St. Paul UMC Church Staff
	Reverend John Fleming, Senior Pastor jfleming27@sbcglobal.net Let me take this chance to introduce myself to you. I am John Fleming and I have been the pastor at St. Paul United Methodist Church since 2002. I grew up in Jackson, Tennessee and graduated both from Jackson-Central Merry High School and Lambuth College. While at Lambuth, I met Susie Simpkins. We have been married since July of 1993. We have two girls. Annie Grace was born in May of 2001 and Julie Ann was born in March of 2006. My seminary training happened at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. I have served three other congregations, the Lakeside and Harmony Grove Churches near Camden and the First United Methodist Church of Little Rock (as Associate Pastor) I oversee the ministries of St. Paul which include everything from Bible studies to worship services. Along with the great staff that we have, our goal is to help people grow in their relationship with God. I hope you will visit us, trying one of our two traditional worship services on Sunday morning. Our services are at 8:30 am and 10:45 am. I hope to see you soon.
	Liz Wright, Director of Children and Families MizLiz1@sbcglobal.net Liz Wright has lived in Little Rock for the last 40 years. Liz married Vic Wright 30 years ago at St. Paul. Her twin sons and her granddaughter were baptized at St. Paul. Liz has her undergraduate degree and masters degree in Early Childhood Development from UALR. She is the first full-time Minister with Families and Children that St. Paul has had and she has been with the church for the past nine years. Prior to this position, she taught in the LRPS for 20 years. She has held several conference positions including Children’s Coordinator, Conference Council on Ministries, Camp Tanako Board and Camp Tanako Director. She is also a certified instructor for “Created By God”. Liz spends time volunteering for the Little Rock Police Department and St. Vincent Infirmary.
	Roger Rasico, Director of Youth raseekco777@aol.com Roger Rasico has been the youth director at St. Paul since 1998. A native of Arkansas, Roger has an undergraduate degree from Henderson State University in Accounting and in a 1988 graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Law. Roger is an attorney in the Pulaski County Juvenile Court as well as part-time youth minister. Having come to Christ later in life, Roger offers a fresh perspective to youth ministry. Roger has been working with the youth and providing guidance on their spiritual journeys. He strives to provide a balanced youth ministry with programs, activities, service and mission projects, meaningful spiritual lessons, and development with the goal of spiritual growth and Christian fellowship.
	Mike Smith, Director of Discipleship msmith1952@sbcglobal.net Mike Smith is married to Nancy Kossler Smith. They were married at St. Paul Church in 2003. Mike has two children. Gina, who is married to Matt Easterling, lives in Pea Ridge, Arkansas and Jared, who is married to Jessica Lewis Smith, lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Mike’s stepson, Joseph, was confirmed at St. Paul, and is a freshman at UALR. Mike earned an undergraduate degree in Religious Education from Ouachita Baptist University. He joined the staff at St. Paul as Minister of Discipleship in August 2006 and works at the church on Wednesdays and Fridays. Mike’s primary responsibilities include coordinating the Every Member in Ministry, facilitating/teaching small group studies, assisting in visitation and occasionally preaching. Mike’s response to a call to ministry led him to his employment at St. Paul. Mike is currently enrolled in the Master’s of Divinity Degree Program at Memphis Theological Seminary.
	Suzie Van Patten, Director of Visitation suzievp@sbcglobal.net Suzie Van Patten joined the staff of St. Paul as Minister of Visitation in August 2006. Suzie is married to Ben Van Patten and has a stepdaughter, Tracy Elizabeth. They have been members of St. Paul since 2003. After growing up in Hope, Arkansas, Suzie has lived in Little Rock for the past 30 years. Her ministry will address the needs of the senior members of St. Paul including visiting the homebound members, nursing home residents and senior hospital patients. She is also active in the Me Third Ministry, UMW, and will be visiting with the senior adult Sunday school classes. Suzie’s normal workday is Wednesday, but is available to serve the senior members of St. Paul anytime there is a need.
	Bob Bidewell, Director of Music Ministries bbidewell@sbcglobal.net Bob Bidewell, Director of Music and Organist, joined the Staff of St. Paul UMC in July of 2007. He has served as a church musician for over 30 years for various congregations in Jonesboro, Paragould, Blytheville and North Little Rock. A life-long Methodist, Bob has a Master of Music Education degree from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He is the State Chair of the Arkansas Chapter of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers and continues to serve on the AGEHR Area VI Board of Directors. Bob is also a member of the Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts and the American Guild of Organists. He is a member of the Little Rock Wind Symphony and serves as Librarian for that group. Our Music Ministry is open to all and we welcome new members to our Chancel Choir and Handbell Choir!
	Sherry Hankins, Administrative and Financial Secretary stpaulumc@sbcglobal.net Sherry came to work at St. Paul in February 2008 where she is the administrative assistant and financial secretary. She is a graduate of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Sherry and her husband, Bruce, have been married since April 1998. They enjoy traveling and hiking.
	Susan Mack, Childcare Director stpaul1793@sbcglobal.net Susan Mack has been Childcare Director since February 2004. She has worked at the Childcare Center since December 2001. Susan and her husband Steve, have been married since 1990 and have 3 boys: Brendan, Jonah & Drew. Susan volunteers at her son’s school and is active in her church where she serves as Adult Women’s Sunday School teacher and Wednesday Night Children’s leader.

St. Paul UMC Church Staff