Church Contacts

(816) 436-1616

I’m a Christian, a husband, a father, and a pastor. I’ve been married to my wife Amy since 1992 and see it as one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Our four boys are a great deal of fun while inspiring and challenging us to be better people and better parents.

We are at home in the KC northland. I was raised in Liberty while Amy grew up in Gladstone then Kearney. We were married at Liberty United Methodist church, which is the church that laid my faith foundation. Three of our four boys have been born in this area, we’ve buried family here, we’ve worshipped God, and grown in faith here, and we see this area as our home. I responded to my pastoral calling at Good Shepherd United Methodist church. And now proudly serve as the pastor at Gashland UMC, just miles down the road.

Mostly, we are servants of Jesus Christ, passionate about ministering in his name, and we are glad to have the opportunity to serve together with his disciples as a part of the Gashland United Methodist church.

(816) 436-1616

I have been married to my husband Craig for 26 years and have four wonderful children. Craig grew up in Gashland UMC and that is how I started going here.

Our home is always busy with the kids, their friends and the two dogs running everywhere. There are usually basketball games going on in the driveway or football or whiffle ball games in the backyard. My children are very involved in sports and most of our evenings and weekends are spent at a football field, a basketball or volleyball court, or a baseball diamond.

My family is the most important thing in my life and our activities center around the lives of our children and promoting activities that enhance the lives of children and families.

After all the activities are done for the day on Thursday’s, my daughters and I reserve the TV for catching up on Grey’s Anatomy and Criminal Minds. I love snow days – they are like an unexpected gift from God – everything shuts down for a day and you have all the kids at home – sledding, cookie making with hot chocolate, game playing and just hanging out together.

I work as the Director of Connections and Preschool Director at Gashland. Listening to people and helping them connect into their passions is a very rewarding job. Directing and teaching at the preschool is a dream job – I love children and they make me laugh.

I am very involved in PTA serving on the Executive Board for Missouri PTA. Working to enrich the education and life of families, strengthen education values and policies is important to me.

In my spare time I love to cook and read. As a Christian one of my favorite Bible verses is
Philippians 4:13 … “I can do all things though Christ who strengthens me.”
If you can go to bed at night knowing that you have made a difference in the life of at least one person, family or stranger, then your day was successful.

Joe Dake is a graduate of William Jewell College with degrees in church music, specializing in organ. He also has graduate work in music and banking through the University of Wisconsin.

He served 15 years as the organist and choir director at the Barbee Memorial Presbyterian Church in Excelsior Springs, Mo., as well as 7 years as organist at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Liberty, Mo. For 30 years he has served as the organist at Gashland United Methodist Church. He has been a member of each church he has served. Several years ago, he received a service award from the Gashland Church Womens Group.

He maintains a teaching studio, providing instruction in piano, keyboard and organ and has numerous awards for teaching and participation in recitals, festivals and other public activities. Several of his students have participated in workshops and music events at locations throughout the US.

(816) 436-1616

I was born and raised in Sedalia, MO. At thirteen I started playing bass, and was playing professionally two months later. I was allowed into a work study program in high school, this allowed me to complete school work while I was out on the road playing. After high-school I attended Missouri Western State University on scholarship for a jazz degree. I ended up leaving to get back to playing music full time. A few acts I have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with include Uncle Kracker, The Kentucky Head Hunters, The Marshall Tucker Band, Joe Lewis, and Not a Planet.

Currently I make my living from a combination of live performance gigs on Upright bass, Electric bass, Piano, and Saxophone. As well as sessions, private lessons, and clinics.

I was brought up through the church, and the fact that I now get to be a part of it is a dream come true. I am thrilled to finally have the ability to lead musical worship for the lord. Music truly is God’s language.Let’s make a joyful noise and share christ’s love through the music he has given us!

(816) 436-1616

My husband, Terry, son, Garrett and I moved to Kansas City in December 1997 from Southwest Kansas. We became members of Gashland United Methodist Church a year after that. February of 2000 my daughter, Kayley, was born. I am the Treasurer of GUMC and also a teacher at Bright Start Preschool. I enjoy working at GUMC both with the families of the church and with the families of the preschool.

I enjoy spending time with my family whether that is at home, school functions, serving others, or at the softball field.

My favorite Bible verse is Joshua 24:15 “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” I strive to serve with a Godly heart and I hope that is what people see in me and my family.

(808) 430-6252

I grew up in Prescott, Arizona where my parents still live. I am the youngest of three boys. While growing up I felt called to ministry. After high school I moved to San Diego where I studied Christian Ministry at Point Loma Nazarene University. While I was there I discovered a passion for youth and homeless ministry.

While in college I had the opportunity to intern at several churches and ministries. One summer I was able to go to Hawaii and be the intern for a church on Oahu. After I graduated I moved to the big island of Hawaii and became the Youth, Young Adult, and Outreach Pastor at Hilo Church of the Nazarene. I lived, worked, and did ministry in Hawaii for two years until God saw fit to bring me to Missouri. I moved out here in June of 2011.

I love playing and watching sports. I’m a big fan of disc golf. I love reading, watching movies, and video games. I am also interested in writing hoping one day to write professionally. I am looking to start grad school to get my Masters of social work, with the intent of one day opening a homeless shelter in Hilo where I lived for two years.