I joined the staff of Manchester United Methodist Church in 1995, after serving churches in Texas and Iowa.  As Director of Music and Worship Arts, I have the great privilege to lead this vital ministry, which includes nearly 500 children, youth and adults in all facets of Fine Arts:  music, drama, dance and scenic arts.  Within this ministry, I conduct the Chancel Choir, Coventry Choir and Manchester Brass!  Worship Planning and managing the Joy of Music Concert series are part of my primary responsibilities.

In January of 2011, I was named Director of the St. Louis Symphony’s IN UNISON® Chorus and the Holiday Festival Chorus!  Over the past 20 years, I’ve conducted honor, festival and touring choirs (choral and handbell) in the United States and Canada.  A few of my previous appointments also include Adjunct Professor in Choral Music at Webster University, Assistant Conductor of the St. Louis Symphony Chorus, and Music Director of the St. Louis Metro Singers.  Additional highlights include performances at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Kennedy Center, 10 commissions and 2 European tours.

Other
Staff

James Mettrick

Production Manager James Mettrick brings over four years of church production experience from Calvary Church in St. Peters, Missouri. With more than 20 years of experience as a drummer and percussionist, he is an active musician in the St. Louis area. James is a graduate of Greenville College (now Greenville

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Scott Hammon

Scott Hammon is the Facilities Maintenance Supervisor at Manchester UMC.  Scott started working at MUMC and learning our buildings on Tuesday, January 16, 2024. Scott first started learning to repair and maintain church facilities when he was 10 years old and was the grandson of the preacher.

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Becky Strickland

As the daughter of a United Methodist minister, Becky Strickland grew up in Missouri and lived all around the St. Louis and surrounding areas. Music and books have been foundations of her life. Becky received a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from Central Methodist University, as well as a Masters

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