A bit of my story -- my roots extend to Wisconsin and Minnesota. I was transplanted to Tucson and attended and graduated from the U of A and met Bonnie (a Tucson original) at Christ Church UM where, as young adult lay persons, we served together in youth ministry and then married.
After graduating from Perkins School of Theology at SMU in Dallas (1987), I received my first appointment in Las Vegas with University UM Church where I served as associate for six years. While serving at University, our two daughters, Amy and Allison, were born. Our next appointment kept us in the North District at St John’s UMC in Kingman. We returned to Nevada to serve Desert Spring UMC for six years and then back across the state line and to the East Phoenix Valley to serve at St. Matthew UMC and First UMC of Gilbert. We feel like we are coming home as we return to Nevada to serve at Green Valley UMC.
As a youngster in Sunday school I learned the familiar Bible stories. It wasn’t until I was a young adult that those stories began to be personal and I experienced them as my story, too. I enjoy introducing others to God’s Word; like holding up a mirror to see into your own heart. This is the gift of Jesus who brings our story into the story of God’s saving work. That’s when our lives find meaning and purpose and great joy.
I would like to hear the story of how Jesus touches your life. Come by and share it with me sometime.
If I had to sum up my Christian Faith into a few words I would say,”life-giving connection”. I was born in Prescott, Arizona, and growing up I learned that faith communities are places where people love one another, grieve with one another, forgive one another, receive and reflect God’s grace, imagine a hopeful future, and meet God. My call to ministry came during a Sierra Service Project trip in High School, and I was called to feed God’s people. This call brought me to Northern Arizona University where I earned degrees in Psychology and International Affairs. It led me to Candler School of Theology, where I earned a Masters of Divinity, and now it has brought me to Green Valley United Methodist Church where I serve as the associate pastor. In all of these places I learned that God calls all of us into relationship with God and this relationship compels us to be in community with others. My purpose in being at Green Valley United Methodist church is to connect people to this community, to empower people through ministry and mission to reach out to the rest of the world, and to provide support to people as they consider, grow, and mature in relationship with Jesus Christ.
David grew up in the Twin Cities area in Minnesota and graduated from University of Minnesota, Duluth with a Bachelor of Music Education June of 1999. He completed a double music major and received dual certification for teaching both choir and band. While completing his undergraduate work be began working as the Music Director at Woodland United Methodist Church, leading the music at that church for two years while finishing. After graduation he taught choir and band in Minnesota for four years and continued sharing his gifts with churches located in the area of his teaching positions. In September of 2003 he entered into the Master of Music program at The Ohio State University (OSU). He completed his master’s work two years later, while working as a Graduate Assistant for the School of Music. While at OSU, David was the Music Director for University Baptist Church (American Baptist Church Affiliation) and directed the music ministry on yearly special music services and events both within the church and larger ecumenical community around the college. David moved out to Las Vegas in August of 2005 to fill the Director of Choirs position at Valley High School. He began his association with Green Valley Methodist Church in January 2006 as the Praise Team Leader and took over the leadership of the entire music program in 2007. While at GVMC he has directed the music ministry in bi-annual special music worship services utilizing the entire music ministry along with various instrumentalists from the Las Vegas area. In June 2009, David married Deborah and became a step-father by marriage to her daughter Amanda. They live in Henderson and continue to enjoy developing their lives in the valley.
February of 2001, I left a career as Chief Financial Officer to become a church musician and worship coordinator. I began my position as organist/pianist for GVUMC in February of 2008. I feel very blessed to be able to share my God-given worship talents with a community of faith. I am a trained Stephen Ministry Leader and I hope to use those skills again at some point. I also work as a professional nationally certified guardian and I am in the process of completing a B.A. in Social Science Studies with emphasis in Gerontology.
My name is Jayna Stevenson and I have been the Director of Youth Ministries here at GVUMC since October of 2008. I was born in Illinois, but grew up in Las Vegas. I grew up in a strong Christian home and was very involved in youth ministries growing up, and that is what made me want to become a Youth Director and help teens grow into strong disciples of Jesus Christ.
My husband Danny and I have been married for 2 years and he volunteers his time as a youth leader for our Junior High youth. We have a Golden Retriever puppy named Zoe and plan on starting a family in the next couple of years.
I am truly blessed to have such a strong church family and amazing youth, who have made me realize that with God all things are possible.
I was born in Eloy, Arizona. As the daughter of a Methodist minister, I grew up moving from church to church in California, Nevada, and Arizona. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University in May of 2002. I have taught third, fourth, and fifth grades in North Las Vegas and Arizona. I married my wonderful husband, Jeremiah, in 2009 and have been teaching kindergarten at a charter school for the last two years. We welcomed our first son, Lucas James, in October of 2010. I am thrilled to be the Children’s Ministry Coordinator for Green Valley UMC for so many reasons. I love to teach children about Jesus and the difference He makes in all of our lives and I love to learn the simple truths that only children can teach us. I also love working with the incredible staff and volunteers of this church. I am looking forward to what God has planned for this ministry.
My name is Jodi Hovis-Skiba, I was born in Franklin, PA where I attended the Galloway United Methodist and Grace United Methodist Churches in Franklin, PA. I attended Christian Life Academy and graduated from Oil City High school in 1997. My further education degrees were completed at Cazenovia College where I received an AS degree in Advertising and Graphic Design (1999), and Bachelor degree in Business Management and Visual communication from Liberty University. I am married to Brian Skiba and together we have a beautiful two year old daughter KayLynn, who was born on our 8th anniversary. (a lovely gift for someone who was never to have children.) We lived in Cheyenne, WY from 2004 to 2008 and the last two and half years in Henderson, NV. I am overjoyed to be selected as the Nursery Director for Green Valley United Methodist Church; I hope to continue with the great things that have been started in the nursery and children’s ministry and hope to build on the program. I love sharing my faith and belief in God with others, and I’m excited to be able to work with and teach the young children about our Lord and Savior.
I am honored to hold the position of Administrative Assistant for the Church Office at GVUMC. My family and I relocated to Las Vegas ten years ago to escape the cold bitter winters of Long Island, New York. I have earned an Associates Degree in Business from the College of Southern Nevada and I am currently working towards a Bachelors Degree in Biology at Nevada State and then will go on VeterinarySchool. I have done accounting/administrative work in the restaurant industry, and for a large real estate company. I also had the pleasure of working in a Veterinary Hospital for two years. When I’m not working or at school I enjoy being out doors as much as possible. My family and I love to travel. We go camping, ride our four wheelers and go hiking. When we can’t get away we like to relax in our backyard, swim and spend time with our two dogs. I am very excited about serving our church.
My name is Beth Kennedy and I have the awesome privilege of being the director for the Green Valley Methodist Preschool & Kindergarten. God called me into this position in June, 2007, after my family returned to Henderson from military service overseas. I have attended GVM church since 1997.
I am married to Ed and have two wonderful children, Hayley and Ryan. Since returning to southern Nevada, my husband has retired from 22+ years in the Marine Corps and is now working for the Las Vegas Fire Department.
I earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from UNLV in 1985 and a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from UNLV in 2002. I am the owner of a Computer Explorers franchise and have formally worked with young children since 1993. I teach the middle school class on Sundays.
I love my job! I get to work along side the most wonderful group of teachers and support staff and spend my days with the children God has entrusted to our care. I often marvel at the growth that takes place during the preschool/kindergarten years. I feel very blessed to be on the staff of the Green Valley Methodist Preschool & Kindergarten.
Sandy Abendshien - Preschool Teacher
Hello, I’m Miss Sandy.I’m a preschool teacher here at GVM Preschool.I have been married for 25 years to my high school sweetheart and we have lived here in Henderson since 1995, originally from Ohio.My son and daughter attended this preschool since it opened in 2000.I started working here in 2003 and I love working with all these precious students.
Barb Sells - Preschool Teacher
Barbara was born and raised in San Diego, CA.The ocean is still her favorite place to be.She moved here in February 1983 where she met her husband Michael.They will be married 25 years in October of 2009.Barbara and Michael have two children, Miranda and Garrett.They have been members of Green Valley Methodist Church since 1989.
Barbara has a wide variety of experience with children, including work in a preschool/daycare environment, being a Lead Instructor for the City of Henderson Safekey Program, Sunday School Superintendent and Sunday School Teacher, various positions in Vacation Bible School Programs, Girl Scout Leader Aide for Green Valley’s Preschool Program as well as a teacher since its inception.
Barbara loves being at the beach with her family, traveling, being part of mission opportunities, scrapbooking and most of all loves being a teacher at Green Valley Methodist Preschool!
Lori Scott - Preschool Teacher
Hello, my name is Lori Scott and I love being a preschool teacher.I have the wonderful privilege of teaching the three and four year olds.
I have been married for over 20 years.My husband and I have two children.Our daughter, Lindsay is 17 and our son, Chad is 14.We are originally from Southern California but consider ourselves now “locals” since we have lived in Henderson, Nevada for 12 years.
I have over 17 years of experience working with children.I was the substitute teacher for the GVM Preschool in 2007-08.I also was a substitute teacher for the Clark County School District for 3 years.I went to school in Southern California and graduated from college in 1988.
I have attended Green Valley Methodist Church for over 11 years.I love working with children and I feel so blessed to be part of the preschool and the church.
Our wonderful kindergarten teacher is Amy Bodin. Amy has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Taylor University. She taught first grade at the Heritage Christian Academy in Northfield, Illinois for nine years. Amy returned to the classroom in 2007 as a kindergarten teacher with the Clark County School District and began teaching for Green Valley Methodist Preschool & Kindergarten in 2008.
Amy has been married to Jon Bodin for more than 20 years. Jon is a pastor in a local area church. They have three children: Kaitlyn, Connor and Jaron. They have lived in Nevada since 1991.
We are so blessed to have Amy as our kindergarten teacher. She possesses a unique combination of education, experience and strong faith. This, combined with her creativity and love for the students God has entrusted to her, makes our kindergarten class a remarkable and rich learning environment.
Email Rev. Daniel
