A life-long Missourian, Emily grew up in a small town in the middle of the state, where music and faith were fundamental to her development. As a daughter of an organist, she spent many hours at church and has participated in music ministry for most of her life. Emily sang her first church solo, “Away in a Manger” at age three and began playing the piano as soon as she could sit on the bench.  Her theatre debut was “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” when she was in first grade.

Emily continued her love for the performing arts while studying music education at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She has since been a choir director at Parkway North High School, Webster University, and the St. Louis Children’s Choirs. She has directed musical theater productions and camps at organizations in Columbia and St. Louis. Throughout her career, Emily has had the opportunity to serve several Methodist churches as music director and pianist.

Emily has professional experience working with all ages, from birth through adulthood. She believes in the uniting force of the performing arts and it is her goal to share her love of music and faith with everyone she serves. Emily lives in the Creve Coeur area with her husband, three daughters, and their cat, Bella.

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Staff

Janis Thompson

I was directed to Manchester UMC in September 2019 and became a member shortly thereafter.  I soon joined the Welcome Team, packed bags for Food 4 Kids, joined MO-Hab in support of Habitat for Humanity, enrolled in classes and Making Disciples bible study, and Disciple Bible Study classes.  I am

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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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Rev. Ron Beaton

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.

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