Born in Abilene, Kansas, he lived briefly in Manhattan, and grew up in Lawrence. He was baptized in the E.U.B. Church, but was confirmed a Methodist. While attending worship during his college years he began to consider ministry as a calling and vocation.

A graduate of the University of Kansas ('71, B.A. in English), and St. Paul School of Theology ('75, M.Div.), Steve has done clinical pastoral education in psychiatric and general hospitals, and a Presbyterian church. Since becoming a full member of the Kansas East Conference, and being ordained elder in 1976, Steve has also pastored churches at Lansing-Jarbalo, Council Grove, and St. Paul's in Lenexa.

Steve and his wife, Karen Anderson, are parents of four children: Lanson, Molly, Bree, and Adam, and several granddogs.

Next to preaching, Steve's great passion is connecting with people currently outside the Church who are hungry for the nurture, challenge, and joy that comes from knowing and following Christ. He's a jogger, a movie buff, a sometime photographer, and a continuing student of Leonard Bernstein, Jimmy Carter, and Ken Medema.

Rev. Cheryl Schmeling is an ordained United Methodist Elder who has served in churches in suburban, urban, and rural settings for over 20 years. She recently served as interim associate pastor in a local Presbyterian church (PCUSA). Previous to these ministries, she was a certified Director of Christian Education in several local churches for 13 years.

Her education background includes:  BA in Sociology, Shippensburg State College, Shippensburg, PA;  MA in Christian Education, Scarritt College, Nashville, TN;  MDiv from St. Paul School of Theology, KC, MO;  MSW, University of Kansas School of Social Work, Lawrence, KS.  She has recently completed the seventh of nine classes in the Doctor of Ministry Program at Asbury Seminary, Wilmore, KY, with an emphasis in Christian Leadership.

Pastor Cheryl's family includes her husband Bill, a compliance specialist for Medicare, and also a United Methodist Licensed Local Pastor serving in Garnett, KS. Her son is entering his sophomore year at Emporia State University (August 2007).

Special interests in preaching/worship, counseling and church growth/outreach strategies make for a full life.

Jerry received his Master of Divinity from St. Paul School of Theology and was ordained an elder in the Kansas East Conference in 1970. He has served churches in Corning, Basehor and Fairmont, Overland Park (Valley View), Tonganoxie, Fort Scott, and Emporia. He was Kansas City District Superintendent before going to Olathe's Aldersgate UMC.

On the conference level, Jerry served as chair of the Camping Committee, Congregational Growth and Development, and president of the Council on Finance and Administration. He was also elected as a delegate to General and Jurisdictional Conferences.

Jerry is married to Sheila who works as a para-educator with special needs children in the Olathe school district. They have two sons and six grandchildren.

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