Welcome to Wahoo First United Methodist Church!  

My name is Emily, and I was appointed to Wahoo First UMC on July 1, 2024.  I love to preach thought-provoking sermons, walk alongside people as they ask big questions and grapple with their faith, design meaningful worship experiences that help people of all ages connect to God, and lead congregations to grow in outreach, service, and justice. 

A "city girl" who grew up in the Denver metro area, I moved to Hastings, NE for college in 2006.  After a brief stint as an education major, I discovered a passion for theology and Biblical studies, and graduated with a B.A. in Religion in 2010.  I completed my M.Div. at Methodist Theological School in Ohio in 2013, and then returned to the Great Plains to begin my ministry career.   I started out as an associate pastor at Saint Paul UMC in Lincoln, NE; from there I went on to serve churches in Auburn, NE and McPherson, KS.  My ministry has taken me to churches and communities of all shapes and sizes, and I'm delighted to be continuing my pastoral journey here in Wahoo!  (Although I'm a native Coloradoan, I have a lot of family in Lincoln and Omaha--so coming to Wahoo feels a lot like "coming home"!)  

My family includes my husband Stephen--who works as a clergy tax preparation specialist--and our two daughters Evelyn and Iris.  In my free time, I love to read, sew, go on long walks through God's creation, play board games, watch nerdy TV shows, and spend time with family and friends.  

I look forward to meeting you, and I hope that you will find a home here at Wahoo First UMC!