Sterling First United Methodist Church

Marvin Ewertt - Pastor

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I became a pastor in the United Methodist Church at 37 years of age, in July of 1998.  That Fall I also became a freshman at Southwestern College in Winfield, KS.  I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Religion and Philosophy in May of 2002, and began attending Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, OK that Fall.  I received my Master of Divinity Degree in May of 2006.  I served churches in south central Kansas while attending school, and am now very happy to call Sterling home, with my wife Sherri, who is my best friend, my partner in ministry, and my partner in raising four great kids, who are now adults and living on their own.

I am passionate about making God’s Word and the teaching and example of Jesus Christ relevant in our everyday lives, so that God’s kingdom becomes more and more a reality in our world.  It is my desire and my goal to equip and lead this congregation to be immersed in ministry to that end.    

Contact me:  pastormarvin@sterlingumc.net  |  620-278-2615 (office)

Pam Powell - Administrative Assistant and Music Director

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I enjoy being connected to our church family as Administrative Assistant.  Feel free to contact the office for assistance Monday thru Thursday 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. or 8:00 to noon on Friday.  Seeking, Serving, and Sharing Christ is my goal.

My second passion is our music for the church.  We have a vibrant Bell Choir, who are very dedicated to practices and performing once a month for services.  The Chancel Choir continues to grow as we learn to sing together and enjoy each other's fellowship.  Please feel free to join us.

Jeff Darnauer - Youth Pastor and Praise Team Leader

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I grew up in northwest Kansas, went to college in suburban Chicago, and recently moved to Sterling from Kansas City, where I attended seminary and served as youth pastor in the Church of the Nazarene.  I have spent the last 9 years ministering among youth in summer camps and the local church. 

I am ordained in the Church of the Nazarene and hold a B.A. in Christian Education and Bible/Theology from Wheaton College (IL) and an M.Div. from Nazarene Theological Seminary. 

My passion is to reach and disciple the next generations by helping the church become a community of authentic and Christ-like God-chasers who have a passion for God’s mission in the world. 

I met my beautiful wife Kristi on a mission trip to Juarez, Mexico.  We have two awesome boys: Jace and Caleb.  I enjoy spending time with friends, staying active outside, and being a connoisseur of good coffee. 

Spencer Wagley - Director of Christian Education and Technology Director

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I was born and raised in East Texas. Besides my position at the church, I also teach at Sterling College.  Prior to moving to Sterling, I taught English, Theatre, and Speech at the secondary level for eight years and served on several church staffs. I hold a B.S.E. in theatre/speech education from East Texas Baptist University and an M.Div.from Hardin-Simmons University. I am currently completing my Ph.D. in Education from Capella University. 

I am excited about joining the church staff. My wife, Rebekah, and I have been married seventeen years.  We have a 12 year old daughter, Madeline.  

Stacy Clark - Pre-School Director

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I am a native Kansan and graduated from Baker University with a degree in Elementary Education.  I taught Kindergarten and, then, became a Children’s Ministry Director.  I love music and have been involved in music and theatre in many venues: church, musical revues, community, and professional theatre.

Besides being blessed to play & learn with 4-year-olds at the preschool, I also work as a part-time floral designer.  I feel God’s presence so strongly in nature and love being around gardens, herbs, and flowers!

My husband, Mark, and I have three children: Megan, Erin, and Ryan.  We are also blessed with 2 sons-in-law, Andy and Luke . . . and a wonderful grandson, Caleb! 

Linda Stuart - Nursery Coordinator

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I was born at Fort Riley, KS and my family was one of the first in occupied Europe after World War II. My main ambition in life was to be a good wife and mother. My second ambition was to be administrative assistant, and I proudly served four Secretaries of State for the state of Arizona.

Bill and I just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. We have an extended family of six children and seven grandchildren.

We moved to Sterling three years ago to be near Bill's family, who has been residents of Sterling for many years.  I am proud to say that I am a Sterling resident and a member of Sterling United Methodist Church. I truly believe this was a God-led move and that we are to grow where we are planted.  

I truly enjoy being Miss Linda to the nursery children. We have such fun learning about God, playing, and developing our God-given skills.  I love to watch them grow both physically and spiritually.  Teaching requires that you also be open to learning.  I appreciate the tips I receive on how to more effectively teach God's children.

My hobbies are quilting, gardening, and writing poems. My ambition is to learn to play the piano and paint.

I am Boundary Awareness Certified by the Kansas West Annual conference.

Sasha Hildebrand - Pianist

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I enjoy anything creative...especially when it's in a theatrical form!  I live for acting, singing, dancing, directing, making costumes, and especially for Jesus! My goal is to bring opportunity for creativity in everything I do! Movies..I loves them! Books..I couldn't live without them..and Europe..I've been there and am determined to venture back.

Education: BA in Theatre Arts and Communication-Sterling College, Post-Graduate Diploma in Acting-Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts, Masters in Acting-Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts.

Ben Newby - Organist

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I am a Sterling native and started my musical training here while learning the piano in the third grade. After attending Sterling College for one year I went on to receive a B.S. in Fine Arts & Music and a B.A. in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University. 

Christian music is my greatest passion and it has been my opportunity to serve in many denominations as Director/Music Minister, choir director, bell choir director, or pianist/organist wherever I have lived.  There are many paths to God, but one of the most glorious is to be blessed with the gift of music and the opportunity to utilize that gift to help bring souls unto Christ.  To this end I am fully committed and glad to be here at Sterling UMC.

Vickie Colston - Custodian

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I have lived in Sterling for 26 years and have raised my four children here.  My oldest son is in Ohio.  Next is my step-daughter in Chanute, who has three of my grandchildren – two boys and a girl.  Then I have a daughter in Ellis, who is attending Fort Hayes State University with my other granddaughter.  Finally, my youngest son is attending college in Pratt.  

I have been part of the Methodist Church for over 18 years, where I have taught Sunday School, worked with the youth, and run the soundboard.  I also have been involved in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, kids activities in school, and I am still involved with the Girl Scouts.

I enjoy cooking when I can, reading, outdoors, and spending time with my family.