mweiler[at]umc-kzo.org

jstilger[at]umc-kzo.org

Ruth LaMachia came to Kalamazoo First in September 2012 from Perrow Church in Cross Lanes, West Virginia where she also served as their Church Business Administrator. Before that, she spent 25 years as an administrator and manager in the insurance industry in Connecticut and West Virginia. She is originally from the Chicago area and her father, a former minister, is from Port Huron so she spent much time growing up visiting family in Michigan. Ruth lives in Kalamazoo with her husband Bill and their two dogs. She has two adult children, Elizabeth and Justin, and a granddaughter, Imogen. 

rlamachia[at]umc-kzo.org

jlibrizzi[at]umc-kzo.org

He attended Central Michigan University where he was active in the Wesley Foundation.  After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in international relations, Thom moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to attend Candler School of Theology (Emory University) where he enjoyed interning as a hospital chaplain and exploring the theology of disability.  In addition to his studies, Thom served in music ministries as praise band director, guitarist, and gospel choir member.

Thom joined Kalamazoo First United Methodist Church in 2014 after returned home.  Since 2016 Thom has served in a variety of roles including office assistant, security staff, pastoral care volunteer, tech troubleshooter, and facilitator of the satellite worship services at the Fountains, Heritage Community, and Friendship Village.

In his spare time, Thom enjoys working on computers, playing guitar, photo and video editing, hanging out with his cat sidekick Maggie and serving as a member of the Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity Board of Directors.

Christiane (Chris) joined the staff in November 2021. Originally from New England, Chris is a big Patriots fan! She moved to the Midwest in her early 20s and five states later has made Michigan her home. Chris and her husband Bob live in Plainwell with two dogs and two cats. They have three adult sons spread across the continent and three (so far) grandchildren who are the light of their lives. Chris enjoys traveling (good thing!), biking, hiking, kayaking, gardening, beekeeping, cooking and especially eating! She enjoys most sports and since moving to Michigan has learned how to curl.

Christi first came to First United Methodist church in 2003, drawn by the powerful organ and the evening worship service.  She began volunteering in the church office soon after.  A lifelong Methodist, she began serving churches as a toddler when accompanying her parents to their local church, where they were the custodians.  It was then, while hiding from the vacuum her mother pushed, Christi discovered the peace and calm of the cool sanctuary floor.  She has served churches as a Pianist, Instrumentalist, Organist, Vocalist, Worship Leader, Choir Director, Youth and Adult Handbell Choir Director, Music Director, Worship Coordinator and Music Librarian.  Christi, curious about the mysteries of faith, studied Religion and Music at WMU, earning a Bachelor’s Degree.  She is married to Bill, and they have four children.

Jose became a valued member of our team in 2022, entrusted with the task of narrating the inspiring journey of FUMC Kalamazoo. His role is to spotlight the exceptional ways our congregation collaboratively contributes to enriching the community.

Jose was born and raised in Morelia, Mexico. His thirst for knowledge led him to Kalamazoo, where he pursued his undergraduate degree at Western Michigan University. Jose specialized in Communications and Media Studies, complemented with a minor in International Relations.

After graduation, Jose’s academic journey took him to Madrid, Spain. He earned a Master’s Degree in Communication, further refining his understanding of global communication strategies. He gained invaluable experience interning with the globally renowned football club, Real Madrid C.F., enriching his professional portfolio.

Eventually, he returned to the United States where he tied the knot with his amazing wife, Megan. Today, they continue to be active contributors to the FUMC Kalamazoo community, embodying the spirit of unity and collective effort that our congregation cherishes.

Walt Whitfield has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and is currently pursuing his MBA. He brings with him almost 15 years of non-profit accounting and bookkeeping experience.

He is a devoted husband and father to three biological children: twins aged 20 who attend Michigan State University and a 6-year-old daughter. In addition, he has two stepsons aged 13 and 14.

Despite his children and wife attending or having attended MSU, Walt remains a staunch Michigan Wolverine fan. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, watching sports, and listening to music. He joined this company in the beginning of June and has been thoroughly enjoying his time here.

When Bernie is not at church, he enjoys spending his time gardening, cooking and restoring old houses.  Bernie lives in a Victorian house in Kalamazoo with Teaberry the Cat.

Because her father was a United Methodist pastor, Robin grew up in West Michigan churches, moving roughly every four years.  She’d always wanted to be a nurse, and in 1985, she started a nursing program at Kalamazoo’s Nazareth College, graduating in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

 During her years at Nazareth, she made several close friends and began to be interested in spiritual development.  Because of this, Robin was sometimes asked to pray with patients or their families in the cancer unit where she worked.  As time passed, she realized she also had a special interest in treating dementia patients.

Robin began visiting First Church in 2001 and immediately decided to join the Companions in Christ program because of its focus on spiritual formation.  The program’s emphasis on prayer fit well with Robin’s priorities.  In her work at First Church’s security desk, she often prays with people who come to the church looking for help.

The role of parish nurse was appealing to her since it combined nursing and spirituality.  In 2006 the church made it possible for Robin to attend a parish nurse program at Nazareth College.  She received her certification that summer and began the volunteer position of parish nurse for First Church. 

Since joining the church in 2002, Robin has worked in the office and also as a security person for First Care.  She aims to be a spiritual presence in every setting, whether welcoming the young children who come to the day care program or helping people who phone the church.

He was instrumental in the church’s transition to livestream worship during the Covid pandemic.  Both the congregation and staff are grateful for Casey’s talent and skill in making meaningful online worship possible.