Pastor: Gary Pope-Sears

Gary served four churches prior to arriving in Fallon in July of 1996. having grown up in a small community like Fallon, he loves the atmosphere and the interplay of people in Churchill County.

Along with leading worship and preaching, Gary is also a regular teacher in adult classes - both short- and long-term. He enjoys the opportunities these give him to better know people in the growing Epworth family.

Gary is also very active in music. He plays guitar and sings in the Praise Team and lends his voice to the adult choir as well.

Beyond Epworth, Gary is very active in the local Optimist Club and can be found running on the roadways around town. He is married to Sybella and has two sons, Isaac and Eli.

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Erica Stritenberger - Office Staff

Erica is a mother of 3 beautiful children and blessed to have a wonderful husband at her side. She grew up in the Reno area and has lived in Fallon for 6 years now.

Her hobbies include crafts, gardening, cooking/baking, activities with her children and camping.

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Linda Brown - Office Staff

In helping to keep our church finances organized, Linda hopes to make it easier for Epworth UMC to spread the message of God's saving grace as offered through Jesus Christ.

She has been the Treasurer since January 1998. She is in the office daily 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. to answer any of your financial questions.

Linda has been married 20+ years to husband James. She has two children of school age. Her joys are found in writing and visiting with friends and family.

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Sybella Pope-Sears, Music Director

Sybella has used her talents to expand the music program since she arrived in July of 1996. Epworth now boasts two vocal choirs which perform regularly during worship and at special events. In addition to directing, Sybella also plays keyboard for the Praise Team.

Sybella is a third grade teacher and has been a music teacher as well as a private music instructor. Her abilities to teach music to all ages has helped make Epworth a very musical church.

Along with being the wife of Epworth's pastor, Sybella is the mother of two boys: Isaac and Elisha. She tries to keep time in her schedule to commune with God in her garden. She also enjoys bicycling around town when the wind isn't too fierce.

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Jennifer Simmons - Child Care Provider

Jennifer Simmons is 23 years old and has lived in Fallon for eight years and loves it here. Jennifer lives with her grandmother, brother and fiance. and she loves children.

In her spare time Jennifer loves to write and read poetry. She has written a poem called "How Much I Love You" which has been published in a poem book.

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John McGarity- Youth Group Leader

John helps lead the youth of our church. . He is full of energy and ideas of how to lead our youth to a closer relationship with Christ.

John is active in our church in other areas. He helps out with our sound system on Sunday mornings and at special events. John is a member of ourEmmaus Community. He is always willing to help out where ever he is needed.

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Margot Mills - Organist and Pianist

Margot has served as organist and pianist for the Epworth United Methodist Church for over 25 years. She has had opportunities to play for the church choir, children's Sunday School classes, soloists and groups. She also plays for weddings and funerals, as well as other celebrations. Margot considers it a pleasure to be able to make music and to play with other talented instrumentalists and vocalists.

Margot is married to Roger and they have three children and 12 grandchildren. Margot enjoys making music, reading, doing puzzles, walking and driving the tractor.

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