Travis Hopper - Senior Pastor

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Rev. Dr Travis Hopper was born and raised in Perry, OK.  He graduated in 1991 from Oklahoma City University.  He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Southern Methodist University and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Drew University.  He and his wife Kelli have two children Connor and Pearce.  Pastor Travis has participated and led Volunteers in Mission Teams to Rio Bravo, Mexico; Butlertown, Jamaica; Chodiez, Poland; Vancleave, Mississippi; and Greensburg, Kansas.  Pastor Travis loves a good cup of coffee and the privilege of being the pastor of First UMC, Blanchard.

Greg Ray - Asst. Pastor & C. E. Director

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Greg currently serves as the Assistant Pastor and Christian Education Director.  He and his family have been members at the Church since 2001.  Greg was born in Dallas, Texas and spent 20 years in the United States Air Force as a pilot before beginning a second career in the ministry.  He currently works part time as a Physical Education Teacher in the Blanchard Public School system.

He and his wife Linda have three children:  Zachary, Alexandra and Jacqueline.

Jeanne grew up in Oklahoma City and graduated from Putnam City North High School. She has a Bachelor of Music Education from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Oklahoma. Jeanne has had a great deal of success building choir programs throughout Kansas and Oklahoma. She is currently the choir director at Alcott Middle School in Norman, OK. She has worked previously in music ministry as the children’s music director at First Presbyterian Church in Norman, OK and the youth music director at New Covenant Christian Church in Oklahoma City, OK. Jeanne has assisted in worship in several denominations throughout Kansas and Oklahoma and is very excited for the opportunity to serve at First United Methodist Church here in Blanchard.

Justin Conkling - Pianist and Organist

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Justin was born and raised in Wasilla and Kenai, Alaska. He was trained early as a Classical Pianist, Chorister, and Soloist. At age 17 he made his first appearance in Europe, touring Italy’s great cathedrals under the baton of Ms. Renee Henderson. He relocated to Oklahoma with his parents and siblings in 1996 for the cause of his Parents’ ministry in the Church of God (Cleveland,TN). He graduated from Moore High School in 1997 and then began his Collegiate Music Studies at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma under the leadership of Charles (Skip) Klingman-Voice, Charles Chapman-Choral and the late Jim Breckenridge-Piano to name a few. Justin completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Sacred Music and another in Vocal Performance, and later finished his Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from said University. Between his degree programs he studied abroad in Bordeaux, France; completed an internship as a young adult artist for Tulsa Operas production of Faust, was a featured soloist for a premier of a Mass with Canterbury Choral Society amongst other notable solo and collaborative performances. Justin has worked as music director for Weatherford’s Federated Church and Wesley Foundation, and Del City’s Ascension Lutheran Church. For the last year and a half Justin worked as a freelance accompanist and vocal coach at the University of Oklahoma and the surrounding area. Along with his service to Blanchard First United Methodist Justin is pursuing another passion by serving as the baker at The Healthy Hearth, the new Oklahoma Cancer Center restaurant

Justin comes from a Pentecostal heritage, is a confirmed Episcopalian, and strongly believes in the unity of the Church as a whole. He loves to work cross denominationally and strives to respect the doctrinal and traditional values of the congregations he works with and for. Justin has spent the last few years discerning monastic vocation through living in Christian communities and visiting monasteries in the Episcopal and Roman Catholic faiths. He has decided to remain in society and found Blanchard First United Methodist Church as his calling for ministry.

Sheila Koons - Secretary

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Working hours are:  9 am to 3 pm Monday through Thursday, and 9 am to noon on Friday.

Angela Blansett - Mother's Day Out Director

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Angela Blansett is our Jesus Lambs' Mother's Day Out Director.  Angela and her family have lived in Blanchard for 10 years with her husband Steven and daughter Amelia.  Angela was a Mother's Day Out Teacher for 3 years, and this is her third year as Director.

(For more information about this ministry, please go to the Home Page and click on the "Info" tab and look for "Jesus Lambs' MDOt."  You will find enrollment forms, a calendar and lunch menu)

Dylan Nagode and Kaley Everson - Nursery Leaders

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Dylan Nagode - Dylan is a senior Music Education major at USAO.  He enjoys working with children of all ages.  He plans on teaching after graduation and to use his gift of playing the guitar in some form of service to the Kingdom.  Dylan hopes to inspire children and youth to use their talents in a positive way.  He has a loving spouse, Rebecca and beautiful daughter, Frances. 

Kaley Everson - Kaley is currently a senior at Blanchard High School.  Kaley wanted to become more active at First United Methodist Church and felt lead to serve in the nursery.  Kaley greatly enjoys helping children in their desire to expand their knowledge about God and assisting her church in a positive manner.

Neal started at 1st UMC in 2012.  He was born in Oklahoma City, OK and resides in Blanchard.  Neal enjoys fishing and the outdoors.  He has been married for 34 years to Patty.  Neal and Patty have 3 children.