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Dave Blystone, Pastor Although I was raised in a Christian home, I did not come to faith in Christ until I was 25. At that time, I was an engineer at Cummins in Columbus. A few years later, God called me to pastoral ministry, so I became a ‘recovering engineer.’ I served a number of other churches in southern Indiana before being appointed to Asbury in the summer of 2011. My passion is helping people take the next step in their spiritual journey with Jesus Christ. I enjoy photography, bluegill fishing, mission trips, most technical things, and hiking with my wife, Karen. I also enjoy spending time in Israel, seeing and learning more about the Holy Land. I have had the privilege of traveling to Israel 5 times, the most recent in March of 2018. I met my wife, Karen, when I coached her women’s slow pitch softball team. I knew she was special at that very first practice. It took her a little longer to discover how special (not the word everyone uses!) I am. We have three children, Christopher (married to Molly), Erin (married to David), and Nate. We also have four granddaughters: Zoey, Hannah, MacKenzie, and Ruby. As a family, we enjoy vacationing together at the beach at Topsail Island, NC. Favorite Food: One of my rules is, “Never pass up a reuben.” |
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Heidi Warren, Children and Family Ministry Director God has blessed me so much with a heart for ministering to children! My husband Mark, son Caleb and I have been attending Asbury since we moved here from Lexington, Kentucky in 2011. Mark and I have served in our Sunday morning children’s worship program, JAM (Jesus and Me) as volunteers since 2013. I am so humbled and blessed to serve our Lord through the Children’s Ministry at Asbury. God is so good! Our family loves playing board games. Our current favorites are Rummikub, Monopoly Deal and Clue. I enjoy exercising, especially running and kickboxing. We are all readers and like to spend quiet time with a good book. Favorite Food: Guacamole and chocolate (but not together!) |
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Tyler Lawrence, Worship Leader I was raised in a loving Christian home. I accepted Christ after hearing the gospel presented in a way that made sense to me. At that church they had a high priority on the rules of Christianity but, not on the importance of a relationship with Christ and others. So I spent much of my school years feeling like I was one person at church but another in school. It wasn’t until God put music in my life that I felt put together. And after serving with my best friend as co-worship leaders for our youth group I have never looked back! I’ve served in many capacities related to worship and youth in different churches in central Ohio. But, I am very excited to be here at Asbury and to get to know you better. My passion is to help others grow in their relationship with God, and to live a lifestyle of worship. I met my wife Kaitlyn in the 2nd grade and we remained friends until after I graduated. We dated for a year and were engaged for a year before we were married. We currently have two kids: Joretta June (4) and Alistair John (1). Favorite Food: Quesadillas (any kind, with any salsa to dip) |
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Kit Akins, Children’s Morning Out Director I was first introduced to both Asbury United Methodist Church and Children’s Morning Out (CMO) as a parent. My younger children attended the program while I volunteered in my older daughter’s classroom. I loved the program so much that our family soon joined the church. I served on the CMO Board of Directors for several years before taking on the role as director. My husband, Mark, and I have three children – Whitney, Kaydee, and Max. We also have a sweet granddaughter, Oaklyn Danielle. We live in Columbus and enjoy spending time with our family, going to the movies, hiking, and traveling. Favorite Food: Popcorn |
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Jennifer O’Connell, Administrative Secretary My Journey with Asbury began in the summer of 2002, and I have the privilege to serve as the Administrative Secretary. I came to know Jesus as my personal savior on Easter Sunday, April 6, 1980. Wow! What a difference Jesus has made in my life. It is my joy to serve Him thru Asbury and in this beautiful community. I am married and have two adult children and our hometown is in Columbus. I love to read, fish, and spend time with my family! My favorite season is summer (I love warm weather!) I am a breast cancer survivor and I give Jesus all praise!! Favorite Food: Pizza |
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Ed Bruenjes, Organist I was born on a farm in Kansas, but grew up in St. Louis, MO. I moved to Indiana in 1972 to attend Indiana University School of Music and major in organ. I’ve been a resident of Indiana ever since. I became the organist at Asbury in 1973 and also have responsibilities accompanying the choir and directing the handbell choir. I have 2 daughters: Erica and her husband, David, live in Colorado. Krista and her husband, Dave, lives in Michigan. Favorite Food: Ice cream |
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Shawn Wadell, Financial Bookkeeper My husband, two children and I moved from New York to Columbus over fifteen years ago. I still miss the many NY hills and lakes, but love the beautiful Indiana sunsets and the Mill Race Park river walk. I have worked and volunteered with a variety of non-profit organizations, and joined the AUMC staff in 2008 as the financial bookkeeper. Visiting with family and friends, traveling with my husband, researching family history (and walking our two dogs) are how I like to spend most of my non-work hours in life. Favorite Food: Blackcaps |