FUMER STAFF
Melany Chalker
Pastor
Melany Chalker (email) began as Senior Pastor of FUMER in July 2021. She is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, serving since 2000 as lead pastor in communities from Onsted, to Concord, Marshall, and now Eaton Rapids. Arriving in 2021, after the Covid-19 pandemic, everything is a bit different. Melany is the first female lead pastor at FUMER in 181 years. She is also the first to arrive with pink, purple, and blue hair in… well, forever!
Pastor Melany is an artist by nature, a pastor by calling, and a follower of Jesus by choice. She brings artistry to ministry, is led to serve outside the church building, and follows Jesus to help assist the least and the lost. Melany has quite the background, describing herself as broken, and yet healed by the love of Jesus.
You’ll find Melany in local establishments, getting to know her neighbors, in addition to leading creative small groups that paint, scrapbook, and serve those in need. She has degrees in Fine Arts, Family Life Education (counseling), and a Master of Divinity from Methodist Theological School in Ohio. She was born and raised in Saline, on her grandfather’s dairy/vegetable farm. She owns her own 5-acre farm just south of Eaton Rapids, growing flowers from seed and rescuing animals who need a mommy to love on them.
Pastor Melany is quirky and a child at heart, she loves to puddle jump on rainy days and curl up under a quilt as she movie marathons it with her 6 Grands. She creates artwork in her studio at Mellow Farm and upon retirement will run her own art gallery again, as she did before being called into ministry. She is married to Darryl, who is a commercial construction superintendent and huge race fan. They have two adult sons, Jerry (Erin) Losee and Mikayl (Ashley) Losee.
Pastor Melany is an artist by nature, a pastor by calling, and a follower of Jesus by choice. She brings artistry to ministry, is led to serve outside the church building, and follows Jesus to help assist the least and the lost. Melany has quite the background, describing herself as broken, and yet healed by the love of Jesus.
You’ll find Melany in local establishments, getting to know her neighbors, in addition to leading creative small groups that paint, scrapbook, and serve those in need. She has degrees in Fine Arts, Family Life Education (counseling), and a Master of Divinity from Methodist Theological School in Ohio. She was born and raised in Saline, on her grandfather’s dairy/vegetable farm. She owns her own 5-acre farm just south of Eaton Rapids, growing flowers from seed and rescuing animals who need a mommy to love on them.
Pastor Melany is quirky and a child at heart, she loves to puddle jump on rainy days and curl up under a quilt as she movie marathons it with her 6 Grands. She creates artwork in her studio at Mellow Farm and upon retirement will run her own art gallery again, as she did before being called into ministry. She is married to Darryl, who is a commercial construction superintendent and huge race fan. They have two adult sons, Jerry (Erin) Losee and Mikayl (Ashley) Losee.
Eric Beck
Visitation Pastor
Eric Beck (email), was born and raised in Lansing, Michigan. He went to Michigan State University and graduated with a BA in 1978. Eric felt God’s claim on his heart and life while he was in high school and college. After graduating from MSU, he
attended The Methodist Theological Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. While still in
seminary he was appointed to First UMC in Eaton Rapids on November 30, 1980. He
graduated from seminary in 1981 where I continued at FUMER. He and his wife Heater were married in Eaton Rapids and have two sons, Scott (35) and Tyler (33). Heather is an OB nurse at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall. Eric has served under appointment for 40 years, serving United Methodist congregations in Eaton Rapids, Muskegon, Union City, Kalamazoo, Lake Odessa and Jackson. While serving the Kalamazoo Westwood UMC he worked on a Doctor of Ministry at The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. He received his
DMin in May of 2007. Eric retired from appointive ministry in July 2019. Eric began as the Visitation Pastor at FUMER in August of 2024.
attended The Methodist Theological Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. While still in
seminary he was appointed to First UMC in Eaton Rapids on November 30, 1980. He
graduated from seminary in 1981 where I continued at FUMER. He and his wife Heater were married in Eaton Rapids and have two sons, Scott (35) and Tyler (33). Heather is an OB nurse at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall. Eric has served under appointment for 40 years, serving United Methodist congregations in Eaton Rapids, Muskegon, Union City, Kalamazoo, Lake Odessa and Jackson. While serving the Kalamazoo Westwood UMC he worked on a Doctor of Ministry at The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. He received his
DMin in May of 2007. Eric retired from appointive ministry in July 2019. Eric began as the Visitation Pastor at FUMER in August of 2024.
Brenda Austin
Director of Music
brendaeaustin.com (website)
Brenda Austin (email), a native of Southwest Michigan, has been serving First United Methodist Church in Eaton Rapids, MI, as Director of Music since 2003. At the church, Brenda directs several handbell choirs of all ages and levels and leads worship with the Praise Band. Outside of FUMER she is Artistic Director for the Detroit Handbell Ensemble and Handbell Editor for Hope Publishing.
Brenda is active in the community directing Children’s musical theater and a handbell choir at the elementary school. Each year the church hosts an annual handbell festival where Brenda has served as conductor and clinician. Additionally, Brenda is a freelance handbell composer, arranger and clinician.
Brenda graduated with degrees in Vocal Performance from Western Michigan University and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She studied with Craig Arnold, Steve Zegree and Eph Ehly. Brenda received many awards for her conducting including being a semi-finalist in the ACDA National Student Conducting Competition in Washington D.C., and a finalist in the Graduate ACDA Student Conducting Competition in San Diego, CA.
Since her first publication in 2014, she has had compositions and arrangements published at Hope Publishing, AGEHR, Beckenhorst Press, the Lorenz Corporation, SoundForth, Jeffers Publishing, Alfred Publishing, GIA Music, From the Top Music and Chorister’s Guild.
Brenda lives in Eaton Rapids, MI with her three children; Hannah, Blaine & Mia.
Brenda is active in the community directing Children’s musical theater and a handbell choir at the elementary school. Each year the church hosts an annual handbell festival where Brenda has served as conductor and clinician. Additionally, Brenda is a freelance handbell composer, arranger and clinician.
Brenda graduated with degrees in Vocal Performance from Western Michigan University and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She studied with Craig Arnold, Steve Zegree and Eph Ehly. Brenda received many awards for her conducting including being a semi-finalist in the ACDA National Student Conducting Competition in Washington D.C., and a finalist in the Graduate ACDA Student Conducting Competition in San Diego, CA.
Since her first publication in 2014, she has had compositions and arrangements published at Hope Publishing, AGEHR, Beckenhorst Press, the Lorenz Corporation, SoundForth, Jeffers Publishing, Alfred Publishing, GIA Music, From the Top Music and Chorister’s Guild.
Brenda lives in Eaton Rapids, MI with her three children; Hannah, Blaine & Mia.
Samantha Carroll
Discipleship & Communications Director
Samantha Carroll (email) the Director of Discipleship and Communications, grew up in Hastings, Michigan and graduated from Alma College with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She is married to Adam and has a daughter named Amelia.
Samantha enjoys camping, riding bikes, taking walks and kayaking. She also enjoys spending time in her craft room making t-shirts, home decor items and seasonal crafts.
Samantha decided to make the move out of Public Education and into Ministry because she felt that God had called her to “Come and follow Him.” Samantha has a heart for the local church and wants to see not only FUMER but all churches and God’s kingdom thrive and grow. Her faith has always been a huge part of her life and was blessed to have parents that were active in their own faith and in their church. She believes that her role as Discipleship Director is to help provide opportunities to move each person closer to God no matter where they are currently in their faith journey.
Samantha enjoys camping, riding bikes, taking walks and kayaking. She also enjoys spending time in her craft room making t-shirts, home decor items and seasonal crafts.
Samantha decided to make the move out of Public Education and into Ministry because she felt that God had called her to “Come and follow Him.” Samantha has a heart for the local church and wants to see not only FUMER but all churches and God’s kingdom thrive and grow. Her faith has always been a huge part of her life and was blessed to have parents that were active in their own faith and in their church. She believes that her role as Discipleship Director is to help provide opportunities to move each person closer to God no matter where they are currently in their faith journey.
Melissa Hampton
Youth Director
Melissa Hampton (email) serves as the youth director. She was brought into our church by the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) program back in 2000, when the group first started. She took over as leader of the group for many years until 2007. During that time she enjoyed so many aspects with MOPS, including running Mom-to-Mom events, Book Club, Bible Study and more. She is excited to once again take on a more prominent role in our church.
Melissa is mom to 3 kids (Wes 23, Maggie 20 and Onyx 17) and resides in Eaton Rapids with her husband, Tony. She is an animal lover and has one cat, Tootsie, three guinea pigs (Amber, Rosie and Junie) and a horse, Charlotte. She started a house cleaning company in 2008 and is still enjoying that career and helping others keep their homes clean.
Growing up, she resided in Brighton for the first 10 years of her life, then moved to Lapeer. Melissa attended Michigan State to become a teacher and did that for a few years before starting a family. Being a teacher gave her many skills that she can put to use as youth director. She is excited to get to know our teens and help them explore their spiritual life.
Melissa is mom to 3 kids (Wes 23, Maggie 20 and Onyx 17) and resides in Eaton Rapids with her husband, Tony. She is an animal lover and has one cat, Tootsie, three guinea pigs (Amber, Rosie and Junie) and a horse, Charlotte. She started a house cleaning company in 2008 and is still enjoying that career and helping others keep their homes clean.
Growing up, she resided in Brighton for the first 10 years of her life, then moved to Lapeer. Melissa attended Michigan State to become a teacher and did that for a few years before starting a family. Being a teacher gave her many skills that she can put to use as youth director. She is excited to get to know our teens and help them explore their spiritual life.
Anthony Funaro
Choir Director/Pianist
Anthony Funaro (email) currently serves as Director of Choirs at Howell High School, in Howell Michigan. From 2013-2024 he served as Vocal Music Director for the Eaton Rapids Public Schools teaching students from 5th Grade to 12th Grade. Choirs under his direction have earned high ratings at both Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA) District and State Choral Festivals as well as performed at Disney World. Students under Anthony’s tutelage have excelled at MSVMA District and State Solo & Ensemble Festivals, and have participated in all levels of the MSVMA Honors Choir Program including annual participation in the All-State Honors Choir.
In addition to his teaching duties, Anthony enjoys directing musicals and has experience directing students at the High School and Middle School level. Outside of his teaching job, Anthony is a member of the music staff at First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids where he directs the Chancel Choir and plays keys in the Praise Band. Anthony is also beyond proud to have served MSVMA as District 8 Manager.
A native of Grosse Ile Michigan, Anthony attended Western Michigan University earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music. At WMU he studied choral music and conducting with Dr. Joe Miller and Dr. James Bass while also studying voice with Dr. Carl Ratner. Anthony earned his Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification from Eastern Michigan University studying with Prof. Trey Jacobs.
Anthony currently resides in Lansing, Michigan where he enjoys traveling, reading a good book, cooking, and spending time with his family and friends.
In addition to his teaching duties, Anthony enjoys directing musicals and has experience directing students at the High School and Middle School level. Outside of his teaching job, Anthony is a member of the music staff at First United Methodist Church of Eaton Rapids where he directs the Chancel Choir and plays keys in the Praise Band. Anthony is also beyond proud to have served MSVMA as District 8 Manager.
A native of Grosse Ile Michigan, Anthony attended Western Michigan University earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music. At WMU he studied choral music and conducting with Dr. Joe Miller and Dr. James Bass while also studying voice with Dr. Carl Ratner. Anthony earned his Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification from Eastern Michigan University studying with Prof. Trey Jacobs.
Anthony currently resides in Lansing, Michigan where he enjoys traveling, reading a good book, cooking, and spending time with his family and friends.
Matthew Randle
Casual Service Worship Leader
Matthew Randle (email) comes to us from the Fearless Network of Churches in the areas of Holland and Hamilton and has a calling to be involved in worship ministry. He is a talented musician with experience in worship leadership and youth ministry.
Matt had a chance to reflect on how he feels about his new role here at FUMER: "I am so excited to be a part of the FUMER team! God has been calling me to music from the start, and I am grateful that I now get to share that passion fully with the church. I have been on worship teams for twelve years now and I have spent every day learning and growing because of that. I am engaged to my lovely fiancé Julia and she is thankful to be a part of this journey with me! We love that we can help grow this service together as a team with all of you. I enjoy spending time outside, going on walks, writing music and spending time with my family. Please don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to me or Julia!"
Matt had a chance to reflect on how he feels about his new role here at FUMER: "I am so excited to be a part of the FUMER team! God has been calling me to music from the start, and I am grateful that I now get to share that passion fully with the church. I have been on worship teams for twelve years now and I have spent every day learning and growing because of that. I am engaged to my lovely fiancé Julia and she is thankful to be a part of this journey with me! We love that we can help grow this service together as a team with all of you. I enjoy spending time outside, going on walks, writing music and spending time with my family. Please don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to me or Julia!"
Julie Kirkpatrick
Nursery Coordinator
Julie Kirkpatrick (email) is our Nursery coordinator on Sunday mornings for both the first and second service. Julie has a variety of experiences working with kids of a variety of ages. She greets our babies and toddlers each sunday with engaging and creative play and art experiences. Here is what Julie has to say about her role in the nursery: My name is Julie Kirkpatrick and I am enthusiastic about being the Nursery Program coordinator for FUMER. In the past I have worked for many years in nursery schools and public schools with children of a variety of ages, so I feel I am well suited for this position in your community. I look forward to meeting your children and serving your family. If you would like to contact me to ask any questions please email me or speak with me directly at the nursery room, located across the hall from the church office.
Jan Denton
Organist/Pianist
Jan Denton is a retired elementary/preschool teacher. She began piano lessons at the age of 8 years with the organist of the Methodist Church in Maumee, Ohio. In eighth grade, Jan also began taking organ lessons from her and playing for the church services. She studied organ one year at Bowling Green State University. In each community where she and her husband, Jack, have lived she has served as organist for the church they attended. For two years Jan was the organist for the annual conference of the UMC’s West Michigan District. Jan also plays piano once a week for the residents at Island City Assisted Living and for the local Rotary Club.
Jan and Jack enjoy working together in their yard, golfing, camping, traveling, and spending time with their two sons, daughter-in-laws and two grandsons. Jan also enjoys reading and gardening.
Jan and Jack enjoy working together in their yard, golfing, camping, traveling, and spending time with their two sons, daughter-in-laws and two grandsons. Jan also enjoys reading and gardening.
Linda Jones
Pianist
Linda Jones became a church musician at the age of fifteen after praying for an opportunity to use her talents in the church. She went on to study piano at Michigan State University where she received degrees in Piano Pedagogy and Music Therapy. In addition to her position at FUMER, she works as an independent music teacher in piano. She also serves as a collaborative pianist for the Eaton Rapids Public Schools. Linda is the mother of four grown children. She and her husband, John, live in the Mason area.