Leadership
Our Elected LeadershipGérard Nsabimana
Pastor
Pastor Gérard is an ordained Elder in the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church. Prior to moving to Shawnee Wesley United Methodist Church, he served for seven years at Stroud First United Methodist Church. He also served as the director of the Wesley Foundation at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.
Gérard completed his seminary education at Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina in May 2011.
Prior to his seminary education, Gérard completed graduate studies at Oklahoma State University where he earned a Master of Sciences degree in Agricultural Economics in May 2005.
Gérard is also a graduate of Africa University – a United Methodist related institution of higher education located in Zimbabwe. It is at Africa University where Gérard earned a bachelor’s degree of Science in Agriculture and Natural Resources in May 2002.
Gérard is a native of the small east African Country of Burundi. He is married to Alina, a native of Romania in Europe. Gérard and Alina have three girls Alexia, Nadine and Théa.
Gérard enjoys and treasures meeting new people and hearing every person’s sacred story.
Chris Nichols
Administrative Assistant
Chris has lived in Shawnee, Oklahoma since 1997, when his father joined the faculty of Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) as a professor of mathematics. Chris graduated from OBU in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, with a focus on design and editing.
Prior to moving to Oklahoma, Chris grew up in Huntsville, Alabama, home of Redstone Arsenal, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, and Space Camp.
In Huntsville, Chris grew up as a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, which has made joining the Wesley United Methodist family feel a lot like coming home.
After graduating from OBU, Chris ran a freelance proofreading and copy-editing service for several years. Prior to joining the staff of Wesley United Methodist Church, Chris spent six years as a court clerk for various municipal courts in Pottawatomie County.
Chris has always been something of a “nerd,” as one might say. He enjoys meeting up with friends every week to play tabletop board, card, and role-playing games, of which he has an extensive collection. Other interests include movies, video games, comics, anime and manga, and books of all types. Chris’ book collection includes works by Sir Terry Pratchett, genre and pulp stories from the 1890s to today, the previously mentioned extensive trove of role-playing game (RPG) publications, and a growing set of Hercule Poirot mysteries. His dog, Annie, is his dearest friend and constant companion.
Scott Young
Youth Director
I’m a lifelong Boston sports fan—go Red Sox and Bruins! When I’m not cheering on my teams or crafting my latest batch of homemade hot sauce, I’m passionate about being a sower of seeds for God. Since becoming a Christian at age 26, I’ve been continually amazed at what God has done through me. It’s a joy to plant seeds of faith and watch what He allows to grow in His perfect timing. I’ve been married for over 20 wonderful years and am blessed with three amazing kids. Whether teaching, serving or simply encouraging others, I’m grateful for every opportunity to be part of His work.
Lisa Hood
Youth Director
Lisa grew up in Mustang and graduated from SWOSU with a degree in Business and Speech. She has been a member of WUMC for over 20 years. She has 3 children, Lauren, Lacey and Landon. She has been working with youth for over 10 years. Lisa works at Francis Tuttle Technology Center doing software training, as she has done for over 30 yrs.
She is an extrovert who enjoys meeting new people. In the summer, you can find her water walking, going to plays, clean comedians and trying new recipes. She also enjoys movie/dinners with friends, games nights, or reading a good book. Lisa can be a little bit of a crazy cat lady, according to the youth.
Favorite Color: Teal
Favorite Food: Mexican
Favorite Dessert: Carrot cake and Pecan Pie Muffins
Favorite TV Show: Seinfeld
Favorite Movie: All the Kendrick brothers Faith-based movies
Favorite Quote:
All you need is Love, but a little Chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt. – Charles M. Schultz
Favorite Scripture:
James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Cecila Young
Children’s Coordinator
Hello all! I am Cecilia Young (please, call me Ceci), and I am so thankful to be
welcomed into this church family! I am so excited to be serving alongside a church that
has a passion for outreach and is full of willing hearts that are ready to serve.
I have grown up in this area for most of my life. I graduated from Macomb High School
and currently live in the Dale/Bethel area.
I graduated from MidAmerica Christian University with a BS degree in Christian Ministry
in 2016 and I am so excited to be getting back to the work the Lord has set before me. I
have a heart for serving children and families and have done that in many different
settings over the years. I am currently a third-grade teacher for Shawnee Public Schools
and spent the prior two years as a part-time Children’s Library Associate at the
Shawnee Public Library.
I have been with my husband, Scott, for about twenty years and we have three children,
Isaiah, Noah, and Myrah.
A few fun facts about me:
I love musical theater, and I love to sing (though I am not great) and sometimes I can be
found making mundane things into song for fun.
Road trips are my favorite way to travel, and one of my favorite places is Northern
Michigan.
I also love purple, and turtles are my favorite animal.
My life verse is a testament to the life I want to live: “Do your best to present yourself to
God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly
explaining the Word of Truth” (2 Tim 2:15).
Please know that my door and heart are always open, so please come and chat (coffee
will be accepted but is not required).
Janet Henry
Nursery Director
Janet began working in PDO in September of 1995 and became the director in August of 2004. She recalls, “I wanted to be around small children again – mine were all in school.” And to this day here favorite part of the job is simply, the children.
Janet has been married to husband Rick for 31 years. They have four children and eight grandchildren. They enjoy family time and mini vacations together.
Janet loves her work at the church and says, “I’m just very thankful to be a part of this church family.”