Memorial United Methodist Church

Staff at Memorial UMC
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D. Scott Johnson, Senior Pastor:

Rev. Johnson grew up on the south side of Indianapolis. He is a graduate of Manuel High School, University of Evansville, and Iliff School of Theology. Rev. Johnson was ordained deacon in 1976 and elder in 1980. He has served churches in the South Indiana Annual Conference since 1979. He was married to his wife Paula in 1975 and they have 3 grown children. He is the author of many short stories, plays, hymns, and poems, and "The Star of Bethlehem Shines Again" is a compiled book of his Christmas stories. Rev. Johnson enjoys bowling and traveling.

Jill M. Howard, Associate Pastor:

Rev. Jill Howard began her ministry at Memorial in June, 2008. She is originally from Knoxville, TN. Rev. Howard is a graduate of Butler University where she received a degree in religious studies, and both she and her husband are graduates of the Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia. She and her husband, Corey, were married in April of 2008. He is currently the youth pastor of another United Methodist Church in Terre Haute. Rev. Howard enjoys singing in the choir and praise band, Zumba, spending time with her husband and her dog, Kole, theater, movies, cheering on the Colts and the Butler Bulldogs, and being in ministry! Particular areas of interest in ministry include: Contemporary and traditional worship, sacraments, liturgy, adult ministry and education, pastoral care, and biblical study.

Diane Roth, Administrative Assistant:

Diane Roth is Memorial’s church secretary. You will find her in the office from 8-4:30, Monday through Friday. Along with compiling and arranging the monthly church newsletter the “Poplar Leaves,” and the weekly church bulletin, she also manages a variety of miscellaneous and receptionist duties. Born in Illinois, she resides 17 miles from Terre Haute and enjoys her early morning commute time with the LORD.

David Gibbs, Music and Choral Director:

David has been organist at Memorial since August of 1982. During that time the church installed a 23-rank pipe organ made by Holtkamp. This was installed in early 1990 and has served us well. David is also Director of Music and has held that position since July 2001. He directs the Chancel Choir and secures directors for any of the other choirs that we may need. David and his wife Glenna, live in Terre Haute with 7 cats and 2 dogs. He also is Director of Choral Music at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute. David enjoys reading and cooking in his spare time.

Paula Johnson, Preschool Director:

Paula became the Memorial Preschool director in January 2008. She is married to Scott Johnson and they have 3 children. She graduated from the University of Evansville with a degree in psychology. Paula has 18 years of experience directing preschool with typically developing children as well as preschoolers with special needs. She has taught preschool for 15 years and has worked in the public school system for 7 years. Paula is excited about being a part of the rich history of Memorial Preschool.

Christy Cresgy, Education Director:

Christy has been serving as Director of Christian Education since 2001. She is also in her thirteenth year of teaching at Memorial Preschool. She holds a degree in both Elementary Education and Special Education. She and her husband, Joe, have been married for twenty-two years and have two children, Jordan and Chase. Both children run cross country and track, so they keep Joe and Christy very busy!

Joe Cresgy, Sound and Media:

Joe is an electrical engineer for Sony where he designs custom automation equipment. He enjoys hiking, biking, roller blading, camping, photography and traveling. He spends a lot of time watching his children run cross country & play soccer. He is excited about his job at Memorial because he gets to use his love of technology to help enhance the worship services and offer praise to God.

Karen Burger, Financial Secretary:

Financial Secretary Karen Burger has been with Memorial since 2002. She came with 10 years of banking experience which included accounting, commercial loan processing, and her last position as assistant controller. Karen’s position with the church includes the duties of accounts payable, payroll, tax reporting, and preparing all financial reports for the church and preschool.

Peggy Hines, Kids Hope Director:

Peggy Hines has been the Kids Hope USA Director since the autumn of 2006. She is married to David and they have one son, Christian. Peggy has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Indiana University and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Maryland Institute of Art in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to her responsibilities with the Kids Hope program, Peggy serves as a substitute teacher in the Vigo County School Corporation, as well as pursuing her passion for art in her downtown studio. Involved with Memorial's Kids Hope USA program since its inception, Peggy loves working with the children and Memorial's volunteers.

Kelli Miller, Youth

Pat Friday, Assistant Financial Secretary

Wayne "Mac" McCallister, Maintenance