Meet The Staff
Rev. Rachel Stockle
Senior Pastor
I am a lifelong United Methodist with 31 years ministry experience, serving in a variety of congregational settings, from small towns and open country churches to urban centers. I have loved each one!
What a joy to love what I do and do what I love! Even this far into ministry, I still have days I can’t believe God called ME to this great task of ordained ministry.
It startles me when I tell someone how many years I have been an ordained minister. I’m still learning everyday what God has called me to and how to live that out. Partially because ministry is a moving target (my seminary did not offer a class in pandemic) and partly because the task is so large, every day is different, and every day is an opportunity to follow where the Holy Spirit leads!
I grew up in Colfax, Illinois, where one sister still lives with her family. My other sister currently lives with me in Loda. (At this time, there is no plan for her to move with me to Quincy.) Our parents are deceased, but we do have a large extended family mostly in central Illinois.
I have recently completed a Two Academy for Spiritual Formation, a program of the Upper Room. This program, based in the contemplative tradition, offers both learning and refreshment for the soul. Ask me about the Academy! I’d love to share that story!
There is much more to tell. I can’t wait to tell you about my faith journey and call to ministry, about how a bunch of clowns invited me back to the church (I’ve even clowned at VSUMC!), and about how God continues to surprise me everyday with great blessings and opportunities!
I’m so looking forward to our ministry together!
Rev. Kathy Crozier
Associate Pastor for Children & Youth
Rob Hernandez
Youth Minister & A/V Tech Coordinator
Sara Bange
Preschool Director
Sara Bange has been with the preschool since September 2014. She has an education degree from Culver-Stockton College and is currently a teacher in the 4 year old classroom. Sara is a Quincy native and is married to Steve. They have a son and daughter, ages 12 and 9.
Dr. Ann Behrens
Organist & Music Coordinator
Ann has been part of the staff since September 2013 when she came as organist, and then later added the Chancel Choir duties. But she’s been a member of VSUMC since she was three, so through the years she also served as the Wesley Choir director (Jr. and Sr. High youth) and also filled in for a year or so as Chancel Choir director when a previous director left right before Christmas. Ann is the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Quincy University. She basically works with the faculty to create new academic programs, create/refine existing programs, hire new faculty, and help coordinate assessment of student learning.
Al Jones
Custodian
Al Jones has been the custodian at VSUMC for over 35 years! He is married to Debby, and their daughter is Janell. His interests include square dancing. He would like the congregation to know that he appreciates the cooperation of this congregation in taking care of our facility, and it’s a pleasure to work here. He thinks we are nice people, and he appreciates that we’ve treated him and his family right over the years.
Jean Murray
Hand Bell Choir Director
Jean is the director of the Handbell Choir. The choir meets throughout the school year and adds an instrumental anthem as part of the worship church service. The choir also enjoys sharing their music around Quincy and have been to several of the nursing homes in the area. Jean has a degree in music education and has recently retired from teaching music in the Quincy Public Schools. She loves to play the clarinet and you would see her in the Quincy Concert Band, the Quincy Community Theater pit orchestra, the Quincy Park Band, and other community music groups. Jean also likes to sing and play the guitar. She has been a lifelong member of Vermont Street UMC and considers the church her extended family.
Misty Cramsey
Communications & Administrative Assistant
Misty is the Communications/Administrative Assistant. She has been married to Jason for over 20 years and has 2 girls. Misty is a former Administrative Assistant at St. Francis Church, and has been an active parishioner at St. Francis church and volunteer at the school. Misty holds a degree in Office Technology. She brings a background of office organization, customer service, and event planning. Misty enjoys visiting and getting to know the members here.
