Our Awesome Team!

Get to know our GMUMC  staff


Mark Thurman

Pastor

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Upon graduation from the Perkins School of Theology with a Master of Divinity, followed by ordination in the United Methodist Church in 1989, I served in the North Texas Conference before transferring in 2006 to the Yellowstone Conference (eventually merging with Rocky Mountain to become the Mountain Sky Conference).

My wife, Judy, is a Classical Chinese Medicine Qigong Practitioner, and a Licensed & Certified Sound Therapy Practitioner. We have two grown children, Madison and Joshua, as well as two small, spoiled dogs, Marbles and Boo.

I was a teenager when my family moved from Houston, Texas to Aspen, Colorado, where I graduated high school. During this time, I developed a love for the outdoor activities associated with the Rocky Mountains. I have also been a professional musician for most of my life- vocals, with accompanying piano and guitar. I enjoy virtually everything from Beethoven to the Beatles to Black Flag. And, I practice Sahaja Yoga meditation twice daily.

I continue to ponder a wood carving a member of a past congregation made for me which reads, “Faith (trust) believes the incredible, sees the invisible, and receives the impossible.” And, one of my scriptural favorites is from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, chapter four: “Rejoice in the Lord, always. Again, I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers (and sisters), whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy- meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Kim Myers

Office Manager & Children's Director

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Kim and her family joined the church in 1981 when she was 12 years old.  She got her teaching degree in 1992 from Metropolitan State University in Denver.  She has taught preschool through high school.  She was senior and junior high youth leader and has been a Sunday School teacher as well.  She has served on the Outreach Committee and Staff Parish Committee.  When she is not working, she enjoys raising chickens, playing with her dogs and other pets, gardening and spending time with her mom, Anna and her son, Josiah.

Alex Neve

Youth Director

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Alex Neve has been the GMUMC Youth Director for over 3 years.  Alex earned her Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Mind, Brain, and Behavior and a minor in Women’s Studies.  She has worked with at risk youth in a multitude of settings and she has been a member of GMUMC for the last 30 years.  Alex loves being outdoors, playing new games, and spending time with her two sugar gliders.

Melissa Sussman

Music Coordinator and Organist

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Melissa has been the Music Coordinator, Organist and Pianist for Green Mountain choir for close to 20 years.  Melissa has enjoyed coordinating music programs ranging from weekly services to large holiday events and weddings since her training began in Louisiana.  Her passion and devotional mission is to provide an uplifting, spiritual music environment for the church community as a way to draw closer to God.

Janet Starkey

Bell Choir Director

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Janet is the director of our two adult bell choirs, as well as the youth bell choir.  She received her Music Education degree from West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania.  She enjoys both ringing bells and directing choirs immensely, and cannot imagine a life without music, and in particular, handbells.

 

 

 

 

Dr. Charles Turley

Chancel Choir Director

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Charles is a classically trained singer with twenty-five years of experience teaching students from the young beginner to the advanced performer.  He received his Doctor of Musical Arts-Vocal Performance from the University of North Texas  and his Master of Music Vocal - Performance from the University of Tennessee & Bachelor of Music degree from Jacksonville University.  Charles has performed in many operas and taught at a variety of universities throughout the country.

Cherie Werkhoven

Nursery Director

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Cherie has been the Nursery Director since 2013 and a Second Generation GMUMC member who has been involved with youth and children for many years. She has a Bachelors Degree in Healthcare Administration and is the Office Manager for a very active healthcare practice in the Denver area. In her spare time, she enjoys skiing, swimming, spending time outdoors and playing with kids.

James O'Toole

Custodian

James has been custodian, groundskeeper and all-around handyman at GMUMC for 10 years.  In his spare time, he enjoys working on cars, remote control drones and electronics.

Our Volunteer Leadership Team

Lay Leader:  MaryJane Eddy-Scott

Church Council Chairperson:  Alyssa Olson

Outreach/Missions:  Mary Bloomstran

Worship: 

Finance:   Marcia Johnston-Walden & Chuck Thorman

Trustees:  Doug Wylie

Stewardship:  Rich Arnold

Staff Parish Relations:  Gerry Griebel & Mary Bloomstran

Ministers:  Everyone