OUR STAFF

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MEET OUR

MINISTRY STAFF

OUR PASTOR

PASTOR DAVID WALKER

Pastor David graduated from Cleveland State University with a BA in communications, then attended the Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO). Pastor David is married to his wife Tracy who is a graduate of Bowling Green State University and works as a magazine editor. Pastor David and Tracy live in Valley City, they have 4 adult children, Kaila, Somer, Evan, and Elijah. Recently David and Tracy became grand parents to their first grand child, a boy, Mason Carter! Together the family enjoys outdoor activities like fishing, gardening and running.

Pastor David & Tracy
Mason Carter

YOUTH MINISTRIES DIRECTOR

Kaittye Oberski

Kaittye has held various positions within the United Methodist Church including: Youth Director, Church Secretary, Lay Speaker and Lay Pastoral Caregiver. Kaittye is passionate about youth ministry and has also been very involved with the Emmaus and Chrysalis communities in Michigan. Kaittye is married to her husband Chuck and together they have four boys Koltyn, Collin, Klaysen & Caenyn. Kaittye and her family currently live in Elyria and have since they moved to Ohio from Michigan in 2021.

WORSHIP DIRECTORS

JOE & JANA DOWNEY

Husband and wife team, Joe and Jana work together to bring music to our services. Both Joe and Jana have been musical since they were children. Joe played trombone in school marching band, and has sang in a wide variety of barbershop choruses, quartets and choirs. Jana has played piano since age seven and has accompanied choirs, soloists and worship teams. Together Joe and Jana bring their love of music to their four children. Joe is an electrical engineer at NASA Glenn, and Jana is working on a master’s degree in exercise science, teaches part time at LCCC in the Health and Wellness Sciences division along with raising children.

ASSOCIATE MUSIC DIRECTOR

BOB FLICKINGER

Bob sings bass/baritone with a 25 member chorus all over the area. Bob works with Joe and Jana to put together meaningful Sunday worship experiences. Bob has a deep Methodist background and a long history with Belden UMC.

HOSPITALITY CHAIRMAN

LINDA SZAJNA

Linda is the welcoming face of the church! While you no doubt will be welcomed by many in the congregation, Linda is your go to for any information you might need. Linda coordinates fellowship after service, she also coordinates all social events relating to luncheons, dinners, fundraisers and banquets. Linda has been married to her husband Jim for 39 years. She has two grown sons and five grandchildren. Linda enjoys cooking, reading, walking volunteering and planning church and family events. Linda is also known as the chocolate lady, sharing her love of chocolate making with others!