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The First United Methodist Church of Lutz has been a vibrant and active community of faith for 100 years! In 1911, several families gathered for worship as the pioneer congregation and called themselves the United Brethren Church of Lutz. Years later the Church joined with additional members from a nearby local church and became the Evangelical United Brethren Church of Lutz. Growing even stronger, our church had the opportunity to build a wonderful little church near the Lutz train depot and formed what we now know as the First United Methodist Church of Lutz.

Pastor Rick was appointed to serve First Lutz as the Senior Pastor in June of 1998.  He has a Bachelor’s degree in Theological and Historical Studies with Minors in Psychology and Spanish.  He also has a MA in Biblical Studies and a Master of Divinity Degree.  Pastor Rick had a dynamic encounter with Christ about half way through college when he met Vicki, the woman who became his wife.  She was a Christian and he was not.  Later, after committing his life to Christ, the Lord brought him and Vicki together for a lifetime of service.  Pastor Rick still refers to Vicki as, “his bride” and says “she always makes him look more than twice as good as he is.”  They were married in 1973 and have two grown children and two grandchildren.

 

Pastor Rick has a passion to see people experience the joy of knowing Christ, and of growing into a closer relationship with Him.  The years of ministry in Lutz have been a great challenge and a great privilege.  He and Vicki have found much fulfillment serving the Lord in Lutz.  “First Lutz is a great place for anyone to serve Christ, whether you are a pastor or a lay person” he says.  Then he adds, “Wherever God wants you to be is the best place for you.”

 

You don’t have to be around them much to know that they are still greatly in love with each other, and with their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Cindy moved to Florida when she was a child.  She is originally from New Jersey, but the family relocated when her grandmother retired.  Land O' Lakes has been her home for most of her life.

Cindy joined our nursery staff in 2008.  When she isn’t loving on our children, she spends her week working at a day care facility.  When you walk down the hall, you will hear the cries of joy proclaiming Miss Cindy is here.

She is married with two children, and a grandson.

 

                       chris @ FantasticFirst.org

Chris grew up in our church and was part of the praise band as a saxophonist in 8th grade! When he graduated HS in 2004, he became our interim Worship Arts Director. Big shoes for a young man, but he had the talent and maturity to lead successfully. Since then, he has gained more experience and earned his BS in Music Education from USF.  Now, as our Worship Arts Director, Chris is responsible for all of the drama, music, and technical arts teams including a contemporary praise band, a traditional choir, and various various vocal and/or instrumental ensembles. Throughout the year, he is responsible for several special/holiday performance events.

He can also be seen helping out with the youth group or teaching during VBS.  He is available for private lessons on various instruments.

Chris is a gifted musician. We are blessed to have him on our staff. 

Ext 221       vicki @ FantasticFirst.org

 

Vicki joined the church with her three sons in Aug. 1999.  She came on staff in March, 2001. As our administrator, she handles or coordinates most of the business matters of the church, including bookkeeping, operations, and IT.  She also serves on the Finance Committee and Church Council and volunteers in handbells, choir, and adult education.

 B.A.from USF in Political Science (pre-law).  MBA from Southeastern University, in Lakeland, FL.

 Calling:  When I was young, I wanted to be a missionary, then I grew up and was distracted by the world. I spent too many years turned away from God, and yet to my delight He never turned away from me. When I returned to Him, He was waiting for me, and to my shock, called me to serve this pastor and this congregation.  Lutz has been my home since 1987, and my missionfield since 2001.

Handbells are my passion!  Join us on Thursdays at 6:30 PM for rehearsal. Musical experience is helpful, but not necessary.

 

Ext 234        janell @ FantasticFirst.org
Janell and her family joined our church in the summer of '99. In July of 2008, Janell left the corporate world and accepted the position as Youth Director here at First Lutz.  She is committed to challenging our teens to respond daily to the God of the Bible.  “Students today need to know that they are a unique creation of the same God who spoke the Universe into existence,” Janell says. “They each have a destiny that He intends specifically for them.”

Janell also believes in being Servant-minded. Our teens experience first hand what it means to serve others. Volunteering at the local food pantry and clothes closet or handing out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, coffee and blankets to the homeless on a cold night gives students a first-hand glimpse of those in need. It shows students that they can impact the world around them.

Janell’s vision for our youth: that they become Students of Influence.

Janell has a BA in Marketing from the University of South Florida, and has 22 years experience in Human Resources. Janell completed the intense Youth program from the Youth Ministry Institued in 2012.

Janell married her high school sweetheart, John, the week following their graduation from the University of South Florida in 1986. Both of their children, Jay and Jill, currently attend USF.

Josh came to us in 2010 from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he served as a children's director for two years.  Both Josh and his new bride, Lisa, are excited to serve here and we are excited to have them aboard.

 

Josh earned a Bachelor's Degree in Pastoral Ministries with a minor in business from Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL.

Testimony of God's Saving Grace:  In December of 2004, Josh was on his way to the airport to visit his family for the holidays.  His car broke down on the side of the Bee-line in Orlando, Florida.  While crossing the road to get to a taxi cab, he was hit by a car estimated to be traveling around 80 miles per hour.  He was immediately flown to the hospital. Due to the nature of the accident, the doctor's report of only one broken knee was a miracle.  Within a year, he had almost 100% recovered.

 

Erica joined the church in 2008, she works full time in medical billing and attends college full time. She is working towards a degree in sign language interpreting. Though her schedule is demanding, Erica regularly teaches children's Wednesday night Bible study class and can always be found volunteering for Parent's Night Out.

Erica's dedication to Christ shows in everything she does and we are overjoyed to have her.

First United Methodist Church of Lutz  * 960 Lutz Lake Fern Road  * Lutz, FL 33548 * 813-949-1751

Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9 to 5 (Closed for lunch 12-1)

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