A life-long Missourian, Emily grew up in a small town in the middle of the state, where music and faith were fundamental to her development. As a daughter of an organist, she spent many hours at church and has participated in music ministry for most of her life. Emily sang her first church solo, “Away in a Manger” at age three and began playing the piano as soon as she could sit on the bench.  Her theatre debut was “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” when she was in first grade.

Emily continued her love for the performing arts while studying music education at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She has since been a choir director at Parkway North High School, Webster University, and the St. Louis Children’s Choirs. She has directed musical theater productions and camps at organizations in Columbia and St. Louis. Throughout her career, Emily has had the opportunity to serve several Methodist churches as music director and pianist.

Emily has professional experience working with all ages, from birth through adulthood. She believes in the uniting force of the performing arts and it is her goal to share her love of music and faith with everyone she serves. Emily lives in the Creve Coeur area with her husband, three daughters, and their cat, Bella.

Other
Staff

Debbie Irving

Debbie Irving is thrilled to co-lead Adult Faith Formation at MUMC alongside Becky Strickland. She is a passionate advocate for Spiritual growth and has a Master of Divinity Degree from Eden Theological Seminary. Debbie has dedicated more than 16 years of her life to faith formation and program ministries at United

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Austin Shariff

Austin Shariff is Manchester UMC’s new Director of Modern Worship Arts! Austin served as both the Modern Worship Leader and Youth Ministry Director at Dardenne Prairie Presbyterian Church, as well as a member of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s IN UNISON Chorus.

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Kurtis Heinrich

I was named the Director, Cantate Youth Choir in August 2019 after having attended Manchester UMC, and singing in Chancel Choir, for about four years. Outside of Manchester, I teach 6-8 grade choir at Pattonville Heights Middle School in the Pattonville School District. I have be teaching middle and high

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Weather Update- January 24, 2026

Due to Weather Conditions, Manchester UMC will not be conducting services this weekend. 

All services have been canceled. 

 

Watch Snow Special Service Here.