Rev. Michael Love, Senior Pastor

The Rev. Michael Love 650-323-6167 x101

Michael says of his faith, “As a Christian disciple I celebrate Jesus Christ as a living, available Teacher and Healer who was victorious over death and who reconnected the world to God. I believe the biblical record is clear that ALL people are loved by that same God and called into lives of sacred service to God and to neighbor. I believe in the church as the imperfect yet ever-growing expression of Christ in the world. I believe that church has one central mission : equipping people to follow the example of Jesus Christ so that the world may be transformed into a place of hope, justice, peace and joy. I believe that this journey takes many forms in many differing and valued ways. I believe that we all have much to learn from one another until Jesus comes again in glory to celebrate with us God's peaceable and sustainable kingdom.”

Michael was born in Urbana, Illinois. He attended public school in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Los Angeles, California. An incomplete list of his likes includes: the British Blues, the Apostle Paul, movies by the Coen brothers, the writing of C.S. Lewis, Raymond Chandler, Adam Hamilton and Philip K. Dick, Wired Magazine, the Bible, and the New York Times (especially the Sunday Crossword in the magazine section). But, his first loves are Dolly, his life partner and spouse, and Sam their son.

He earned his B.A. in Photography from Columbia College, Chicago in 1977 and the M.F.A. in photography from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1984. Michael received his call to ministry when he was about 17, but it wasn't until 1996 that he turned from his fine arts business in Brooklyn, New York, serving the NYC art marketplace to follow that call. He received his M. Div. in 1999 from the Theological School at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. Michael was ordained in the New York Annual Conference in June of 2002. He moved his membership to Cal/Nev Annual Conference in 2004. He has been in parish ministry since January of 1997. Michael has served United Methodist congregations in New York, Connecticut and California, most recently in Santa Cruz.

Click here to read and listen to the sermons Michael has preached at First Palo Alto.

Rev. Laurie McHugh, Associate Pastor

The Rev. Laurie McHugh 650-323-6167 x102

Laurie McHugh came to Palo Alto in July 2009 from the Burlingame United Methodist Church, where she served for 8 years as Associate Pastor. She was raised in the Denver, CO area and graduated summa cum laude from Knox College in Galesburg, IL, with a B.A. in sociology-anthropology. Laurie earned her Master of Divinity degree from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley.

Previously she has served at Ridge View UMC, San Francisco, and Fellowship UMC, Vallejo. She is a coordinator for the Bishop's Confirmation Retreats and is on the Tech Team for the California-Nevada Annual Conference Session.

Laurie is passionate about worship, discipleship and creating new things. A musician at heart as well as a minister, Laurie has been singing and playing piano for most of her life and employs these gifts in her ministry with children and young people and in worship. She and her husband, Tim have two children, Tom, and Katie.

Laurie has started a new project, Facebook Community Church, an experiment in developing and deepening Christian community through the medium of Facebook. She is also discerning, researching, and planting seeds for the creation of a new worshiping community in Palo Alto.

Click here to read and listen to the sermons Laurie has preached at First Palo Alto.

117 Years - 53 Ministers

In our 117 year history, 53 pastors have been appointed to senior and associate minister positions at First Palo Alto.

Meet the Ministers who have served here.

Committee Members and Officers for 2009/2010

The ministry of our Church is in all of our hands. Immeasurable time is given by volunteers to serve on committees that extend our ministry and programs within our walls, out in the local community and around the world.

If you would like to help. please contact any committee chair.

Click below to see the list of church officers, committees and their members.

Mark Shaull, Director of Music

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Mark Andrew Shaull has been Director of Music at First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto since 1995. Prior to coming to Palo Alto he held Director of Music positions at Bethel Lutheran Church of Cupertino and Immanuel Lutheran Church of Los Altos. He is currently in his 32nd year of music ministry. He holds a B.A. degree from San Jose State University, where he has completed graduate studies.

Mark has been Director of Choral Activities and Performing Department Coordinator at Los Altos High School since 1984. In addition to directing The Main Street Singers and five other choral ensembles on campus, he leads an active department with yearly performances of major works, musicals and numerous choral festivals. Under his direction Los Altos High School choral ensembles have achieved a truly international reputation, having completed concert travel to 47 countries spanning six continents.

Keri Onan-Levy, Director of Children and Youth Ministries

Keri Onan-Levy 650-323-6167

Keri Onan-Levy joined First Church as our Director of Children and Youth Ministries in April 2010.

A native of Madison, WI, Keri is the oldest of five children, and a 3rd generation University of Wisconsin-Madison alumna. After college, Keri attended Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, the United Methodist Seminary in Chicago. There she earned Master of Divinity and Master of Christian Education degrees.

Keri’s ministry has included work as a chaplain at the University of Chicago Hospitals, as Minister of Youth and Families, Director of Christian Education, and as Associate Pastor, all in the Chicago area. She has additional training in pastoral psychotherapy. For the past six years she has focused her energies on raising her two young children. Keri is married to Mike Levy, a San Francisco native, and social worker-turned-entrepreneur. She moved to California in 2008 and is delighted to be returning to ministry.

David Huff - Children’s and Youth Choirs Director

David Huff 650-323-6167

David Huff joined First Church as our Children’s and Youth Choirs Director in April 2010.

He comes to us from the the San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church in Danville. He is working at both our churches during the remainder of this church year, so his schedule reflects that transition. David also directs a men’s ensemble in San Francisco and performs with the San Francisco Opera Chorus. He is looking forward to sharing the “gift” of music with the children and youth of FUMC.

David grew up in Fairfield Iowa and earned his undergraduate degree from Illinois Wesleyan University. Following that, he moved to Chicago to pursue performing. While there, he completed a Masters program at Northwestern. David was accepted into the Miami Opera young artist program where he met and coached with Sherrill Milnes, who advised him to pursue a music career in New York City. David spent the next 15 years performing and teaching in the New York metro area, doing tour and symphony work and starting a family.

Deborah Yowell, Handbell Director

Deborah Yowell 650-493-7663
Deborah Yowell is the Handbell Director.

Sarah Wannamaker, Organist

Sarah Wannamaker
Sarah Wannamaker became our organist in January 2008. A newcomer to the Bay Area, she is enjoying California after living in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Pennsylvania.

Sarah holds degrees in organ performance and sacred music from Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania and the University of Iowa. She has worked as an organist for the past 15 years, and she previously taught keyboard and music theory at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

As an organist and harpist, Sarah particularly enjoys ensemble performance and exploring music of the twentieth century. When she is not practicing, Sarah enjoys hiking, quilting, and riding her motorcycle. She is also accompanist for Ragazzi, the San Francisco Boys Choir.

Michelle Noke, First School Director

Michelle Noke 650-321-3871
Michelle Noke is the Director of First School (preschool for 2 1/2 - 6 year olds). She has been around FUMC for many years (family camp reunions, youth group, and attending Sunday services). She has worked with children, youth and families in a variety of ways. Her experience included work as a Substitute Teacher, Marriage Family Therapist Intern (MFTI), Outreach Counselor, and church youth counselor.

Michelle graduated from Fresno State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology (1992), received a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology (1997) and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential (1998) from National University. Her educational background, personal experience and passion for working with children, youth and families have helped her find her place at First United Methodist Church.

Michelle's husband, Tim works as an Industrial Designer.

Nancy Westerfield, Church Business Administrator

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Nancy Westerfield joined First Church staff in November 2006 as Church Business Administrator. Nancy is a woman of faith, who comes to us from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto, where she has been their Congregational Administrator.

Nancy views church administration as a ministry and is pleased to continue that ministry at First United Methodist. She had a long career in management and supervision, computer programming, customer support, training, office organization and administration.

Her bachelor's degree is in education from Princeton University. Nancy has lived all over the country, but now lives close to her four grandsons. She also likes to play bridge and go to movies

Angela Mosqueda, Administrative Assistant

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Angela Mosqueda is our administrative assistant.

Jessie Ngai - Events Coordinator

Jessie Ngai 650-575-6539
Jessie Ngai serves as Events Coordinator at First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto, coordinating weddings, memorial services and other events. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Jessie graduated from the University of Hong Kong's School of Law. She practiced law in Hong Kong for over 16 years before emigrating to the United States in 1996.

Jessie resides in Palo Alto and is a realtor with Taylor Properties whose offices are located in Palo Alto and Menlo Park.

Jessie's passion is dancing, mainly the Argentine Tango, but she also enjoys ballroom, latin and disco dancing. As a student in Hong Kong, she had performed in folk and traditional Chinese dances. She also loves to travel, sing karaoke, and relishes fine dining.

Harriet Howell, Concert Coordinator

Harriet Howell 650-323-6167
Harriet Howell, the Concert Coordinator since August 2001, holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. She also earned the Masters of Music in Voice and Opera degree from the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford in Connecticutt. Harriet studied at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria and taught voice at Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma. She currently is a realtor with Alain-Pinel Realtors in Menlo Park and also teaches private lessons in voice. Harriet lives in Redwood City.

Conrado Basco, Weekday Custodian

Conrado Basco is the church’s full-time day custodian. He lives in Sunnyvale with his wife, Florentina, sister-in-law, and one of his children. Conrado is from La Union, which is located in the northern part of the Philippines. He has been in the United States since 1996 and has a variety of occupational experience. He comes to us from Notre Dame High School where he was the custodian for five years. He is the father of 10 children and the grandfather of four, who live in various places around the world including Wisconsin, Qatar, Taiwan, and the Philippines. In his spare time, Conrado enjoys shopping.

Michael Wells, Weekend & Events Custodian

Michael Wells has been a custodian at First United Methodist Church since 1992. He is also a fulltime employee with the Sunnyvale District Schools. Michael enjoys being home with his wife, Violet and son, Wesley during the spare time he has. He also has been playing alto and tenor sax for over 40 years, forming his own group, The Jazz Noblemen, in the 60's. The late Charles Moffett, Rollin Young, Arthur Taylor, and Robert Wattzerman are all familiar faces with whom Michael has jammed.

Rev. Robert Olmstead, Senior Pastor Emeritus

The Rev. Bob Olmstead was the Senior Pastor for the First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto from 1993 until he retired in 2003.

Prior to coming to Palo Alto he held pastorates in Reno, Nevada and in Oakland, Windsor and Santa Rosa, California. Rev. Olmstead graduated in 1961 from the University of Rochester with an honors degree in English Literature. He continued his graduate study at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley from which he graduated in 1965. Books remain a major joy for him, especially American fiction and historical biographies

During his extensive career, Rev. Olmstead marched with Martin Luther King, Jr., chaired the first Board of Directors of Home Hospice in Sonoma County and helped develop a homeless shelter in Reno.

Rev. Olmstead's wife, Carol, is retired from a career teaching college mathematics. They have four grown children and four grandchildren.

In honor of his long, dedicated service to the First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto, the Church Conference voted in January 2006 to name him Senior Pastor Emeritus.

Click here to read and listen to some of the sermons Bob has preached at First Palo Alto.

Rev. Douglas Norris, Senior Pastor Emeritus

Rev. Doug Norris has served two pastorates at First Church. From 1969 to 1974, he was appointed here as the Associate Pastor, and from 1983 until 1993, he was appointed as our Senior Minister. The Rev. Norris is Senior Pastor Emeritus at First Church.

In addition to his appointments in California, Rev. Norris has served in Minnesota, Texas, Illinois, Japan and Australia. He graduated from Hamline University in St. Paul, where he studied philosophy and religion. Rev. Norris received his Master of Divinity degree from Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois.

Rev. Doug Norris and his wife, Eleanor, have three sons and eight grandchildren. He enjoys travel, spending time with his grandchildren and music. The Rev. Norris is an acclaimed vocalist and occasionally weaves music into his sermons.

You can read Rev. Norris's recent sermons at www.dougnorris.com.

Click here to read and listen to some of the sermons Doug has preached at First Palo Alto.

Rev. Glenn Straith Fuller, Pastor Emeritus

The Rev. Fuller is a Pastor Emeritus.

He is married to Kay Fuller, and now lives in retirement in Contra Costa County. The Rev. Fuller was appointed as our Associate Pastor from 1983 to 1988. Then he and Kay were appointed by the General Board of Global Ministries to the English-Speaking United Methodist Church of Vienna in Austria.

The Rev. Fuller was ordained by the California-Nevada Annual Conference as a Deacon in 1947, and as an Elder in 1949. Glenn and Kay also served as missionaries in India and South Korea.

Sermon Archive:
June 24, 2001
July 30, 2006 (Audio)

David Parsons, Organist Emeritus

David Parsons served as our organist for 17 years until he moved out of the area in July 2004. In honor of his long, dedicated service to the First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto, and his loving care and upkeep of the Merritt Speidel Memorial Organ, David was named Organist Emeritus on July 25, 2004. This is only the third time that an Emeritus title has been given to someone in the 100+ year history of First Palo Alto.

David Parsons is a graduate of Princeton, Northwestern and Cambridge Universities, and of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Illinois). A native of Pennsylvania, David started piano study at age six and began studying the organ at age thirteen with Charles T. Maclary at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. Other organ teachers have included Carl Weinrich (Princeton University), Richard Enright (Northwestern University) and the late Peter le Huray (St. Catharine's College, Cambridge). He has taught at the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire, and at the New College, Berkeley. He has also worked as an organ builder, and has supervised the extensive restoration efforts of the organs of the First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto.

David has made a specialty of composing and compiling classical scores for the great silent films. He became the Organist at FUMCPA in September 1987. He works in San Jose at Adobe Systems Incorporated, where he produces digital typefaces. He has concertized widely throughout Britain, Barbados, and the USA, and he has played in services and recitals in such English cathedrals as Wells, Salisbury, Ely, Southwark, and Winchester.

David was responsible for playing organ for all worship services of the church where the organ is required, and for accompanying the choirs in all rehearsals and services. The church's active schedule of weddings kept him busy on most Saturdays. David was also responsible for the care of all keyboard instruments in the church.

During the course of the years 2000 and 2001, David was on leave of absence from FUMCPA, working in Barbados, where he continued his tasks in the Adobe Type Department and served as Honorary Assistant Organist at St. Michael's Cathedral (Anglican) in Bridgetown, Barabados.