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Rev. Alan McGrath Senior Pastor Rev. Tina Schramme Associate Pastor Georgianne Hewett Care Advocate Sarah Pyle-Shackelford Director of the Learning Tree Kenny Bray Director of College-Age Ministry Liz Bailey Director of Children's & Family Ministries Marc Profant Director of Music & Worship Arts Kellie Brewer Student Ministry Director Kathy Pena Director of Congregational Care Mike Robertson Facilities Director Lisa Blake Media Director Jessica Trevarthen Media & Events Coordinator Cara Walkup Administrative Assistant Honey Habingreither Finance Director Emelia Bruton Audio-Visual Team Anthony Caulkins Audio-Visual Team Mandi Griffin Contemporary Worship Coordinator Ashley Koberlein Worship Arts Coordinator Stephanie Gillen Children's Ministry Coordinator Sophia Kee-Rees Student Ministry Coordinator Lorna Jones Receptionist Discipleship Team Media Team Ministry Support Music and Worship Arts Team Pastors MEET OUR TEAM

STUDENT MINISTRY Adolescence is a pivotal time in life, full of changes, uncertainties, and a quest for direction. The First United Methodist Youth group is dedicated to helping our young people navigate this stage through supportive relationships, faith-based guidance, and meaningful service. As they stand at the crossroads of life, overwhelmed by confusing choices, we can be the community that shows them the way. We would love for you to join us as we seek to live out God’s love everywhere we go! Student Ministry Goals Our goal is to provide an environment where our youth can hear and follow God’s voice in a world filled with noise. At the heart of our mission is the commitment to offer each student unconditional love and acceptance, reflecting the grace of God. We strive to foster a space free of judgment, where every young person feels valued, understood, and cared for, no matter where they are in their spiritual journey. Student Ministry Core Values Sunday Morning Gatherings Sunday School is from 9:45-10:40 AM in the Student Ministry area, 2nd floor of the Atkin Learning Center. Students entering 5th-12th grades meet in room 220 Crossroads Crossroads 712 Crossroads 712 is our Sunday night ministry where students in 7th through 12th grades gather for games, a devotional, and dinner. Join us on Sundays from 6:00 – 7:30 PM (unless otherwise communicated) on the 2nd floor of the Atkin Learning Center. Crossroads 56 Crossroads 56 is our Wednesday night ministry where students in 5th and 6th grade gather for games, a devotional, and dinner. Join us on Wednesdays from 6:00 – 7:30 PM (unless otherwise communicated) on the 2nd floor of the Atkin Learning Center. Youthpalooza Mon, Jul 27 Various locations More info RSVP STUDENT EVENTS Relationship Building Building strong relationships within the youth group provides a sense of belonging and support. These friendships help teens feel understood, reducing feelings of isolation, especially during times of uncertainty. Our youth group relationships are built on the foundation of love and acceptance. We celebrate the diversity of experiences, backgrounds, and personalities within our group, ensuring that each student feels valued and loved for who they are. Safe Space for Reflection Our youth face countless questions and uncertainties. The youth group offers a safe and welcoming environment where they can express their doubts and explore their faith freely. We encourage reflection and open discussions that allow them to connect with others going through similar experiences. In our group, each student is loved and accepted as they are. We emphasize that no question is too small or unworthy, and no one will be judged for their doubts or struggles. This openness allows students to explore their faith with honesty and authenticity. Positive Mentorship Teens are often drawn to the loudest voices around them. The youth group offers positive role models who provide guidance rooted in faith and wisdom. Through mentorship, we can help them discern the path God has set before them. Our mentors are dedicated to loving and guiding the youth without judgment. Each student’s journey is unique, and our role as mentors is to offer support through compassion, understanding, and grace—no matter what choices they face or struggles they encounter. Engaging Scripture & Faith Practices By grounding their decisions in scripture, teens can find clarity in the chaos. Psalm 16:11 reminds us that God will show us the way of life. In our youth group, we engage with the Bible to help young people find purpose, direction, and peace. We approach scripture with love and openness, encouraging students to ask tough questions and express their doubts without fear of judgment. We believe that God’s love is unconditional, and so too is the love and support we offer each other in our faith journey. Service & Outreach One of the best ways to guide our youth is through service. By focusing on helping others, they can find joy, purpose, and meaning beyond the distractions of daily life. Through service, they experience the joy of living in God’s presence. In serving others, we model God’s unconditional love. Whether we’re helping those in need or serving within our own community, we teach our youth that everyone is deserving of love and respect, regardless of their circumstances. Together We Can Guide Our Youth By offering a supportive environment grounded in unconditional love, free of judgment, and focused on building strong relationships, our First United Methodist Youth group helps young people find direction and purpose during this pivotal time. Families, mentors, and the church community can work together to show them the way—just as God promises in Psalm 16:11.

Children's Ministry Coordinator Stephanie Gillen Children's Ministry Coordinator mailto:stephanie@fumcgt.org Stephanie was born and raised in Orlando and became a Texan in 2007. She has a BA in Organizational Communication from the University of Central Florida and an AS in Culinary Management from Valencia CC. She has been married to her husband Shawn since 2001 and has two young adult children. After teaching preschool in Round Rock for 11 years, she joined the Learning Tree team teaching music, PreK, and subbing. In addition to the Learning Tree, she spent many hours volunteering with Georgetown High School’s Choir and Theatre departments. When she’s not at FUMC working with Children’s Ministry, she enjoys volunteering at The Palace Theater, painting, traveling, cooking, and feeding her many cats and raccoons. Next Item Previous Item

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Receptionist Lorna Jones Receptionist Next Item Previous Item

Director of the Learning Tree Sarah Pyle-Shackelford Director of the Learning Tree sarah@fumcgt.org Sarah Pyle Shackelford has been an educator for 24 years and a cherished part of The Learning Tree community since 2010. Over the years, she has taught every age group, served as an administrator and board member, and experienced the school as a parent, giving her a deep and well-rounded understanding of what makes The Learning Tree so special. Born and raised in Georgetown, Sarah brings both hometown pride and a lifelong passion for early childhood education to her leadership. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and a Master’s degree in Education from Texas State University. A member of First United Methodist Church since 1998, Sarah is deeply connected to the faith community that has supported and shaped The Learning Tree since its beginning. She has played a vital role in preserving our play-based philosophy, ensuring that children learn through exploration, imagination, and joy. Outside of school, Sarah is married to her husband, Ronan, and together they have three children — twin boys (8) and a daughter (12). She’s a Disney lover, an avid gardener, and a collector of children’s books who finds inspiration in the magic and curiosity of childhood. With her warmth, creativity, and years of experience, Sarah leads The Learning Tree with heart and dedication, continuing to make it a place where children love to learn and families love to belong. Next Item Previous Item

Director of Children's & Family Ministries Liz Bailey Director of Children's & Family Ministries liz@fumcgt.org Bio Coming Soon Next Item Previous Item