Pastor Janet Sutter is in her 4th year at Douglass UMC. Her favorite parts of ministry are getting to know the Douglass Methodist church family, the Douglass community, and the visitors who come through our doors.
Janet graduated from Kansas State University with a Business Education degree and a minor in Computer Studies. Later she received a Masters in Sports administration.
Janet and her husband live in Benton, Kansas and have two grown boys. Before becoming a Pastor, Janet worked for 32 years for the Wichita Public Schools in several capacities. She taught high school business and computer courses many of those years, coached softball, volleyball, tennis, was an athletic director for several years, and finished the second half of her teaching career at the Wichita alternative high school.
A sports enthusiast, Janet played softball at K-State. She also quarterbacked four years for her sorority in flag football. Now that age has caught up with her she spends her time walking the dog, golfing and woodturning.
"I am happy to be a part of the Douglass UMC church family and would love a chance to get to know you."
Ev is proud of her Canadian heritage, so you’ll hear lots of her Canadian antics!
She retired from the Human Resources & Marketing side of banking, so often shares her business knowledge.
She initially trained for a Lutheran Parish Worker so is very familiar with the workings of the church.
She is married to Wayne for 50+ years. He loves to share his musical talent for the church services.
They have two boys, Ryan in Tulsa & Kurtis in Derby and they both have families. So the 4 grandchildren keep them hopping, taking in musical concerts, sporting events and any other events they can attend.
"I am thrilled to be a part of wonderful staff and congregation at DUMC and feel so loved!"
I grew up in western Kansas. I have four siblings - three sisters and a brother. I also have a daughter, and she and her family live in Andover - along with my five grandkids, who range from age 11 to 16.
I was a teacher for 38 years, retiring in 2022. I taught in Germany, North Carolina, Virginia, and ended up in Belle Plaine for my last 33 years.
I have lived in Douglass for over 30 years, and the United Methodist Church became my church home. As a child, I was raised in the church, and we attended every Sunday. My first church was the Evangelical United Brethren (EUB) in Mullinville, and my parents were active church members. My siblings and I were also active in the youth group there, and also in Cimarron where we moved when I was in high school.
Being a part of the church family in Douglass is special to me. I have made friends and connections here that have enriched my life. We have laughed, cried, and grown in faith together. It is an honor to serve this church. I am proud of the ministry this church provides, from TEFAP and our food bank, to helping serve food to community children with Love in a Lunchbox.
When my parents were in a nursing home in Cimarron, there were scriptures written on the walls of the home. One, in particular, stood out to me. It is Deuteronomy 28:6 - “You will be blessed when you come in, and blessed when you go out”. That’s what I want everyone to feel when they come to our church.
Shown here with his wife, Terie, who is also a big part of our church.
"Douglass United Methodist Church is a small church that allows me to be involved in God's works. My gift is the gift of service. I have served in the service for 33 years. Our Church allows me to continue my gift - to serve where ever it is needed."
Cathy is the church pianist and mucisan for Douglass UMC. Cathy has been teaching private piano and voice, clarinet, saxiphone, and flute for 40 years now.
She received her bachelors of music degree in vocal performance from Cameron University in Lawton, Ok in 1994. She also has a minor in Woodwinds and a ipano endorsement. She teaches private lessons at the Music Scene in Andover.
Cathy lives in Wichita KS and has 3 grown children. Anthony, Kristan, and Beth. She is called Mimi from her granddaughter McKenzie, age 5.
"I love to serve the Lord through the gift of Music. It is a blessing to share this gift with others."