Lead Pastor: Ryan Whisel
Ryan arrived at First UMC in June 2016 as the new Family Ministry Director and served for two years in that role. During that time, he was offered and accepted the opportunity to continue serving alongside this congregation as the new lead pastor starting July 2018. While it wasn't his original intent to proceed in that direction when he arrived, God had been at work preparing him to humbly accept this new role. Ryan describes himself as an outgoing extrovert who loves getting to know other people and hear their unique stories of how God has worked in their lives. In his free time, he loves spending time fishing, disc golfing, playing guitar, and making delicious messes in the kitchen. You can reach Ryan by calling the church or sending him an email at rwhisel@susumc.org.
Ryan arrived at First UMC in June 2016 as the new Family Ministry Director and served for two years in that role. During that time, he was offered and accepted the opportunity to continue serving alongside this congregation as the new lead pastor starting July 2018. While it wasn't his original intent to proceed in that direction when he arrived, God had been at work preparing him to humbly accept this new role. Ryan describes himself as an outgoing extrovert who loves getting to know other people and hear their unique stories of how God has worked in their lives. In his free time, he loves spending time fishing, disc golfing, playing guitar, and making delicious messes in the kitchen. You can reach Ryan by calling the church or sending him an email at rwhisel@susumc.org.
Administrative Assistant: Kathy Statler
Kathy has attended First Church all her life and is a member. Kathy retired from the Greencastle-Antrim School District after 32 years of employment in July of 2009. She took her mother's place as church secretary in July of 2009. She is married to her husband Rich. They have one son, Shawn; a daughter-in-law, Kara and have a granddaughter, Maci. The Statler's are also the grandparents of two wiener dogs Oscar and Scarlett. Besides enjoying spending time with my family Kathy loves to travel, go to the pool and beach and read. She enjoys working with the church staff and the friendly congregation. To contact the church office, please use adm.asstfumc@comcast.net.
Kathy has attended First Church all her life and is a member. Kathy retired from the Greencastle-Antrim School District after 32 years of employment in July of 2009. She took her mother's place as church secretary in July of 2009. She is married to her husband Rich. They have one son, Shawn; a daughter-in-law, Kara and have a granddaughter, Maci. The Statler's are also the grandparents of two wiener dogs Oscar and Scarlett. Besides enjoying spending time with my family Kathy loves to travel, go to the pool and beach and read. She enjoys working with the church staff and the friendly congregation. To contact the church office, please use adm.asstfumc@comcast.net.
Ministry Intern: Pat Kelly
Pat arrived at First UMC in February 2019 and has a passion to be serving God however he can. Led to study Christian Ministry at Messiah College, he found himself starting a men's ministry on his campus, and has helped oversee discipleship ministries on campus at Messiah. Pat desires to see unity in the Church, and hopes to help others identify their calling and how they can use their influence to spread God's love. Pat enjoys cooking and playing just about any sport, and he loves a fun road trip (especially when food is involved). You can get in touch by emailing Pat at pk1187@messiah.edu.
Pat arrived at First UMC in February 2019 and has a passion to be serving God however he can. Led to study Christian Ministry at Messiah College, he found himself starting a men's ministry on his campus, and has helped oversee discipleship ministries on campus at Messiah. Pat desires to see unity in the Church, and hopes to help others identify their calling and how they can use their influence to spread God's love. Pat enjoys cooking and playing just about any sport, and he loves a fun road trip (especially when food is involved). You can get in touch by emailing Pat at pk1187@messiah.edu.
Bishop: Jeremiah Park
Bishop Park is the overseer of the Susquehanna Conference. He has been the Bishop for the conference since 2012.
Bishop Park is the overseer of the Susquehanna Conference. He has been the Bishop for the conference since 2012.
York District Superintendent: Reverend Doctor Charlie Salisbury