The Mission of the

First United Methodist Church of Monmouth

We are on a journey to know, grow and show the love of Jesus.

Our Vison

To make a home built on Christ’s love and understanding through:

  • Knowing by learning the teaching of Jesus
  • Growing by embracing God’s mission
  • Showing by serving as we journey together

Our Staff

Meet the people behind our church.

Pastor Shelly Forrest

Directing Pastor

Pastor Shelly Forrest has been an ordained pastor in the United Methodist Church since 1998. She studied French and Religion at Hamline University in St. Paul, MN and she has a Masters of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. She previously has served four other congregations throughout Southern and Central Illinois.


Pastor Shelly has two goals: to love God and love people. She also enjoys singing in the Sanctuary Choir and the Buchanan Chorus. She loves nature, fishing with her husband, and she is an advocate of Church Camping ministry because of its life-long impact on people’s lives.


She has successfully raised two children to adulthood and looks forward to seeing where their next steps will lead them.

LeAnn Murk

Secretary/Financial Secretary

LeAnn Murk has served as the church's secretary since July 2012. Hers is the friendly face that will greet you in the office if you come in between 8 and noon, Monday through Friday







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Melinda Todd

Treasurer

Melinda Todd has always lived in Monmouth.  She graduated from Monmouth High and Monmouth College. She has a double major in Accounting and Business.  Melinda works full time at Security Savings Bank in the Accounting Department, and has been with the bank for 18 years. She has gone to First UMC since she was born. She teaches the preschooler Sunday School class. She enjoy reading, being with family and friends, and swimming.

Joyce Clark

Senior Ministries Coordinator

Our church is intentional about including those who are homebound so that they feel connected to us. We do this by visits, weekly deliveries of sermons and bulletins, monthly deliveries of the church newsletter, and offering communion to those who wish to receive it. The weekly service and events are also available online for the ones who use technology.


Adam and Michelle Carlson

Youth Coordinators

Adam and Michelle have been the youth coordinators for several years. Through fun, fellowship and sharing Gods love, they hope they can be a positive influence to teens and pre-teens in the community. 


The Carlsons have four active children of their own: Drew, Tyler, Carter, and McKenna. As a family they enjoy sports, theatre, music, playing games, vacations, and simply being together.

Chris Moore

Education Director

Chris Moore is our Christian Education Coordinator.



Kaitlyn McCullough

Sanctuary and Bell Choir Director

Kaitlyn McCullough serves as the Sanctuary Choir Director as well as the Hand Bell Choir Director. She is a 2023 graduate of Monmouth College with a degree in Music Education. She currently teaches 6-12 grade choir in Orion, IL. When she is not leading rehearsal, she spends time with her friends and sings in the Galesburg Community Chorus. Music has always been a large part of her upbringing and desire to teach. Growing up in the church allowed her to witness the connections between faith and music and the ways music can enhance worship.

Joy Boostrom

Keyboardist

Joy attended Illinois State University, earning her bachelor's degree in music education. She later received her master's degree in music education from Western Illinois University. Joy taught instrumental music for 33 years in the Monmouth and Monmouth-Roseville school districts, retiring in 2017. Joy plays the keyboard and sings on the praise team and is the accompanist for the sanctuary choir. She has been happily married to Rusty for 37 years.


Elizabeth Walker

Organist

Liz has been our organist for several years.

Doug Ray

Custodian

Doug has been our custodian for several years.








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