Jeff Ackenback
Director of Youth Ministries
Jeff Ackenback as our Director of Youth Ministries. Originally from Seymour, Indiana, Jeff has made West Chester his home for the last five years, along with his beautiful dog, Stevie. He has a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s in Creative Writing, both from Ball State University, as well as a Master’s in Ministry from Indiana Wesleyan University. Jeff has spent time as a Certified Mental Health technician, a reporter, and a published author, but through it all, he had strived to minister, live, and teach the words of Jesus: love God and love others.
Ann Copeland
Pastoral Care Coordinator
Ann brings to us a broad array of spiritual gifts and talents. Her education is in nursing, pastoral care and counseling, and theology. She incorporates a holistic approach with those who are seeking a closer walk with God. She has served the local church for over 25 years as Senior Pastor, Minister of Pastoral Care, and Associate Pastor/Youth. Ann has provided Christian mental health services for individuals, families and groups as a therapist and is currently the director for a nonprofit pastoral care center.
Amy Elifrits
Worship Environment Coordinator and Traditional Worship Director
As Worship Environment Coordinator, Amy organizes people and places to ensure the readiness of the church for worship each Sunday. She also serves as Faith’s Wedding Coordinator and plays in the Bell Choir. Her “real job” is teaching high school Latin. She is a happy aunt to three nieces and two nephews. :) In her free time, Amy enjoys reading, walking, yoga, and chocolate.
Veronica Ellison
Administrative Assistant
Veronica enjoys serving as an Administrative Assistant in the front office. She has called Faith Community home since 2004. After moving to Okemos, Michigan, in 2016, Veronica has now happily moved back to the area. She and her husband Matt have three sons and have just recently become “empty nesters,” with their youngest in school at OSU. In her free time, Veronica enjoys spending time with her husband and puppy; reading; playing games; and enjoying visits with her kids.
Sue Franz
HR Director
Sue Franz is serving at Faith Community as the Director of Human Resources. Sue comes with many years of experience HR in corporate and church settings. She is passionate about God and others, and loves to cultivate healthy relationships and communication.
Sue’s favorite things include spending her time on the beach, taking long walks, and engaging in deep and meaningful conversations. Sue is happily married and adores her two adult children and their spouses. Her favorite role is GiGi to her three beautiful grandchildren, Calvin, Asa and Leni.
513-777-9533 ext. 109
Jackie Gardner
Administrative Assistant
Jackie loves being on the staff and supporting the ministry of Faith Community UMC. She has been a member for over 20 years and is grateful for the opportunity to grow in her faith and to fellowship with the members of her Bible Study group. Jackie graduated from the University of Dayton and loves watching Flyer basketball. She has two children, Ann who is a student at UC, and Sam who is a student at St. Xavier High School. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, attending Contemporary Christian concerts, reading novels, watching sports, and vacationing at the beach.
Jason Gibson
Worship Technology Coordinator
Jason Gibson has been an active member of Faith Community for 12 years. He and his wife, Sabrina, grew up in Dallas. They have called Cincinnati home since 1995 and have three children: Nathan, Ryan, and Christina. Before becoming an at-home Dad, Jason owned/operated two restaurants, worked at Great American in IT datacenter, and as an independent computer consultant. Jason has been involved in multiple ministries at Faith Community over the years including Children’s Ministry, Food Pantry, Stepping Forward, Upward, and VBS. He has been volunteering with the Audio/Video/Tech team for eight years and is inspired to elevate His name through our wonderful music ministry
Kim Hollon
Missions Director
Becky Klunk
Director of Marketing
Becky loves promoting Faith Community’s wonderful worship experiences and ministries to others within the church as well as the surrounding communities. She grew up in a Methodist church in Wisconsin and has worked at Faith since 2005 as the director of communications and marketing. Life with her husband, Steve, is busy but fun as they spend as much time as possible with their three children - Stephanie, Michael
513-777-9533 ext. 110
Pam Leist
Controller
513-777-9533 ext. 106
Sarah Messner
Transitional Children’s Ministries Leader
Randy Meyer
Business Director
Randy is the Facilities Manager at Faith Community. He looks forward to working with fellow volunteer Faith Community members to care for our facilities and grounds. Randy is married to Anna (Andie) and has attended Faith for 10+ years. Randy enjoys singing in the chancel choir at Faith. Randy grew up in northwest Ohio, and graduated from The Ohio State University with an economics and finance degree. Randy enjoys spending time with his five children and five grandchildren.
Mary Schambow
Chancel Choir Director
Mary is the Chancel Choir Director and at Faith Community. She is married to Marc, and they have two children, Anna and Luke. Mary grew up in southwest Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a degree in music education. Mary and Marc moved to Ohio in 1997 and became active members at Faith. Praising God through music has always been a vital part of Mary’s life. Mary also enjoys being with her family, summertime
Jeff Sperry
Organist/Pianist and Bell Choir Director
Jeff’s goal is to enhance the traditional worship experience through music by accompanying the Chancel Choir, playing artful hymn arrangements on the organ, and performing inspirational piano solos. He also directs the 13-member Chancel Bell Choir which plays for services about once a month. Working full-time as the Director of External Relations at Cincinnati Nature Center, Jeff relishes time spent outdoors. He and his two daughters have created a small botanical garden in their backyard.
Dawn Thullen
Director of IT
Dawn has worked at Faith since late 2006 and has been the data coordinator since 2012 and the Director of IT since 2019. She is responsible for managing all computers, the church database and reporting, maintaining the church website and app and processing all online giving. She truly loves data and learning all she can about how to manipulate it. Dawn is married to Jeff and has one daughter and three furry babies.
513-777-9533 ext. 101
Shawn Toadvine
Contemporary Worship Leader
Shawn is passionate about bringing the congregation into the presence of God through worship. He has been active in ministry for over 20 years and currently leads our Contemporary worship service. Shawn is gifted musically and shares his talent on the stage through local community theater. He has two beautiful daughters, Abigail and Gabrielle.
Pastor Andy Wagner
Senior Pastor
513-777-9533 ext.102
Lara Williams
Missions Director
Lara Williams is our Missions Program Coordinator. Lara and her husband live in Liberty Township with their four busy kids. You will often find them at swim meets, dance competitions, and on the soccer and football fields. In her “spare time,” Lara loves to cook and bake, with a little bit of crafting in between. Lara has spent many years volunteering in the Lakota School District and has a real passion for making a difference in her community. She is looking forward to serving as the Missions Program Coordinator and working with Faith Community to help in any way possible.