First United Methodist Church, Eaton Rapids

Pastor Daniel Hofmann (email) has served as Senior Pastor of First UMC since July 2007. He has served congregations in West Ohio, and West Michigan. Daniel is married with three children. Prior to entering ordained ministry he worked as an investigative journalist. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and United Theological Seminary.

Pastor Daniel keeps busy with everyday church activities, and is involved in ministry opportunities beyond the local church, serving on the Board of Ordained Ministry, the credentialing body of our denomination for future pastors. He is a prolific writer, writing a regular column for two local newspapers as well as for other publications.

Pastor Daniel is a sought-after speaker, and has taught in ethics seminars for medical professionals at Western Michigan University and spiritual growth studies in Schools of Mission for the West Michigan and Detroit Annual Conferences.

Joyce Showerman (email) is the new Director of Congregational Care. This involves working with other lay persons to reach out to new people, hospital and shut-in visitations, plus many other caring and outreach ministries. On staff since 1980, she continues working with the Stephen Ministry, Missions, Women's Bible Study and many other "seasonal" things.

Joyce grew up in a Christian family in Ionia County, has two brothers, one sister and a host of nieces and nephews. After graduating from Adrian College in 1963, she went south, serving as a U.S.-2 (short term missionary) in Georgia, then moved to Tennessee where she worked first in an inner city mission and then in a large United Methodist church in Chattanooga.

Joyce loves working in the local church where many opportunities come for her to serve the Lord. Other interests include singing, traveling, nature, and word games. One of her favorite Bible verses is: "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4.

Brenda Austin (email), Director of Music and Worship
Brenda has been serving the Eaton Rapids church since 2003. Being raised on an apple farm in Hartford, Brenda is a native of Southwest Michigan. After completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance at Western Michigan University she traveled to Kansas where she competed her Master’s degree in Choral Conducting at the University of Missouri – Kansas City with Dr. Eph Ehly. During the six years spent in Kansas City, Brenda served as Director of Music for Hillcrest Christian and Raymore Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ) and taught vocal music in Independence, Missouri. Currently, Brenda serves on the Regional board for the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers as the Education Chair. She is active in writing and arranging for handbells, and teaching bells in clinics across the 5-state region. In addition to music and worship responsibilities Brenda is kept busy with three active children.

When Brenda is not giving downbeats or chauffeuring kids, she loves scrap-booking, gardening and time spent with friends. One of her favorite scriptures is Psalm 95:1 “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.”