Rev. Dylan Ward was appointed to St. Paul UMC in July 2024. He's from Catoosa, Oklahoma, and has two children, Sawyer and Charlee Beth, who are twins. Dylan began ministry while a senior in college in 2012. After graduating from Northeastern State University in 2013, he attended Phillips Theological Seminary, earning his Master of Divinity in 2017. He was ordained an Elder in 2019. He has served the district and conference in various capacities, including on the Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry, the District Missional Strategy Team, the District Committee on Ministry, the Commission on Religion and Race, and as a leader and dean of camps. He is currently on the Annual Conference Committee on Standing Rules and a board member of the Northeastern State University Wesley Foundation. Before coming to St. Paul, Rev. Ward served the United Methodist churches of Woodall, Braggs, Adair, Foyil, Inola, and Wesley—El Reno.
Ineta Bebb, Director of Music Ministries – Ineta oversees the choir programs and the maintenance of the church’s organs, pianos and handbells. She earned her Bachelor of Music Education and her Masters in Vocal Performance at Kansas University. She’s served as the Director of Music Ministries at St. Paul since 1982. Prior to that, she taught music at university and public schools. She and her husband Martin have two grown children, Stephanie and Michael, who each have families of their own.
Margaret Wagner, Learning Tree Director – Margaret received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction at NSU. She has 34 years of teaching experience with Muskogee Public Schools. Her husband, Steve, is deceased. They have two daughters, Lynne and Laura, and five grandchildren, Kate, Jack, Stephen, Poppy, and Wagner.
Barbara Kent, Director of Children & Youth Ministries - Barbara coordinates our Children & Youth Ministries which includes Sunday School, a mid-week Youth Bible Study, summer camps, VBS and so much more. She grew up in Alaska with her two brothers and one sister and moved to Oklahoma at the age of 23. She has lived in Muskogee for more than 14 years with her two children and has a deep connection to our community and it's residents.
Beth Dunn, Nursery Early Childhood Coordinator - Beth cares for our littlest ones at St. Paul in the Nursery & preschool department. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from NSU and has been at St. Paul since 2013.
Lynnette Lewis, Business Administrator – Lynnette manages the church’s financial records, and oversees the church building maintenance and repairs. She received an Associate degree in Medical Office Management and Medical Transcription. Her experience includes managing medical offices, bakery, property and real estate. She and her husband Cameron have four children and four grandchildren.
Joanne Nilsson, Administrative Assistant – Joanne received her Associate of Science in Business Administration from Bacone College. She has over 35 years experience working in the church office and the administrative field. She and her husband Mark have two grown children, and six grandchildren.
Melissia Harrison, Custodian - Melissia and her husband Doug have been married for 12 years. They have 2 adult children and 7 grandchildren. Melissia graduated from Checotah High School and lives in Muskogee. She has worked at Cherokee Nation Housing Authority as a custodian and at Country Gardens Assisted Living as a Dietary Aide. We are pleased to have her on staff at St. Paul.