First United Methodist Church

Pastor Daniel Hofmann (email) grew up in Switzerland and worked as an investigative journalist prior to following God's call into ordained ministry. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and received his Master's Degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Daniel has served churches in West Ohio and West Michigan. He is married to Mary and they are the parents of Rachel, Warren and Anton. One of Daniel's favorite scripture verses is found in Jeremiah 29:11: "For surely I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD, "plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future and a hope."

Joyce Showerman (email) joined the staff of our church in 1980 and has programming responsibilities that include Christian Education, Stephen Ministry, Missions, Confirmation and Inquirers' Classes and Women's Bible Study. She also visits those in hospitals, follows up on first-time visitors and works with many other "seasonal" ministries.

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 Wheaton (email), Director of Music and Worship. Brenda has been serving the Eaton Rapids church since 2003. A native of Southwest Michigan, she comes to us most recently from Kansas. Brenda obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance at Western Michigan University and competed her Master’s degree in Choral Conducting at the University of Missouri – Kansas City with Dr. Eph Ehly. While 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. In addition to music and worship responsibilities Brenda is kept busy with little ones Hannah, Blaine and Mia.

When Brenda is not giving downbeats or chasing kids, she loves scrap-booking, gardening and chatting 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.”

New Bible Verse