Staff

Rev. Dr. Mark Crist, Pastor

Born and raised in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Pastor Mark has been an ordained elder of the Great Plains United Methodist Church conference since 2007. He is a two-time graduate of Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. His children, Bryce and Caitlan, live in Kearney, Nebraska.

Concordia FUMC is Pastor Mark’s first appointment in Kansas. Previously, he has served Atlanta-Ragan, Sargent-Comstock, Pawnee City-DuBois, Tecumseh-Sterling, Chadron, Wahoo, Plainview-Crawford Valley, and Holdrege, all in Nebraska. His first career was in journalism as a newspaper reporter and editor, and later as a community relations director overseeing volunteers, fundraising, and media relations. He was also a chaplain for a long-term care facility during his second year in parish ministry.

 

Lisa Valcoure, Administrative Assistant

Lisa has been a member of Concordia FUMC since 2018 and had been the Administrative Assistant since September of 2020.

Lisa worked for Mount Joseph Senior Village for 30 years as a CNA, CMA, RA, Activities Director and Social Service Director.   She has been actively involved with the American Legion since 1990, serving on many committees including President (several times) for the Unit and District levels. 
 
Lisa is married to Bill Valcoure.  She has 4 daughters, 2 step sons and 23 grandchildren!
 

 

Angie Gabel-McConkey, Christian Education Director

Angie served as the Christian Education Chairperson for the last several years, but her retirement from teaching allows her the opportunity to serve as the Christian Education Director starting in June of 2023.

Angie recently retired from teaching early childhood special education for the LCNCK cooperative serving young children with special needs in Concordia and several of the surrounding communities.  She had been teaching in some capacity for 36 years!

Twenty years ago, when her children, Ian and Hadrian, were about 7 and 9, they became involved in Sunday School and Children’s Choir at Concordia First United Methodist Church. It soon felt like home, so they all became members. In addition to her two children, she has 2 grandchildren, Rowan and Tamsyn, who are her pride and joy.

As the Christian Education Director, Angie hopes to provide other young families a church home at Concordia First United Methodist Church.

 

Pam Campbell, Organist

Pam Campbell has played the organ for services at Concordia First UMC for over 35 years.  She started at the early service as a student and has played for all types of services ever since.

 

Renata Knox, Choir Director

Renata started directing the choir at Concordia First UMC in the Fall of 2018.  She is also an instrument repair technician at Tom’s Music House, teaches private woodwind lessons at Cloud County Community College, and performs in several community ensembles in the North Central Kansas area.