Dr. Ray Crawford

Senior Pastor

“One beggar telling another beggar where to find bread!” So D.T. Niles defined Christian evangelism. When we have found something that satisfies the deepest hunger within us, we want to share that good news with everyone! I prayed to receive Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord as a young man attending Memorial High School in Tulsa. I give thanks that the sense of joy and wonder I experienced long ago continues still.

I have found a tremendous sense of fulfillment, as well as great adventure, in following Christ as my Lord. One of my life’s greatest privileges has been to share Christ with others. We have good news indeed. Jesus Christ came to teach us about God’s love and grace, and to give us needed guidance. He died on a cross taking on himself the sins of the world, yours and mine. The third day he rose again, defeating the power of Hell and death. And, he’s still alive today! He promises to live within every human heart where is invited to do so. What are you waiting for? Take him at his word.

I’m pleased to be serving in the twelfth year as Sr. Pastor of First United Methodist Church of Claremore. The congregation includes some of the finest people I have ever met. God is at work in our lives and in our community. We invite you to join us.

Favorite Bible Verse:

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33

Janelle Brammer

Associate Pastor of Care Ministries

I am delighted to be beginning my fifth year as Associate Pastor of Care and Support Ministries. I am a native Oklahoman, born in Claremore, but grew up in Tulsa. I am married to Doug and we have a blended family with 5 children and 3 grandchildren. We absolutely love being grandparents!

I completed my ministry training through the Course of Study at St. Paul’s and Perkins Schools of Theology graduating in August 2004. I have served the UMC in some capacity all of my adult life. One of things I enjoy most about being a pastor is the variety of a pastor’s work. I have found I enjoy almost everything! The Lord seems to have gifted me for Pastoral Care. I feel richly blessed to be compensated for doing what I very much enjoy, serving, caring for and spending time with God’s people. My husband says, “If they paid her for the “number of her words, we’d be rich!” We are indeed richly blessed!

Favorite Bible Verse:

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

Susan Rice

Associate Pastor of Outreach Ministries

Having been raised in a pastor’s home, Susan Rice knew at an early age that ministry was the place for her. In her young twenties she spent four plus years serving in fulltime short-term missions, comprised of: two years in Worms W. Germany, two years working with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) throughout the U.S. and neighboring countries as well as parts of Asia, and six months taking VBS to north American Indian children on Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada.

Returning to school in her thirties, Susan completed her master’s degree in religious education, with the desire to more effectively serve the church. She has eleven years of church staff ministry experience, providing oversight and direction to discipleship and educational programs for children and adults. A teacher at heart, she has taught several classes for Oklahoma Wesleyan University, touching the lives of others who will also choose ministry as a vocation. Susan is passionate about seeing people find their place in God’s Kingdom; growing to their full potential in Christ Jesus!

Favorite Bible Verse:

“The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners…” – Isaiah 61:1-3

Lisa Hines

Associate Pastor of Outreach Ministries

I’m proud to be a Claremore native, graduating from Claremore High School in 1987. I came to know the Lord in my early teens and it is a great joy to serve as an Associate Pastor here in my home church. My husband Greg and I have two daughters, Blaire and Wendy, who are both active in band – Wendy as a senior at CHS and Blaire as a sophomore at the University of Arkansas. Whether we are rooting for the Zebras or callin’ the Hogs in Fayetteville, we rejoice most over the fact that God is active and present in our neighborhood in the person of Christ Jesus. It is our prayer that you will join us this week to worship the One. The One who became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood. The One who loves you. Just as you are.

Favorite Bible Verse:

” The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. John pointed him out and called, “This is the One! The One I told you was coming after me but in fact was ahead of me.” – John 1:14-15