If bald is beautiful and thick glasses are a sign of intelligence, Pastor Tom (PT) is the whole package. He thinks he’s funny and, well, sometimes he’s right. He’s a Texas Aggie who grew up in Arkansas, then married an Ohio girl. His wife, Elizabeth, is also a pastor serving at Monroe St. UMC in Toledo. Their children never had a chance, growing up with two preacher parents, yet have somehow learned to thrive in spite of them. PT loves hiking in the Appalachian Mountains, walking at Wildwood, watching the wind and listening to babbling brooks. And please don’t ask him whether he prefers Ohio State or Michigan; he roots for Northwestern. Enough said.

Teacher. Servant. Mom. Friend. Mentor---Julie Carter wears all of these hats at Sylvania First...usually at the same time. One of the first faces you will see upon entering the building, Julie’s is always covered with an inviting smile and a word of welcome. For years she has organized and taught children’s Sunday experiences, bringing children and families closer to God. She also brings generations together with her creative ideas and genuine warmth and caring for all. It doesn’t matter if you are 2 or 102 (or anywhere in-between), Julie will love you, learn from you, and know your name. She may be “crazy” Miss Julie…but all around her would agree that her message of love, faith, and joy shines through even during her “squirrel” moments.

Ashley Wynn currently resides in Fremont with her husband Joshua, an ordained elder who pastors at Hayes Memorial UMC, and their three children: Silas (8), Asher (6), and Junia (1.5). From the time she first heard God calling her into ministry, at 12 years of age, she has sought to live out that call. She has participated in children's and youth ministry in multiple churches; led a mission's trip to Mexico; started a nonprofit to help support an orphanage in Cali, Columbia; and started a ministry in her neighborhood in Lexington, KY. She currently attends Methodist Theological School in Ohio, where she will graduate in May with a Masters of Divinity degree. She is very excited to join the team at Sylvania First, and looks forward to partnering with God's activity there.

Coming to Sylvania First with a background in photography and graphic design, Jamie’s work is featured in church bulletins, Powerpoints and the website. Jamie believes the key to good chocolate chip cookies is extra chocolate chips, and if you start the day with a good cup of coffee then everything will be alright. Being a devoted Ravens fan, you’ll catch her in purple on any given day, but never black and yellow. Jamie’s favorite quote is, “Life is like a camera. Just focus on what’s important and capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t work out, just take another shot.”— Unknown

Serving as accompanist at Sylvania First offers a welcome break from Kevin’s many husband/dad duties of cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and driving. All of this fueled by coffee (and the occasional power nap)! In his professional life, Kevin is a bit of a musical chameleon—comfortable as a solo artist, accompanist, conductor, and composer. With several choral works published, Kevin recently turned his creative energy to arrangements for solo voice and solo piano (think George Winston…). A lifelong United Methodist, Kevin is excited to be part of the collaborative team in creating dynamic, spirit-led services at Sylvania First!

Rick was invited to the church in 2013 to run the soundboard mix for the praise band. He’s never left. Rick’s passion for tech and sound equipment started when his high school son hired him to provide tech support for band performances outside of school. From late nights to Sunday mornings, Rick switched shifts and now helps amp up the sound of worship.