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Beth is originally from St. Charles and feels called by God to counsel and minister to youth. She attended college in Springfield, MO and volunteered as a Youth Ministry leader at King’s Way UMC. For six months, Beth had the opportunity to provide interim leadership to their middle-school program during a season of transition. After receiving degrees in Religious Studies and Psychology, Beth and her husband, Kurt, traveled to Texas where she earned a Master’s in Counseling from Texas A&M – Commerce. While in Texas, Beth joined Como UMC and launched their Youth Ministry.

Upon returning to St. Louis in 2010, Beth agreed to serve as the interim Director of Youth Ministries at Manchester UMC. Later, Beth had the opportunity to serve as the Coordinator of Children’s Ministries at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church. In 2012, Beth and Kurt welcomed Ray (a 17-year-old in need of new place to live) into their lives. In 2013, Beth began providing professional therapy to adolescents and families recovering from self-injury and other related mental-health disorders.

In December of 2015, Beth and Kurt joyfully welcomed their daughter Melody and later celebrated her baptism at Manchester UMC. In Nov. 2017, Beth agreed to serve as the interim Director of Youth Ministries again at Manchester UMC. In May 2018, Beth was named the full-time Director.  In addition to her position at Manchester UMC, Beth also provides counseling therapy in private practice.

Other
Staff

Janis Thompson

I was directed to Manchester UMC in September 2019 and became a member shortly thereafter.  I soon joined the Welcome Team, packed bags for Food 4 Kids, joined MO-Hab in support of Habitat for Humanity, enrolled in classes and Making Disciples bible study, and Disciple Bible Study classes.  I am

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Rev. Dr. Mary Beth Hartenstein

Rev. Dr. Mary Beth Hartenstein is the Pastor of Justice and Compassion at Manchester UMC. She is responsible for developing, organizing, and managing the Congregational Care Ministry of Manchester UMC in collaboration with key stakeholders. She also supports the congregation and community through her presence, prayers, and coordination of resources.

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Will Koehl

Will Koehl, Director of Communications and Marketing at Manchester UMC, leads the Communications team and oversees the church’s communication strategy, public relations, and marketing efforts. Will earned his Master’s Degree in Marketing from Webster University and holds an undergraduate degree from Cal State Northridge. Alongside his wife Kristi and their

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