Staff

Rev. Shelly McNaughton-Lawrence, Senior Pastor

Shelly joined the staff of Aldersgate in July 2006. She has a deep passion for sharing the love and compassion of the Christian life with people from all walks of life. Shelly grew up attending the Shawnee United Methodist Church in Shawnee, KS, and has been active in all areas of ministry since her youth. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Radio-Television Journalism from Kansas State University and received her Masters of Divinity from the Iliff School of Theology. Shelly has served churches all over the United States, including California, Florida, Iowa and throughout Kansas. She received the Denman Evangelism Award in 2000. Shelly and her husband Eric have two children, Sarah and Sean.

Cameron Miller, Associate Pastor and Young Adult Ministries Coordinator

Cameron and his new wife Karissa are joining us from Springfield, NE. He is a recent graduate from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a Bachler of Arts in Music and a minor in Business Administration.
In the fall, he will begin seminary at Saint Paul School of Theology, where he will be pursing a Master of Divinity.

Kayla Houck, Children’s Faith Formation Director

Kayla is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University with a bachelor of science in psychology and education. She is currently in the master’s of divinity program at Saint Paul School of Theology. Kayla brings a great deal of experience in early childhood education and in church education to her position at Aldersgate. She is bilingual in Spanish, and has a passion for helping children to know Christ and to grow in their faith.

Becky Waters, Worship Arts Director
Becky

Becky comes to us with a lifetime of church music experience. She is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music education. Becky also served as the worship pianist for Baker University for many years.

Emily Powers, Director of Student Ministries

My name is Emily and I’m excited to be joining your community as the new Director of Student Ministries! I grew up in the Kansas City area and studied English, History, and Psychology at Northwest Missouri State. The last four years found me on the East Coast as a volunteer for the Presbyterian Church (DC & NY), and then a Director of Youth Ministries in Potomac, MD.

I have a passion for learning and mission! I think it is incredibly important to equip young people with the tools to connect, explore, learn, and serve; so they can create beautiful and colorful communities together!

When I’m not working, you can find me exploring KC! I love to find new coffee shops and explore trails. On the weekends I love to hang out with family and friends, whether that’s grilling out, hanging at the pool, biking, or watching romantic comedies.

Laura Peden, Worship Pianist

Laura joined Aldersgate in August 2016 as the Worship Pianist. She has given private piano lessons to children and adults since 1990, and has been the accompanist for several church choirs and several Florida high school music festivals. She also has provided music direction in numerous musical theater productions. Laura is excited to share her musical talent in Aldersgate worship services.

Cyndi Mawhiney, Preschool Director
Cyndi has worked in the early childhood field for more than 20 years. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Kansas State University. Cyndi then served for two years as Director of First United Methodist Church of Topeka’s Day Care, 11 years as a home day care provider, and seven years as Director of the Early Childhood Center at Ellisville United Methodist Church. Cyndi joined the Aldersgate Preschool staff as director in April 2001. With a strong commitment to children and a constant involvement in children’s programs and ministries as both a volunteer and professional, Cyndi emphasizes the importance of providing a safe, nurturing and stimulating experience for all children.

Rebekah Weiler, Office Administrator

Rebekah is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a bachelor of liberal arts in Linguistics, Global and International Studies, and Spanish. She is currently working on her Masters of Science in Education- TESOL. She has language background in Spanish, ASL, and German. On weekends, she teaches English to Congolese refugees in North Kansas City. She has five amazing kids: Jayden, Autumn, Zain, Amelia, and James. She is the daughter of Meg and Bob Maffitt, former UMC pastor and pastor’s wife super-duo who are actively involved in Aldersgate.

Larry Welch, Treasurer
coming soon…

Shellie Wedman, Media Coordinator

Shellie is a graduate of Emporia State University with a bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. Her family has been members of Aldersgate United Methodist church for over 10 years.

Carol Handshy, Bookkeeping Clerk
Carol has been a member of Aldersgate since 1986. Carol has served as a church volunteer by teaching children and adult Sunday School classes, helping with Vacation Bible School, playing in the Bells Angels and singing in the choir. She is pleased to be serving God by assisting with Aldersgate’s financial and bookkeeping needs. Carol and her husband Howard have two children, Terry and Amanda, and two grandsons.

Julie France, Child Care Director
Julie has been a member of Aldersgate since 2002 and volunteers to help with lots of activities that impact children and youth. She joined the Aldersgate staff as Child Care Director in 2012. Julie enjoys caring for young children and guiding her care workers in ways to help children feel at home at Aldersgate. Julie and her husband Erik have two sons and one daughter.

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