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

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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Andy Langdon

Andy Langdon serves as Director of Youth Ministries at Manchester United Methodist Church. With over 20 years of experience in youth and family ministry, Andy brings a relational, creative approach rooted in a deep commitment to walking alongside young people as they grow in faith. He holds a master’s degree

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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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