First United Methodist Church

I am very excited about coming to Carroll as our new pastor in July.  My wife, Robyn, and I are both graduates of Westmar College and entered the ministry together.  We have served as partners in ministry for all of our 35 married years. Our oldest child is Amber and she has blessed us with our only grandchild, Noah. We anticipate they will be joining us in Carroll. Our son, Richie, lives in a group home in Waterloo with several other disabled adults and works as a lunch assistant.

 In addition to the churches I have served, I took some time away to become a journeyman carpenter and spent three years as a youth pastor. In the church I love preaching, teaching (especially confirmation class), visiting, and serving with my hands (especially mission trips). I am also finishing the two-year Academy for Spiritual Formation. I am coming to you after 11 great years at the Reinbeck UMC.

Outside of church, when I have time, I enjoy little fishing (I’m probably the worst fisherman you've ever known but enjoy time on the water in my little johnboat), model railroading, 

traveling, and spending time with Noah. (You're going to find out eventually, so I might as well confess now, I find Minecraft “creative mode” very relaxing.) Robyn is saying goodbye to the Plainfield UMC and she will be the new pastor at the Panora UMC.  

Suzi Olberding [suziolberding@msn.com] holds a degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from the University of Northern Iowa.  She has also attend Academy for Christian Educators, is very involved with the Iowa Christain Education fellowship, and is currently attending School for Lay Ministry. Along with husband Dave, and their three kids, their family makes Carroll FUMC their home.  You can find Suzi interacting with the young people of FUMC through after school activities, programs like VBS or UM Kids, or continuing to provide educational leadership.  She might even be out and about planning/purchasing/training for the next big event.  Her love of Christ's children is evident in all she does for Carroll FUMC's young people.  Contact her at ext. 203

Education Ministries

• Sunday School, for all ages [Sept-May]
• Vacation Bible School [July]
• Children Ministries  (UM Kids, Mini Methodist, SS)
• Adult Ministry Events

Jason and his family are an active part of our First United Methodist Church through a number of roles.  Assisting with our youth ministry programs for many years, on July 2011, he joined the paid staff as the Youth Ministry Coordinator for our Jr. and Sr. High youth programs.  Jason has a passion for ministry and missions...  prayers for our youth and their families are appreciated.

Youth Groups:  

Visit our youth page for details

My name is Sherri Hoaglund, I am the administrative assistant. Let me share a little bit about me with you.

I'm a graduate of Bedford High School and have a BS in accounting from Buena Vista University. My employment included HyVee in Creston and Carroll, East Union School in Afton, Iowa, Carroll Community Schools and New Hope Bargain Shoppe. I also volunteered at New Hope Bargain Shoppe before becoming employed there, and currently volunteer for Kindred Hospice.

During my free time I enjoy spending time with family, reading, exercising and doing puzzles. My family consists of my husband, Gregg, and our two sons Jonathan currently attending Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN and Zac currently employed by Offutt Air Fore Base in Omaha, NE. We were member of this congregation from 1992-1994 and current member since 2001.

Ellen provides organ music for our Saturday and Sunday Worship services.  Director of the Carroll FUMC Bell Choir, open to youth and adults.

Bell Choir 7:00 PM Wednesday rehearsals (Sept-May)

• Perform at worship once a month, or as scheduled
• Share God's words through music, no prior experience necessary

Long time resident of Carroll along with her husband Mike.  When not out RV-ing, Nancy provides organ music for our Saturday and Sunday Worship services.

Along with her husband Kevin & their kids, the Caltrider family has been keeping Carroll FUMC clean for years.  Express your appreciation, to her and her family, for our clean facilities.