Growth Group Facilitators

Flo Caldwell

  • New Beginnings
Flo Caldwell is a retired engineer and is one of the newer facilitators of New Beginnings. She enjoys small group Bible study because of the interesting discussions sparked by the questions of the participants. She loves learning new things, traveling, and singing in the choir.

Elise Caton

  • Joyful Adulting
Elise

Reverend Adrienne Engel

  • Participating (In) Christ
Adrienne

DAN GREATHOUSE 

  • New Beginnings
  • Wednesday Bible Study
Dan is a retired officer in the US Marine Corps, a veteran Bible study and Sunday School facilitator, a Certified Lay Servant, and apologist wannabe. He and his wife Kay are long time United Methodists. He is currently our Church Council Chairperson. 

Betty & Steve Kee

  • Faith Forum
After years of being educators in many separate arenas, Steve & Betty have come to embrace the fact that working together offers a unique dimension in their Faith Journeys. They have loved exploring, sharing, and learning about The Kingdom together with fellow pilgrims, whether that has been in Kenya, rural North Dakota, Paraguay, or here at First UMC.

REVEREND DOUG KIRK

  • Maranatha
Rev. Doug is a retired United Methodist minister who has served many churches, including First UMC. He’s known for his deep understanding of life, the scriptures, and his lively sense of humor. He and his wife Ricki have been partners in life and ministry for over 50 years. 

Jim Nation

  • New Beginnings
Jim is a retired Professor of Entomology at University of Florida, but still teaches in the undergraduate Honors program on a contract basis because he believes in the subject he teaches and loves working with young people. He and his wife Dorothy have been active members at First UMC for many years. 

Carl Rocap

  • Stepping Stones
Carl is a lifelong Methodist originally from New Jersey who, via Massachusetts then North Carolina, finally moved to Florida. Part of the First UMC choir and various ad hoc guitar groups, he never turns down a chance to sing or lead the occasional childrens’ sermons.  An experienced Sunday School teacher and facilitator of Disciple groups, Carl is a genuine seeker who believes God always loves us and  invites us to ask the hard questions so we can know him better.

Janet Rocap

  • Womens Bible Study
  • Thursday Bible Study
Janet  serves as First UMC’s Director of Adult Discipleship.  A New England native, she and her husband, Carl, have called Gainesville home for 7 years.  Her appreciation of Wesleyan theology, service, and social justice has grown through her years on staff at Genesis UMC in Cary, NC, through study through Duke Divinity School’s Lay Academy, and by the grace of God.  Her passions are history, reading, and spoiling their two dogs and two cats.

Joe Savastano

  • Disciple Bible Study
Joe is relatively new to the First UMC family having found us through online worship services during the pandemic. He is a support engineer for a local software company and a recent participant in the Disciple Bible Study group. He is passionate about helping others grow in Christ as he continues to deepen his own faith.

MARGARET STEPTOE 

  • New Beginnings
Margaret graduated from Maryville College with a degree in Bible and Christian Education. She worked in two churches in the Holston Conference as a Director of Educational ministries.  Her husband brought her to Gainesville, his home town. Margaret worked as the Church Secretary at FUMC for many years. She has volunteered in the  educational ministries teaching all ages from young children to older adults. She also helps lead Bible studies and Mission studies for the United Methodist Women locally and on the District level.