Pastor Cindy joined the staff of Checotah First United Methodist in June of 2025. While in college she majored in Business with a minor in Spanish (even earning her Certification of Fluency in Spanish from the University of Mexico), and then later went to seminary to obtain her Master of Divinity Degree. Cindy is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. She has served as an Associate Pastor at Muskogee First UMC, and as Senior Pastor at Foyil UMC, Boise City / Kenton UMC’s, Ponca City St. Paul’s UMC, and most recently at as Associate Pastor of Stillwater First United Methodist Church. Cindy and her husband, Mark, are blessed to be the parents of five adult children. Cindy finds great joy in spending time with her family, traveling, being in nature, and sipping a warm cup of coffee!
Ginger Coleman serves as administrative assistant and treasurer at the Checotah First United Methodist Church. She earned her bachelor's degree in finance from Virginia Tech. Mrs. Coleman resides on a cattle ranch with her husband, Thomas and her two daughters, Sydney and Sara. She enjoys reading, softball, baton twirling, and spending time with her family.
Michelle Barnes is currently in her eighteenth year of teaching as a band director. She is in her seventh year of teaching at Eufaula Public Schools, having taught her previous eleven years at Sapulpa Public Schools. Michelle received her Bachelor of Music in Education from the University of Arkansas in 2007. She completed her Masters in Educational Leadership from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 2020. In addition to being a band director, Michelle is also the Children’s Director for Checotah First United Methodist. Under her direction, the children have participated in Sunday School, VBS, Camp Egan, Chimes Choir, and many other super fun activities.
Carolyn Koch Hutcherson grew up attending First Methodist . She graduated from the University of Oklahoma and began her teaching career in OKC. Marriage, two children, and a move to Georgia for twenty-three years came next. She returned to Checotah in 2011 and became choir director here in 2021. We would love to have you join us for choir and handbells!
Rusty Helms is currently in his 19th year of band directing. He is a graduate of Eufaula High School in 2003 and a graduate of the University of Arkansas in 2007. He came back to his Alma Mater of Eufaula and has been the Director of Bands there since 2019. In Summer of 2022, Rusty took on a second job and became the pianist for the First United Methodist Church in Checotah, where he has also became a member of the congregation. He enjoys his new church family and getting to perform piano again.
Meet our Nursery Attendant, Bella Henson. She has been caring for and teaching infants - 2nd graders since 2022. Bella is a worship leader for her youth group during the week and loves God with all her heart. She is a junior at Warner High School, plays on the high school basketball team and is a cheerleader. Her hobbies include walking dogs, going shopping, and hanging out with family.
