FIRST UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH
Meet
Our
Team
Our Pastors
Rev. Victor
Long
I Lead Pastor I
Victor Long was appointed as the pastor of the First United Methodist Church in July of 2010.
Ordained an Elder in the former Southern Illinois Conference in 1991, he holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from McKendree College (now University); a Master of Divinity degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University; and a Doctor of Ministry from the Graduate Theological Foundation.
A Benedictine Oblate of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, his Doctor of Ministry project focused on introducing Benedictine spirituality into United Methodist congregations. The project was titled, “Benedict Meets Mayberry.”
Victor has previously served United Methodist congregations in Marion, Carrier Mills, Centralia, and Metropolis. In the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, he presently serves as chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois.
He is married to Jennifer, who works as a school nurse in the Head Start program at District 80 schools, and they have four adult children. He is a member of the Mount Vernon Noon Rotary Club and the Sons of the American Revolution.
Victor loves genealogy, collecting interesting things (e.g., autographs, pink flamingos), Bowen Family Systems Theory, and, as a displaced Texan, Mexican food.
Rev. Gina
Ellis
I Licensed Local Pastor I
Rev. Alan
and Connie
Rhein
Our Parish Visitors, Rev. Alan Rhein and Connie Rhein, serve the congregation by ministering to those who are ill, in the hospital, homebound, or otherwise in need. They keep in contact with members and assist in home and hospital visits, as well as meeting and greeting newcomers to our Church, and helping where needed with events and bereavement ministry. Connie is a native of Carrier Mills and Alan is a native of Carmi.
Connie retired from being a Special Education teacher, graduating with a degree from Murray State University. Alan is a graduate with a B.A. from McKendree University, a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.
The Rheins joined the FUMC staff January, 2025.
They have four children, ten grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
I Parish Visitor Team I
Our Support Staff
Sarah
Lee
I Administrative Assistant I
Sarah joined the FUMC staff in November 2021. As Administrative Assistant, she manages the office on weekdays, answering the phone, coordinating church meetings and projects, scheduling, receipts, and
other daily issues that arise. She also prepares and publishes weekly bulletin inserts, monthly
newsletters, and other publications to assist in worship and other tasks as assigned by the pastor.
Sarah is a lifelong resident of Mt Vernon. She has one son, Hank Lee, who also resides in Mt Vernon. She is a horticulturist and an Illinois Master Naturalist. She is part of Chancel Choir and First Ringers Handbell Choir.
Parker
Reynolds
I Student Ministries Director I
Parker Reynolds serves at Student Ministries Director, and has been part of the FUMC staff since July 2025. He leads the Junior and Senior High Youth Groups, and also serves as a photographer for Church events. Parker assists in children's activities as well as youth and young adult groups.
Sonshine School & Nursery
Becky
Burton
I Sonshine School Teacher I
Our Sonshine School preschool teacher is Becky Burton. Becky joined the staff in 2025 and loves working with the youngsters. Sonshine School meets Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings during the regular school year, and is open to children who are potty trained, from 3 years up to pre-K. The focus of Sonshine School is helping the children learn basic skills that they will need for kindergarten--letters, numbers, and learning to work together as friends and classmates.
autumn
long
I Nursery Director I
Autumn Long is our Nursery Director. Along with her staff of helpers, the Nursery looks after the younger children while church services and special events are going on at the Church.
Our Musicians
John
McGhee
I Choir & Handbell Director I
John McGhee directs the Chancel Choir and First Ringers Handbell Choir, which bring music to the traditional Sunday worship services by way of the anthem and other gifts of music. In addition, John plans an annual Easter and Christmas choir cantata, bringing in a guest string ensemble for these very special programs.
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Kathy
Just
| Special Music Director I
Kathy Just has served as Special Music Director since joining the FUMC staff in 2013. She provides organ and piano music for the traditional Sunday worship services. She also organizes special music which includes vocal and instrumental soloists, ensembles, and children's chorus through "First KidsConnexion." ​
Kathy has been organist and director of music for many different denominations. She has a B.S. in Music from University of Texas, and she completed graduate study at University of Iowa in organ performance, liturgics, children and youth music, choral music, and handbells. She teaches piano, organ, and vocals.
Michael
hicks
I Praise Band Leader I
Michael Hicks leads the praise band for our Modern Worship Service with Joyful Noise. He plays guitar in the band alongside a talented group of musicians who are fun and easy to get along with, making his job very enjoyable.