Our Staff
Meet the people who keep everything running smoothly!
The staff here at Community United Methodist Church is comprised of men and women who love, care and pray for every single person in the church. If you have questions for any of our staff, feel free to reach out and email them or call the church office at 801-479-7430 to speak with them or leave a message.
Pastor
Paul Brunner
Hello!
I am excited to be serving as your interim pastor (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024) at Community UMC. I have been in ministry for a while, everything from huge suburban churches to small prairie churches. I have found that I like the small-town life better, but I can work with anyone in any setting.
My wife, Sue and I have been married for 37 years. She is a Registered Nurse and has been working in home health care for the past 25 years. She is currently a clinical manager for a firm out of north Denver and will be living in Akron, Colorado where we plan to retire. We don't have children, just a dog and two cats. We are both originally from Buffalo, NY.
I am a strong leader who brings people together, lays out the options and once the best course is chosen, delegates and directs.
I love to preach, it is the highlight of my week. I also enjoy teaching on a wide variety of subjects. I like to read, mostly history. I might even be funny once in a while.
I try very hard to model balance and wholeness in my life and ministry.
I get along with people of all ages and I know first hand the power of God's grace. I have also learned to trust where God is leading, even if it isn't easy.
I look forward to getting to know each other better in the year ahead.
office manager
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Treasurer
Hi! I am Valerie Ward. I am the church treasurer. I am the one who pays the bills and keeps the financial records up to date. My husband Larry and I moved to Layton in 2008 after he retired from 23 years in the Air Force. He now works at the IHC Layton hospital. I transferred to the 36th street office of H&R Block, where I continue to work part time. We started attending CUMC in the spring of 2017 and I started as the office manager that summer. We have three children and one grandchild who live in the Salt Lake Valley.
Children's and Youth director
Mattie Pennington
With a background of children's ministry and fairly new to Utah, I am excited to be apart of CUMC! My goal is to foster a an environment where kids and youth can make friendships that will strengthen their relationship with God.
Reach me at childrenandyouth@community-umc.net
choir director / Organist
Carla Hupp
I have been involved in CUMC music since 1973. During those years, I've been organist, accompanist, choir member, and now I'm co-directing the choir with Pat McKay. I have loved every minute of it!
Choir director / Keyboard
Pat McKay
Music has always been a part of my life. I enjoyed listening to my dad sing and direct many choirs as a young person. I played piano, organ, flute, clarinet and took voice lessons. I minored in music in college. I directed the chancel choir at Clearfield Community Church for 30 years. Directing is my first love.
handbell choir director
Music has been an important part of my life since I was 7 years old, but it wasn't until I was 30 years old that I first heard handbells being rung in a church worship service. I immediately fell in love with the beautiful sounds that the shiny bells made! That was the beginning of my "career" as a handbell ringer and director. I am so grateful for the opportunity CUMC has given me to teach the art of ringing to children, youth and adults. Together, we ring our praises to God!
Praise Band coordinator
Jake Pannell
