Meghan became the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Director at HUMC in January 2014 and continues to serve in that position. She was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota and moved to Tonawanda, NY with her parents when she was six.
She feels blessed to have such a close and supporting family. Meghan attended a Lutheran church growing up and was very active in it. She loves music and became very involved in the music program in Middle School and High School. She went on to study cello at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY. She majored in Contemporary Ministry with a focus in Music Ministry but found herself drawn to Student Ministry. She was involved with the youth and young adult programs through The Father’s House Church, the church she attended while in college.
Her graduation from college coincided with the Youth Ministry position that was made available at HUMC, initially through the generosity of Stanley Hooper. Meghan applied, was hired and has been in that position for almost six years.
As the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Director, Meghan is responsible for building intentional relationships with the congregation specifically falling between the ages of 11 to about 30. Through these relationships, she guides each individual into closer relationships with God and a deeper understanding of what it means to live a Christian life. She does this through weekly gatherings during the school year and special events that occur about once a month. Meghan especially enjoys attending sporting events, music performances and art shows that the youth are involved in. She loves watching them do what they are passionate about and getting to spend time with them outside of the church. She loves their curiosity and questions which shows their interest in learning. If she doesn’t know the answer, they research and discover the answers together. She states that, “I feel truly blessed to get to work with the youth I have here at HUMC.”
Meghan also assumed the position of Contemporary Music Director in January 2016 and continues in that position. She is responsible for providing and rehearsing the more contemporary music not typically found in the hymnals. She feels that music brings people closer to God and the variety offered at HUMC appeals to individual choices. She enjoys the opportunity to introduce new songs that enhance the Message each week. “Whenever I hear a crowd of voices singing together in praise of God, it brings a big smile to my face.”
One of her favorite scriptures is 1 Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” “I love this scripture because it’s brought me a lot of comfort and given me the strength and boldness to push through difficult times and decisions. It reminds me that God can use people at any age to speak the truth of His good news.”
Thank you, Meghan, for your passion and enthusiasm in serving our church!