I am delighted to serve at Manchester United Methodist Church as the Associate Pastor of Faith Formation. I graduated with my Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. A life-long United Methodist, I am an ordained deacon in the UMC, with sacramental authority.

With almost two decades as a Christian Educator, I have served at University United Methodist Church, United Church of Roger Park in Chicago, the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women, and as the Pastor of Young Adult Ministry here at Manchester UMC. I am also the co-founder of Shared Streets STL.

A native of St. Louis, I am passionate about Christian education. I love postmodern theology and biblical studies. While at Garrett-Evangelical, I was awarded the honors for excellence in field ministry and for the advancement of women in ministry and the academy. I was also officially recognized by my colleagues for my gifts in preaching and worship arts. Here at Manchester UMC I spend a lot of my time writing curriculum for our congregation.

I love underground music, especially punk rock and hip-hop. I have also spent over half of my life in the service industry, and consider it a call to serve people good food, drinks, and hospitality. I am married to my partner and best friend, Andy Hamilton. We have two children Iva and Milo.

Other
Staff

Rev. Andy Blacksher

Rev. Andy Blacksher is the Executive Pastor of Operations 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

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Beth Boemler

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

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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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