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

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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Andy Blacksher Headshot

Rev. Dr. Andy Blacksher

Rev. Dr. Andy Blacksher is the Executive Pastor at Manchester UMC. He and his wife, Kristen, met in college at Missouri State University. They have two children, Zachary & Nathan, who are both excited to be a part of a church community that offers so many opportunities for their family

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John Cargile

I joined the MUMC staff as Organist/Music Associate in November of 2007. At MUMC I assist the Director of Music in many aspects of the music program; serve as Principal Organist and oversee our two associate organists; accompany both the Chancel and Coventry Choirs; and direct the Youth Choir CANTATE. I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to play

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