Ron Headshot

A lifelong United Methodist, Pastor Ron Beaton was baptized and confirmed at First United Methodist Church in Kennett – deep in the Missouri Bootheel. He graduated from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky and was active in the Murray State Wesley Foundation, the United Methodist Campus Ministry. It was there that he met his now wife, Kasey. 

Pastor Ron and Kasey both attended Duke Divinity School and earned their Master of Divinity Degrees. Ron was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church in 2014, and has served United Methodist congregations in Montrose, Appleton City, Rockville, Dexter, and Farmington, Missouri.  He also serves on the Board of Ordained Ministry and is the chair for the Order of Elders. 

Pastor Ron has a heart for leading congregations to love God and love neighbor in ways that are imaginative and joyful. He’s passionate about connecting the liturgy of worship with the liturgy of our daily lives.  He has a heart for those on the margins of life, and is eager to join with Manchester UMC in seeking ways to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.” (Micah 6:8)

Pastor Ron and Kasey have two lively children. Isaac loves soccer, playing the piano, and reading Harry Potter. Hannah loves riding horses and doing gymnastics. Pastor Ron enjoys theater, music, traveling, playing golf, eating good food, and cheering on the Duke Blue Devils, St Louis City, and the St. Louis Cardinals! 

Other
Staff

Will Koehl

Will Koehl, Director of Communications and Marketing at Manchester UMC, leads the Communications team and oversees the church’s communication strategy, public relations, and marketing efforts. Will earned his Master’s Degree in Marketing from Webster University and holds an undergraduate degree from Cal State Northridge. Alongside his wife Kristi and their

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Kurtis Heinrich

I was named the Director, Cantate Youth Choir in August 2019 after having attended Manchester UMC, and singing in Chancel Choir, for about four years. Outside of Manchester, I teach 6-8 grade choir at Pattonville Heights Middle School in the Pattonville School District. I have be teaching middle and high

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Julie Weitzel

Julie Weitzel is the SonShine Singers Director at Manchester UMC. Julie was a member of Manchester UMC’s Children’s Choirs when she was in elementary school and is currently a Spanish Teacher and choreographer at Eureka High School. Julie enjoys musical theater, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. She

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