Hello, my name is......

Some of you know me as the "Picture Lady" when Olan Mills was here to take pictures for the church directory...if you attend school in Burleson or Joshua, you've probably had me in class as a substitute teacher...and some may not know me at all. Please let me introduce myself:

Hello, my name is Nicole and I am the new Director of Youth Ministries at First United Methodist Church in Joshua. I am 26 years young and married to Kevin, my husband of three years. We live in Joshua with our two horses, Curtis and Blue, and Kevin enjoys team-roping while I enjoy Bible studies, reading, journaling, blogging, writing, and cooking. I am also becoming quite the interior painter, just ask Rev. Lara!!!!

I am most passionate about this opportunity because of my experience as a teenager in the youth group at Webb Memorial United Methodist Church in Clay, Kentucky. I started attending when I was in the sixth grade and didn't leave until I was a sophomore in college - I didn't want to leave the good company! Beginning at a young age, I was mentored and nurtured by many wonderful young people also developing and maturing in their faith. I am grateful for the Christ-loving models I had as a young girl. I hope to share this with you as well.

When I was a freshman in high school, I attended a weekend retreat for girls called Youth Encounter the Savior and later served on 11 Y.E.S. teams as a table leader and wheatie. These weekends provided me with an opportunity to experience Christ's love through acts of self-less service. Perhaps my closest moment to Christ was the night I washed the feet of pilgrims and team members on Y.E.S. Weekend #71. I attended a Chrysalis weekend as a junior in high school. I plan to attend a Women's Emmaus Weekend this fall. I believe these retreats are wonderful spiritual experiences in a young person's walk of faith. If you have questions or would like to attend a Chrysalis weekend in the Central Texas Conference, please let me know.

Professionally, I graduated in 2006 from Texas A&M University-Commerce with a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations. In 2007, I began working in corporate marketing and business development for an international transportation consulting firm.......a lot of big words for a career that I didn't enjoy. In 2009, I got my teacher's certificate in English, Language Arts, Reading and Social Studies for grades 4-8. I have been a substitute teacher and TAKS Reading Tutor for Burleson I.S.D. I also substitute teach for Fort Worth and Joshua school districts. I am currently seeking a full-time position teaching upper elementary or middle school.  

Geez, enough about me.........I want to know about Y-O-U.

I am so excited about this opportunity to be a part of YOUR Genesis youth group and to learn YOUR story. The United Methodist Church's slogan is Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors. As you learn more about me, I hope you find me to be approachable and trustworthy. I want our youth group to be a nurturing, safe place to go for spiritual renewal in a fun, friendly, and comfortable environment. We have lots of exciting activities planned the next couple of weeks, including fundraisers for missions trips - I look forward to seeing you there!!!

Grace & Peace,
Nicole