Staff | First United Methodi

MEET OUR STAFF

The people who help lead, support, and care for our church community.

Rev. Dr. Michelle White
Sr. Pastor

Rev. Dr. Michelle White is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. She has a Masters degree from Asbury Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry through Wesley Theological Seminary in partnership with Wesley House Cambridge University UK. Her doctoral work focused on Emotional Intelligence as Discipleship.

Michelle is passionate about helping people grow in their faith in real, everyday ways. Her ministry focuses on developing self-awareness, strengthening relationships, and equipping people to use their gifts to serve others.

She values curiosity, growth, and authentic connection--both within the church and in the broader community.

Cindy Spade,
Office Manager

Cindy Spade has served as Office Manager at First United Methodist Church since January 2024. She oversees many administrative tasks, including preparing Sunday bulletins and the monthly newsletter, recording contributions and attendance, ordering supplies, and creating digital announcements and slides. Her favorite part of the role is designing slides, where she can use her creativity to support the church’s communication.

Cindy has been part of the church since 2002 and has been active in many ministries, including mission trips, United Women in Faith, bazaars, Second Sunday luncheons, and Bible study.

Known for her organization and welcoming spirit, Cindy enjoys helping others feel at home. Outside of church, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family. She is guided by 1 Peter 3:13–14, which reminds her to always be eager to do good.

Dana Ash
Pianist/Organist

Dana Ash serves as the pianist and organist at First United Methodist Church. She helps select music for worship and rehearses regularly with singers and musicians, bringing both excellence and joy to the church’s music ministry.

A retired music teacher from New Castle Community Schools, Dana has impacted generations of students—many of whom now serve as principals and leaders in the community. She continues to share her gifts by playing once a month for the church’s Free Community Meals.

Known for her joyful spirit, Dana is truly joy personified. She loves spending time with her grandchildren and has a special fondness for The Peanuts—especially Snoopy.

Sean Shelton,
Environmental Services

Sean Shelton serves as the part-time custodian at First United Methodist Church, where he helps maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for worship, fellowship, and community activities.

He is a proud father of four—Kherington, Jaxon, Haeven, and Aria—and is engaged to Courtney Gilliam. In addition to his role at the church, Sean works full-time at Draper, Inc. as a Quality Assurance Technician, specializing in Continuous Improvement and LEAN Manufacturing.

Outside of work, Sean enjoys cheering on his children at their sporting events, spending time with family, swimming during the summer, and trail riding in his Jeep.