.org
Phone: 870-234-4530 ext. 101
On Staff Since: 2004
Favorite Scripture: Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
Favorite Person from the Bible: Noah
Favorite Food: Junk food!
Hobbies: Cooking, walking, spending time with family and especially my grandchildren
A fun fact about me is: I enjoyed English Smocking when the girls where little. I even taught classes on it!
Shawn "Skippy" Warlick, Building Superintendent
Kenneth Manning, Custodian
On Staff Since: 2006
Favorite Scripture: Psalm 100 "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."
Favorite Person from the Bible: Job
Favorite Food: Meat Loaf
Hobbies: Dancing
A fun fact about me is: I was a running back on the football team in high school.
Barbra Lewis, Director of The Caring Place
Email: barbarafumc@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 870-949-5088
On Staff Since: 2008
Favorite Scripture: Philipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Favorite Person from the Bible: King David
Favorite Food: Chocolate
Hobbies: Music and golf
A fun fact about me is: I am the second of 4 generations currently members of First United Methodist Church.
DIONEDRA BIDDLE, Stewpot cook
stephen BIDDLE, STEWPOT COOK