Debbie Irving is thrilled to co-lead Adult Faith Formation at MUMC alongside Becky Strickland. She is a passionate advocate for Spiritual growth and has a Master of Divinity Degree from Eden Theological Seminary. Debbie has dedicated more than 16 years of her life to faith formation and program ministries at United Methodist churches. Seven of those years she spent serving previously here at Manchester UMC. Her expertise in this field has equipped her with the knowledge and skills to guide individuals of all ages on their spiritual journeys.

After her faith formation work, Debbie pursued further education and earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Missouri, St. Louis. This new chapter in her career involved designing and leading public science education programs that allowed her to combine her love for science with her passion for education.

Debbie and her husband Mark share their lives with two adult daughters and a grandson, whom they cherish and spend quality time with daily. Her other interests include exploring new cultures through reading, traveling, enjoying museums, and finding joy in tending to her vegetable garden on warm spring days. 

Other
Staff

Emily Pikaard

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

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Austin Shariff

Austin Shariff is Manchester UMC’s new Director of Modern Worship Arts! Austin served as both the Modern Worship Leader and Youth Ministry Director at Dardenne Prairie Presbyterian Church, as well as a member of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s IN UNISON Chorus.

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