Staff
Bennie Warner - Senior Pastor
Dr. Warner was born in a remote village in Liberia where no residents could read. Bennie Warner wanted to learn to read and write at 15. When he heard that a mission school was being built in Gbarga City, he asked his father if he could attend school. He took his bundle of clothes and began his journey of 200 miles.
Not having money for tuition, he was given jobs as janitor and mowing lawns at the Methodist Mission School. He received his first Bible during the first Christmas. That gift grew to shape and influence his life.
He is a graduate of Cuttington University College in Liberia, Syracuse University, and Boston University School of Theology, which honored him with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1985.
Dr. Warner was serving as the bishop of the Liberia Central Conference, when he was elected vice president of the Republic of Liberia. He was in the United States at General Conference when he learned that a revolution had occurred back home in Liberia. Fearing retaliation for his role in the government, he was warned by friends not to return.
Bishop Warner established residence in Oklahoma City, where he taught at OCU and pastured Quayle United Methodist Church. He then served in Syracuse, N. Y. before being appointed District Superintendent of the Camden District of the United Methodist Church in Arkansas. After retiring from thisposition, he returned to the congregation that first welcomed him and his family to the United States: Quayle United Methodist in Oklahoma City. Retiring yet again, he continues to assist the Oklahoma conference with churches in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.
He and his wife, Anna have four grown children.
Greg Ray - Asst. Pastor & Christian Education Director
E-mail GregGreg currently serves as the Assistant Pastor and Christian Education Director. He and his family have been members at the Church since 2001. Greg was born in Dallas, Texas and spent 20 years in the United States Air Force as a pilot before beginning a second career in the ministry. He currently works part time as a P.E. Teacher and Jr. High Football Coach in the Blanchard Public School system.
He and his wife Linda have three children: Zachary, Alexandra and Jacqueline.
Jeff Clay - Youth Director
Jeff has been serving as Youth Pastor here at FUMC of Blanchard since January of 2006. Jeff came to us with 7 years experience in youth ministry. He loves working with young people and his passion is to create an environment that will allow young people to find their place to get connected to all that God has to offer. He has an engaging and relevant teaching style that helps to accomplish this passion. His greatest goal is to "cast a net" large enough that no youth should perish in our community.
Jeff was born and raised in Oklahoma City. He has been married to his wife Shelly for 16 years. Shelly is a registerd nurse and currently works in the NICU part time and has taught nursing clinicals for a local community college for 10 year and has recently accepted a position as Clinical Nurse Specialist of the Maternal Child Unit at NRH. Jeff and Shelly have two children: Lauren is in the 7th grade and loves music, playing the piano & clarinet, and is currently on the 7th grade academic team and basketball team. Carson is in the 3rd grade and loves football, baseball, basketball, and music.
The Clay's enjoy being active in the Blanchard Community.
Marci Corey started as the choir/chimes director at FUMC in July of 2008. Marci has a degree in music education and was an elementary music teacher for Norman Public Schools for 8 years. Marci has been involved in church music since she was old enough to talk and has an extensive background in choral and instrumental church music.
Marci participated as a chorister and bell director for a Methodist church in Norman for 17 years before coming to Blanchard FUMC. She served as the bell director for choirs ranging from middle school to adult. She also assisted with the children, youth and adult vocal choirs in various capacities.
Marci has been married to Lance for 10 years. Lance is a manager for Dish Network. Marci has a daughter, Megan, who is 9 years old and a step-son, Christian, who is 13. The whole family has enjoyed the opportunities provided to serve the church in a variety of capacities. They are looking forward to many productive years at Blanchard First United Methodist Church.
Marci extends an invitation to all to join in the music ministry at Blanchard FUMC. Chancel choir meets on Wednesday evenings from 7 – 8 pm. No experience is needed to participate and all are welcome!
Pauline Adamson - Organist
Pauline Adamson has been the organist for FUMC for over 50 years. Her committment and dedication is beyond appreciation.
Working hours are: 9 am to 3 pm Monday through Thursday, and 9 am to noon on Friday.
Billie Methvin - Custodian
Billie has been at the church since 2002. She is the church custodian and cook for the Mother's Day Out (MDO) program. She is originally from Alpaugh, CA. She is married to Frank Methvin and has three grown children and six grandchildren. She loves the Lord and serving Him.
Terresa Harrington & Dylan Nagode - Nursery
