Meet our Staff...

Rev. Bruce Hay - firstunitedpal1@embarqmail.com

Rev. Hay is the Senior Pastor of FUMC Palestine.  He grew up in the Texas Annual Conference, was in the Central Texas Conference for a few years, and has been back in the Texas Conference since 1984.  His undergraduate work was done at Southwestern University in Georgetown and his seminary work at Perkins School of Theology at SMU. Bruce has been at First Palestine since June, 2008.

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Beverly Holliday - firstunitedpal2@embarqmail.com

Beverly is our church secretary and receptionist and is the first face visitors see when they come to our church office. Her duties also include creating and publishing our Visitor newsletter and preparing our weekly bulletins. She joined our staff in May of 2008.

Gayla Bradley- firstunitedpal@embarqmail.com

Gayla is the Financial Administrator.  She is responsible for maintaining all the financial records of the church.  She also handles all purchasing and provides committees with financial information as needed.  She joined the church staff in April, 2008.

Jason Huffman - firstunitedpal3@embarqmail.com

Jason Huffman joined First Church as our full-time Director of Youth Ministries in May 2006. Jason comes to us with 5 years experience as a Youth Director and a Masters degree in Christian Education. Jason is a graduate of Westwood High School in Palestine, Texas, and has decided to make Palestine his permanent home.

Larry Lamely

Larry is the Church Custodian.   He is responsible for all the church site facilities.  He also handles the physical arrangements for all functions scheduled with the church office.   He has been a volunteer at First Church for many years and has now joined the staff full time.  He also volunteers his time with the Boy Scouts in Palestine. 

Caleb Estrada

Caleb became Director of Music Ministries in April of 2008. He directs the Chancel Choir and Bell Choir and coordinates the Praise Team, Kids Praise Choir and Youth Praise Team. He came to First Church having served as an intern to the music minister at another church where he obtained experience directing the choir. Caleb is the Elementary Music Teacher in Elkhart Public Schools where his wife, Katy, is the Middle School Band Director.

Monroe Walker

Monroe joined FUMC as Church Organist in August, 2002.  He came to us with 17 years experience in church music.  He is also the Fiscal Director responsible for all business matters at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center.

Linda Burgon

Linda began working in the nursery at First United Methodist in February of 2008.  Her prior work with children was in the Mother's Day Out program of a Methodist Church in Arkansas.  Linda has a love for children which is evident in our nursery atmosphere.  She and the rest of the nursery staff look forward to caring for your children in a Christian enviornment.

Stacey Collier

Stacey is the Director of Mother's Day Out. She has been with the Mother's Day Out program since it began at First Church in September of 2007. She works with the Mother's Day Out Board in planning days filled with fun and new experiences for the children.