Avon United Methodist Church Staff
Rev. Karen E. Devaisher serves as Senior Pastor at Avon United Methodist Church. Pastor Karen's journey into ministry was one of an active involved layperson including the United Methodist Woman as well as working as a church secretary. After answering God's call to full time service, she completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Evansville and received her Masters of Divinity degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Kentucky. She has served churches in Boonville, Grandview-Rockport, and Corydon prior to coming to Avon. She and her husband, Ron, both grew up on farms in Illinois. They lived in Illinois, except for Ron's time in the U.S. Army, until moving to Evansville, Indiana in 1961. Ron is a retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Evansville. Pastor Karen and Ron have five children and nine grandchildren. Three of their children live in the Indianapolis area, one in Newburgh, IN, and one in Panama City Beach, Florida. Pastor Karen serves on the Board of Directors of Fletcher Place Community Center, Alumni Board of Directors of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Indiana Conference of Ordained Ministry, Chair of the District Committee of Ordained Ministry, other district and conference responsibilities, and the Clarian West Board of Directors. Pastor Karen says, “I consider it a privilege as well as responsibility to serve God. I love people and experience God’s blessings each day serving Avon United Methodist Church.”
Ministry Passion: Prayer, Pastoral Care, People and Missions
Awards: 2007 Hendricks Regional Health Treat People Better Award
2007 Dr. Henry Denman Evangelism Award by the South IN Conference
Favorite Scriptures:
Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Psalm 121, Psalm 150, and Gospel of John
Favorite Hymns: "Victory in Jesus," "Freely, Freely," "For I Know Whom I Have Believed," and "Here I am, Lord"
kdevaisher@avonumc.com 317-294-1224 cell phone
Pastor James G. Ramsey, Associate Pastor, is primarily responsible for assisting Senior Pastor Karen on all levels of leadership. In addition to pastoral care, he is closely supporting missions, small group ministries, outreach to the community and marketing. Jim says, "I am honored to be serving Avon United Methodist Church and the Avon community. What a great group of people with whom to be serving God!”
Jim and Kim have two children. Their daughter, Bryn, is a freshman in International Studies at I.U., Bloomington. Their son, Mitchell, is attending Ivy Tech studying occupational therapy.
Kim teaches second grade in Ellettsville. She graduated from Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis and I. U. Bloomington. Jim is from the Indianapolis and Franklin areas. His family moved to Oklahoma when he was 11 years old. Jim is an I.U. graduate.
Jim’s Master of Divinity is from Emory University, Atlanta. During seminary he was involved in inner city ministry. Jim served churches in Tulsa, Norman and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma before transferring “back home again” to Indiana in 1991. In Indiana, he has served Sunrise at Geist UMC and St. Mark’s UMC, Bloomington. Jim’s Conference ministries have included serving on the Committee of Race and Religion and the Board of Ordained Ministry.
Jim enjoys youth and adult work mission trips, leading spiritual formation groups and working with people outside of the church to help them make deeper loving and serving connections with God and their neighbors. He has been the principle speaker for interfaith gatherings of Christians, Jews and Muslims.
Favorite Scriptures:
“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God, for God is love.” I John 3:7
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord…” Psalm 92:1-4
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:3
Favorite Hymns: "Pass It On," "Grace Alone," "The Great Commission," "How Great Thou Art"
Favorite Activities: Time with family and friends, motorcycles, football, hiking.
jramsey@avonumc.com
Rev. Sean Johnson serves as the youth pastor at Avon UMC. His primary tasks are leading the church's three youth groups: IGGY 56 (5th and 6th grade), Impact 78 (Jr. High), and InTouch 9:12 (Sr. High).
Sean graduated from Christian Theological seminary in May of 2003 and was commissioned as a provisional deacon at the first annual conference of the Indiana conference. Sean has several years of experience in youth ministry starting with being a staff camp counselor. From there Sean spent two years as the youth minister of Old Capitol UMC in Corydon and then four years as the youth minister of Epworth UMC in Indianapolis. Sean is passionate and greatly enjoys working with youth and is very excited about all the ways that God can use the young people of this church.
Sean met his wife, Abigail, at the University of Evansville. Abigail is a special education teacher in the Carmel-Clay school system. Sean and Abigail are very excited about the coming of their first child due at the end of this year.
Favorite activities: Playing all kinds of games including (but not limited to): board games, card games, video games (Xbox 360 gamertag: SEANX0R) and anything with a Frisbee.
Favorite Scripture: “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” 1 John 2:1
Favorite Hymns: “Blessed Assurance,” “Be Thou My Vision,” and “I Surrender All”
sjohnson@avonumc.com 317-919-1273 (Cell)
 Pastor Ron Branson Pastor of Visitation, is serving as visiting shut-in’s and seniors. Pastor Ron serves on the Prayer Team and offers leadership in our monthly nursing home worship service.
Pastor Ron is a retired minister and an Associate Clergy Member of the South Indiana Conference. Ron began serving churches in 1994. He was the Pastor of Thorntown United Methodist Church, 2000-2004.
Pastor Ron and his wife, Peggy, live in Danville. They have three children and seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Favorite Activities: Writing, photography, swimming
Favorite Scripture: “Hast thou not know? Hast thou not heard, the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [there is] no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faith; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faith and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.” (KJV, Isaiah 40:28-31).
Favorite Hymn: "The Holy City" (Jerusalem)
rhbranson20@yahoo.com
 Suzie Clore, is Avon UMC's Administrative Assistant. You can find Suzie in our church office during regular business hours. Most likely it is Suzie who will greet you when you call or come in to the church office. She is also the substitute organist and is a member of our chancel choir.
Suzie, a native of Indianapolis' west side, is a graduate of Ben Davis High School and attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Suzie, a life-long United Methodist, has been a member of AUMC since 1993. She has been married to Bill Clore for over 40 years. They have two sons who are both married and four grandchildren.
Favorite Activities: Suzie is an avid reader. Her favorite is Christian fiction. Her favorite way to relax is to play the piano. Suzie plays golf and loves to spend time with her grandchildren.
Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (TNIV)
Favorite Hymn: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee"
office@avonumc.com
Debbie Zusan, C.P.A., is our Business Manager/Treasurer. Debbie graduated from Purdue University in finance and has her Certified Public Accountant License. Her duties include general accounting functions; working closely with Finance, Trustees and Staff-Parish Relations Committee. This is a new position at AUMC, created in 2005. Debbie can be found in the office on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Debbie says, “I enjoy working on new systems and the challenge of finding new and more efficient ways to accomplish our goals. This is my first time working in a church and have enjoyed working with the staff and lay members. You really learn more about how things work by being on staff! I love being close to home and seeing the kids come in to Play N Share, especially when they share their talents as they parade through the offices.”
Debbie is married to Greg Zusan and they have four girls, two married, one in college and one at home, one grandson and a granddaughter. They have been coming to AUMC since 1992 and joined in membership in 2000. To complete the family Zusan, they live with one dog, two cats, and two rabbits.
Favorites Activities: chasing children (young and old), working on scrapbooks, reading, messing with computers, glass fusing and other art projects
Favorite Scripture: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust don not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (TNIV, Matthew 6:19-21).
Favorite Hymn: "Here I Am, Lord"
dzusan@avonumc.com
Kitty Wilson serves as the Director of Play-N-Share which is our pre-school ministry here at Avon United Methodist Church. She is better known as “Miss Kitty” to the students and families of Play-N-Share since she has been a teacher at Play-N-Share since the 1995 – 96 school year. As of September 2006, Miss Kitty is only the third person to take the helm of this highly regarded ministry. Kitty is a graduate of the State University of New York of Buffalo and holds a B.A. in Psychology and Human Services with an emphasis on Child Care. Kitty is married to Willy Wilson and they have a daughter, Robin, who is in college. The Family Wilson came to Avon, Indiana in 1994 as they moved for Willy’s employment. They have been active members of Avon United Methodist Church since 1995.
Favorite Activities: Quilting, Reading, Walking and “keeping up with Robin”
Favorite Scripture: “[Jesus] said to them, “ . . . For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard see, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20 NRSV).
Favorite Hymn: “Lord, of the Dance”
kittywilson@avonumc.com
Play-N-Share Phone: 317-272-1786
 Kerry Locke, Director Christian Education coordinates the educational ministries for children, adult and youth. Kerry is also responsible for the church library, coordinates VBS, Sprouts, and many other various events. Kerry has a passion to create a fun and inviting environment for children of all ages to learn about God. Kerry is a 1986 DePauw University graduate. She and husband, John, met at the university and married soon after in 1987. They have three children, Adam, Megan and Jeremy. They have lived in Avon since 2005 and have been members of Avon UMC since 2006.
Favorite Activities: Spectator to all events and activities that her children are involved in.
Favorite Scripture(s): the book of The Revelation and Galatians 6:5. "Each of us must bear some faults and burdens of his own. For none of us is perfect!"
Favorite Hymn(s): "Every Move I Make" and "The Heart of Worship" (from the Praise Chorus)
Kerry's office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays 9:00am-4:00pm.
kerrylocke@avonumc.com
272.4068 ext. 236
 Wanda Money serves as our Senior Director. Her primary responsibility is to be a liaison to our shut-in and our nursing home members and the church. Wanda, also, brings leadership to the Young at Heart(s) group for a number of years, which usually has a monthly activity.
Wanda been a member of Avon United Methodist Church for nearly 40 years, and she has served as church secretary for 19 years. She is married to Don Money and they have three children, and two grandchildren.
Favorite Activities: reading, travel and church work
Favorite Scripture: Psalms 23 and John 3:16
Favorite Hymn: "How Great Thou Art"
 Betty Mabis currently shares the duties of the Newcomer Ministry with Patsy Porter. Her responsibilities include greeting and welcoming visitors to our congregation and making them feel at home.
Betty Mabis and co-chair of Newcomers Ministry, Patsy Porter, were awarded the distinguished Denman Evangelism Award 2006 from the South Indiana Annual Conference at the annual meeting in June held in Bloomington, Indiana.
The Denman Evangelism Award was established in 1980 by The Foundation for Evangelism to honor pastors and lay person who are doing the work of responsible evangelism in the local church (The Foundation for Evangelism Award guidelines as found on http://www.evangelize.org/index.php?id=denman-awards).
Betty is originally from Knox County, Indiana. She and her late husband moved to the Avon area to raise their four children. Betty now has eight grandchildren and enjoys being involved in many of their activities. She has been a member of Avon United Methodist Church for over 45 years
Betty was one of several people to start the first private kindergarten in the Avon area that was later accepted into the community school corporation. She was employed by the Avon School Corporation in the food service department and retired from Maple Elementary School after 22 years in the kitchen, the last eight years as supervisor.
Favorite Activities: Betty enjoys reading, volunteering, attending church functions, and spending time with her family.
Favorite Scripture: “Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before me” (RSV, Isaiah 49:16).
Favorite Hymn: "I’ll Fly Away"
newcomer@avonumc.com
Patsy Porter is Co-Coordinator of the Newcomer Ministry along with Betty Mabis. Some of Patsy’s responsibilities include greeting and welcoming visitors to our congregation and making them feel at home.
Patsy Porter and co-chair of Newcomers Ministry, Betty Mabis, were awarded the distinguished Denman Evangelism Award 2006 from the South Indiana Annual Conference at the annual meeting in June held in Bloomington, Indiana.
The Denman Evangelism Award was established in 1980 by The Foundation for Evangelism to honor pastors and lay person who are doing the work of responsible evangelism in the local church (The Foundation for Evangelism Award guidelines as found on http://www.evangelize.org/index.php?id=denman-awards).
Patsy was reared in Mitchell, Indiana. She works part-time at Donovan's Interiors. Patsy and Ed, her husband of 31 years, have two daughters: Cathy, age 30 and Cheri, age 28. Ed is retired from Allison Rolls-Royce. Patsy has been attending Avon United Methodist Church since 1974. Patsy has taught Sunday School 24 years and has held various Avon United Methodist Church committee positions.
Favorite Activities: She enjoys spending time with her three granddaughters, her friends, and her flowers and old hymn singing
Favorite Scripture: Book of James
Favorite Hymn: "Because He LIves"
newcomer@avonumc.com
 Lisa Dure, Director of Music Ministries, Lisa joins us from Belzer Middle School in Lawrence Township where she was the assistant Director of bands. She is a '95 graduate and 1999 Ball State University music education graduate. Her husband Robb, is the Director of Bands for the Danville School Corporation. Interesting enough, they met on the marching band field at Ball State and have a two boys. They reside in Danville, IN.
Favorite Activities: Lisa enjoys playing piano, flute, singing, scrapbooking (really anything crafty and creative), hanging out with her family and three large puppies.
Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Favorite Hymn: "Lamb of God"
lisadure@avonumc.com
 Duane S. Fleener, Song Leader, has attended Avon United Methodist Church since 1948 and became a member a few years later. He was honored by the church in December 2001 for directing the choir for fifty years. Duane is currently retired from a 40 year career in the Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township, Marion County, Indiana, having served as an English teacher, assistant principal, principal of two different junior high schools, director of personnel services, and interim superintendent of schools. He still remains active in the education field by doing consultant work, having served as an interim superintendent of schools and as a negotiator for several boards of education. Duane holds baccalaureate and masters degrees from Butler University and a doctorate from Indiana University. He and his wife, Patsy, have three daughters, Jill Savage, Jackie Fleener, and Juli Krizan. Duane and Patsy have two granddaughters and four grandsons.
 Keith Monroe serves in our Maintenance and Custodian area. Keith is responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance of our church facility. “This is my ministry to make the place look good and functional for people. I enjoy the staff and the people of Avon United Methodist Church.”
Keith was reared in the Broad Ripple area of Indianapolis and grew up at Broadway UMC in Indianapolis and holds many fond memories of the pastors, staff and people of Broadway.
Keith is also an Air Force Veteran who served in Thailand during the Vietnam war.
Keith and his wife, Eva, have celebrated over 25 years of marriage and have two sons who are in college. They have raised their family in Avon and been members of AUMC since 2000. Keith and Eva can often be found worshipping in the 9:30am service. Eva leads the Children’s Church at 10:45am on Sundays. The family pet is a cat named Pumpkin.
Favorite Activities: cars, reading, and hiking
Favorite Scripture: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all age, world end. Amen” (Ephesians 3: 20-21, KJV).
Favorite Hymn: “Here I Am, Lord”
kmonroe@avonumc.com
 Ann Knicley, Church Secretary. Ann's primary responsibilities are scheduling, newsletter and membership records. Ann and her husband, Kevin, have lived in Avon since 1996. They have two daughters, Erica and Hannah. Ann will greet you in the office Monday - Friday from 8am - 4pm.
Favorite Activities: Ann enjoys gardening and scrapbooking
Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:8.
Favorite Hymn: "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing"
annknicley@avonumc.com
 Sharon Dendler, Office Assistant. Sharon's primary responsibility is the weekly church bulletin. Sharon's degree is from Eastern Illinois University (1989) with a B.S. in Consumer Affairs. She and her family have lived in Avon for the past five years. Sharon and Scott, husband of sixteen years, have three daughters; Jami, Kati and Heidi, two Shih-Tzus, Sadi and Bayli and one Leopard Gecko, Bindi.
Favorite Activities: Enjoy spending time with family, scrapbooking, gardening, volunteering in community
Favorite Scripture: Psalm 23
Favorite Hymn: "How Great Thou Art"
Sharon's hours are Monday-Friday 9:00am-1:00pm
sharondendler@avonumc.com
Karl Scholtes is our Evening Custodian, however, you may see Karl working on some days, especially on Saturdays and for some weddings. In addition to his work at our congregation, Karl is a bus driver for the Avon School Corp.
Karl has lived in Avon, Indiana since 1993, and been a member of Avon United Methodist Church since 2002. He has two children, Alex and Annie. You will often find them worshipping as a family in the 8:15am Sunday morning service.
Favorites Activities: Golf; music of kinds from “Swing Era” musician, Benny Goodman to Country music stars, Brooks and Dunn; working on his house; running; baking and cooking – especially at Christmas time.
Favorite Scripture: “Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: [are] they that have not seen, and [yet] believed” (John 20:29 KJV).
Roger Jones, Weekend Custodian. You will see Roger around the church on Saturday and Sunday evenings. He stays very busy cleaning and setting up for Sunday School classes, meetings, dinners and more.
Favorites Activities: Roger enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren as well as reading.
Favorite Scripture: I John 5:4 "For Whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith."
Favorite Hymn: “The Rugged Cross” and "Amazing Grace"
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