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Beth is originally from St. Charles and feels called by God to counsel and minister to youth. She attended college in Springfield, MO and volunteered as a Youth Ministry leader at King’s Way UMC. For six months, Beth had the opportunity to provide interim leadership to their middle-school program during a season of transition. After receiving degrees in Religious Studies and Psychology, Beth and her husband, Kurt, traveled to Texas where she earned a Master’s in Counseling from Texas A&M – Commerce. While in Texas, Beth joined Como UMC and launched their Youth Ministry.

Upon returning to St. Louis in 2010, Beth agreed to serve as the interim Director of Youth Ministries at Manchester UMC. Later, Beth had the opportunity to serve as the Coordinator of Children’s Ministries at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church. In 2012, Beth and Kurt welcomed Ray (a 17-year-old in need of new place to live) into their lives. In 2013, Beth began providing professional therapy to adolescents and families recovering from self-injury and other related mental-health disorders.

In December of 2015, Beth and Kurt joyfully welcomed their daughter Melody and later celebrated her baptism at Manchester UMC. In Nov. 2017, Beth agreed to serve as the interim Director of Youth Ministries again at Manchester UMC. In May 2018, Beth was named the full-time Director.  In addition to her position at Manchester UMC, Beth also provides counseling therapy in private practice.

Other
Staff

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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Melanie Knipping

As the Director of Circle of Friends Preschool, I have a passion for helping children and families enjoy a great start to life-long learning! I have an Associate’s degree in Child Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Business. I have been involved in the early childhood education field as both

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129 Woods Mill Rd.
Manchester, MO 63011
Tel: 636-394-7506

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Manchester United Methodist Church

© 2025 Manchester UMC

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Service Times

Saturday 4p
Traditional-Casual in Chapel

Sunday 9a
Modern in Fellowship Hall

Sunday 11a
Traditional in Sanctuary

Above worship services offered in-person & online.

🎶One Service Only – This Sunday, May 4, at 10 a.m.!

Experience the joy of worship through music as all ages lead our Music Ministry Showcase. (No Saturday service this weekend)​