Rev. Dr. Samuel (Sam) J. Royappa
Lead Pastor
I was ordained in The Methodist Church in India. Having served with and through The Methodist Church in India for 16 years (1983-1999), I moved into USA to pursue theological education through a doctoral program called “The Beeson International Leadership” at Asbury Theological Seminary, KY. Upon completion, I have been with the Wisconsin Annual Conference, having served two United Methodist Congregations (West Bend: Fifth Avenue UMC and Wausau: Wesley UMC), as a District Superintendent for two districts (Capital and Coulee) and as a Director of Connectional Ministries last four years. I am blessed with my wife (Shanti), a daughter (Shalom), two sons (Shobi and Selwyn), a son-in-law (Nelson) and two granddaughters (Adana and Emma). Sam rides motorcycle. He loves to read books, mostly related to leadership and spiritual formation. His wife and he enjoy watching movies both English and South Indian. He claims to be one of the best Indian Tea/Chai makers. His cooking skills are limited but likes to watch cooking channels, mostly ethnic foods. sroyappa@fumcwa.org
Alyssa Roberts
Co-Director of Music and Creative Worship
Alyssa is an organist, bell choir director, and children's choir director with a degree in music education from UW- Milwaukee. She strives to make meaningful music with people of all ages and skill levels to enhance worship for the glory of God. Alyssa enjoys outdoor activities with her family and playing video games with her three children. fumcwaoffice@fumcwa.org Attn: Alyssa
Raymond Roberts
Co-Director of Music and Creative Worship
Raymond is co-director of music with his wife Alyssa. He directs the Chancel Choir and the Wesley Singers. He holds degrees in Music Education and Educational Leadership from Northwestern University and Cardinal Stritch, respectively. He is so happy to be affiliated with a church family that embraces and celebrates the role of music in worship as a lifelong ministry. He considers his family to be the “best thing that has ever happened to him.” fumcwaoffice@fumcwa.org Attn: Raymond
Eric Kempka
Custodian
Laurie Halvorsen
Visitation and Director of Senior League
Laurie has been in our church since she was 4 years old and has grown to love this church with the people in it. In 2015, she became the Director of Senior Ministries and has enjoyed working and traveling with the seniors in our church. Two years before this Laurie accepted the position of Minister of Visitation. She works with a team who visit our home-bound First Church members. Laurie says, “Both of these appointments have been so rewarding and I have been so blessed to be working on church staff.” lhalvorsen@fumcwa.org
Erica Rauls
Music Assistant
Erica has been involved in our church since she was in Carol Choir and Witte Bells, many many years ago! She has been married to Brian for 14 years and they have two daughters, Claire and Scarlett. Erica is thrilled to have her kids grow up in the same church family and music program that she too loved as a child. Erica helps with VBS (crafts) and this is her first year directing the Chapel Chimes and Park/Witte Bells. fumcwaoffice@fumcwa.org Attn: Erica
Lance Lambert
Church Events Coordinator
Lance came to 1st Church in 1974. His 3 sons grew up in our church and Lance, & his wife Jo-Ann, have been in bell choirs since 1983. He currently serves as Church Events Coordinator. Lance also directs the Celebration Ringers. The music and warmth of our congregation mean a great deal to Lance. He, and his wife, have been active in the church and feel blessed to be a part of the First United Methodist Church family. Lance also enjoys swimming, kayaking, reading and playing with his 3 grandchildren. lambert@fumcwa.org
Michelle Fuller
Administrator
I have been a member of First United Methodist Church since I was born. This has always been my 2nd home and family. I feel blessed to be a part of this amazing staff in the office of FUMC. I am a member of the Chancel Choir and the Asbury Bell Choir. When I am not working at the office or singing or ringing, I enjoy reading and spending time with my biological family and my friends. mfuller@fumcwa.org
Elizabeth Coover
Nursery Director
ecoover@fumcwa.org.