Leadership

 

Rev. Josh Blanchard, pastor

Pastor Josh was appointed to Onaway and Millersburg Charge in July of 2011 by Bishop Jonathan Keaton. He grew up in the Detroit Metro area in Northville. Pastor Josh grew up attending the Assemblies of God church and when he graduated from High School attended Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Dallas, TX where he recived a B.S in Church Ministries and in Counseling. There he met his wife Amanda of 9 years. Together they have three children, Gabriel, Hayden and Rowan.

Pastor Josh has been in ministry for almost ten years, serving as a pastor in the Assemblies of God for 6 years and having been under appointment in the United Methodist Church for three years. Pastor Josh and his family moved to Onaway from Oklahoma where he served one year as the Associate Pastor at Sallisaw First United Methodist Church in Sallisaw, OK and then for two years as the pastor of the Beggs and Schulter Charge in Beggs, OK. Pastor Josh attended Seminary at St. Paul School of Theology were we pursued the Master of Divinity Degree. His Wife Amanda is a wife, mother and homemaker to Josh and her three Boys. They all love living "up north" an would love to see people come to the saving grace of Jesus Christ while serving in ministry here.

Linda Pitts, Administrative Assistant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Linda's considerable clerical and organizational skills and her pleasing disposition are an asset to the church office.   Linda is      quite active in the life of the church including the United Methodist Women, Adult Choir, the Pot Luck Group, and Church Women United.   She also uses her training as a Master Gardener to care for the church's flower beds.    Linda is a member of the Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries (PAUMCS).   In her spare time, she enjoys crafts, decorating, traveling and spending time with her family, friends and her cat, Freckles.

Linda received  Bachelor and Masters degrees in Business Education from Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI and taught in the Onaway Area Schools for twenty-five years before retiring in January 2000.

When asked what she likes about the church, Linda replied, "I could not imagine my life without my church family who leads me, guides me, loves me, and is always there for me."    Linda can be contacted on most weekday mornings from 9:00 A.M. to Noon.

 

Judy Bancroft, Organist

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Judy has been the church organist for seventeen years.  She attended Taylor University, Upland, IN, and Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI before receiving an Associates Degree from Northern Michigan College in Petoskey.  Her gift of music was evident early in life when her music education began at age 7.   Judy offers private music lessons, and formed a Community Children's Choir in 2005.  The children present Christmas and Spring recitals.

Judy loves the outdoors, enjoys artistic pursuits, and spending time with family and friends.   Judy also operated a Florist Shop and still does some floral arrangements.

When asked what she likes about the church, Judy said, "I was born in Onaway and attended the church and Sunday School as a child.  I was baptized and became a member as a teenager.   Although the church has changed over the years, the spirit of love and friendship remains and I cherish the 'family in God' this creates."

Peg Herring, Music Ministries Coordinator

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peg Herring graduated from the University of Michigan with teaching certification.  Before retiring in 2006, Peg taught high school English, history, speech, and drama at the Onaway High School for thirty years.  

Peg's gift is communicating her love of music and learning with others, encouraging them to develop and enjoy their talents.  In addition to directing the church choir, she also directs Onaway's annual Christmas Concert, which is composed of people from all over the area.

Peg has written and published several plays, short stories, articles and a novel.   She also loves to travel, garden, and read.

When asked what she enjoys about the Onaway United Methodist Church, Peg said, "The congregation is warm, caring, and friendly, and the choir is the best of the best."

 

 Tina Robbins, Children's Ministries Coordinator

Tina brings her love of working with children to our Christian Education program as Sunday School Superintendent and Director of the Vacation Bible School. 

Tina received a master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI and is employed by the Onaway Area Schools as a Kindergarten teacher.

In her spare time Tina enjoys spending time with her family, particularly when camping, swimming, and riding four wheelers.  She also enjoys caring for her flower garden and decorating her home for the holidays.

When asked what she enjoys about the church, Tina said, "Since I was a child the Onaway United Methodist Church as been my church family, and I can think of no warmer place for my children to learn about God."