Meet Our Staff
Rev. Terry Edele
Directing Pastor
I was born in St. Louis, in 1947. I graduated from Central Methodist College and Eden Seminary, and was appointed to Perry, Baylis and Fishhook United Methodist Churches.
My favorite bible verse is 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come."
My wifeTerry Ann and I have been married since June 20, 1970, and people loved to remember us as: Terry n Terry. Our son, Mike is 21, and we have an excitable Parson Jack Russell terrier named Maggie. Though I heard a call to ministry from God when I was 10 or 11, I ignored it until I was about 22, when I was still in the US Army. In 1975 I was ordained as a United Methodist minister. The churches or charges (group of churches) I served include the Perry, Baylis, Fishhook charge, the Manchester and Murrayville charge, Vermont Street and Chaddock School in Quincy, Catlin UMC, Douglas Ave UMC in Springfield and now First UMC in Pekin.
I'm an avid Cardinals fan who actually doesn't hate the Cubs (though I wonder sometimes about the rabid nature of some Cub fans!).
My first jobs were mowing lawns and selling morning papers on a street corner. My freshman year in college I sold Bible Libraries in Kinston, N.C. But my favorite job was working at my Pop's hardware store both in high school and college until I got drafted into the US Army in August, 1970, two months after I got married.
I love the Lord, my family and I love people. I know God put me in just the right place with just the right job and all the skills I need (none) to trust Him to help me do my ministry the very best I can.
I love to laugh and tell jokes and I love to be teased and have practical jokes played on me (as long as I don't have to get wet, painted or muddy).
Rev. Judy Doyle
Associate Pastor
I am originally from Indiana and still root for IndianaUniversity. I did not grow up in the Methodist/United Methodist Church, but I do have a Wesleyan background. I attended The Salvation Army as my home church and served five and one-half years as a Salvation Army officer/pastor.
In 1978 I resigned from the Salvation Army to marry my husband, Ron, who is a farmer. During the 1980s I discovered I could return to ministry through The United Methodist Church. Following the process, I became a licensed pastor and completed the North Central Jurisdictional Course of Studies in 1996. I was ordained a deacon in 1999.
Ron and I have one son, Tim. He is married to Amanda and they have a dog, Charlie. One of Judy’s hobbies is writing.
Pam Rahn
Education Director
I was born and raised in Pekin, and have faithfully attended First Church all my life, except for a five year period of living up north. I am currently working on a bachelor’s in Biblical studies, and am blessed to share a little of what I have gained with the people of this church. I have a passion for studying the Bible, and love children!
My favorite scripture (which changes all the time!) is Job 19:25,
“I know that my redeemer lives and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.”
My favorite book of the Bible is John.
My favorite thing to study is typology. . .the foreshadowing of Christ in the Old Testament.
My favorite Bible study tool: blueletterbible.org
Judy Cooksey
Youth Director
I have the privilege of serving as the Youth Director at First Church. Being the youngest of six children, I was the one who always just wanted to have fun. I was reminded on more than one occasion, “You can’t just have fun all the time, you have to work too.“. When telling my Dad that I joined the church staff, he said “leave it to you to find a job that’s fun, and let’s you do what you do best and honor God too“.
Outside of FirstChurch, I am blessed to be a wife to David and a mom to Stephen and Derek. It's great to be part of First's ministry team and see God at work in the lives of teens! God has put His unmistakable hand in my life to show and lead me towards being His servant.
My favorite verses:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.
My favorite quotes:
"God doesn't call the equipped... He equips the Called!”
“That's telling me it's time to take the leap of faith, so here I go I'm diving in I'm going deep in over my head I want to be caught in the rush lost in the flow in over my head I want to go the river's deep the river's wide the river's water is alive so sink or swim I'm diving in.” Steven Curtis Chapman
“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” Mother Theresa.
My favorite links:
Ben Funk
Praise Band and Handbell Choir Director
I am a life-long, third-generation member of FUMC who grew up in Green Valley but now lives in Pekin with my wife Kristina and our daughter Allyson. I attended ICC and Bradley where I studied Information Services and Music Education.
Outside of the church, I work for the Student Data Management division of Tyler Technologies at the helpdesk in Tremont. At home, I enjoy writing/arranging/playing music, and am a semi-accomplished Kitchen Alchemist (cook) who rarely burns dinner.
My favorite scripture is the story of Jonah, for two reasons. Jonah was called to go out of his "comfort zone" for God, just as we are all called to do things that we normally would not do. Secondly, just as we are all granted a second chance, Jonah was given his second chance, and he did as God asked.
Dick Gay
Business Manager
I am originally from the Pekin area having graduated from Pekin High, Class of 1955. I retired from Caterpillar in 1997 after 41 years of service in the Latin American Division. From 1997 to 2001 I returned to Caterpillar as a contract employee and/or a rehired retiree where I was a consultant for a distribution facility in Newberry, S.C. In 2004 I was offered and accepted the position of Business Manager.
I am now in my 6th year serving God and FUMC. I became a member of FUMC, after transferring from another local church, during the late 60s. During the early 70s I served as a Youth Leader and also as Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 181 which was and still is sponsored by the FUMC Men’s Club. My wife, Patricia, and I were married in 1960 and have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. We are both active in Berea Small Groups, Prayer Groups and the Mixed Nuts Sunday School Class. I am one of the facilitators for the Crown Financial Biblical Financial Study that is offered through the church. Hobbies include watching Cub's baseball and yes I am a die-hard Cub fan. I also enjoy woodworking, and collecting eagles. My favorite bible verse is Isaiah 40:31 which reminds me to put my trust in the Lord and he will give me renewed strength as that of an eagle soaring upward on wings.
Marcia Richardson
Music Director
Hello, and welcome to our church website. I am the Music Director here at First. My husband George and I have been members since we moved to Pekin in 1994. We joined this congregation because we felt welcomed and immediately accepted as fellow children of God.
We have raised our two daughters, Molly and Hannah, here and know they received a good foundation for their faith with all that is offered at our church--Sunday School, Youth group, and choirs.
I came to this position of music director by listening to a small but persistent voice leading me, and I marvel at how much I enjoy serving this church as both organist and Sanctuary Choir leader as well as director of Joyful Noise and God's Kids. I receive so much more spiritually than I can ever say. I am blessed to be able to serve my God and this congregation.
In my spare time, I sew, do crafts (scrapbooking and decoupage mostly), read, and nag my children. The most recent blessing in George's and my life is our granddaughter, Rebecca. We love being Popi and Mimi and wonder how we got so lucky to have her in our lives. What a miracle it is to see the endless chain of God's love being created, and what a miracle it is to be a link in that chain!
I have many loved scriptures, but let me finish with this: Colossians 3:16-17--" Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Kathy Simpson
Administrative Secretary
I have been a member of First church for 25 years and served as youth director for 11 years before retiring to full-time office work. I have served on various church committees over the years and currently serve on Outreach, and secretary to Finance and the Administrative Board.
I grew up in the Methodist church in Fairfield, Iowa, and my grandmother was a strong spiritual influence in my life. I am the mother of three adult daughters and now enjoy my free time with two grandchildren.
I am grateful for a loving church home where I can use my God given talents for His glory. I continue to be amazed by the opportunities God gives me to learn and grow and serve Him.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8: 28.
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