Pastor: Joyce Lawson
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Joyce Lawson is an ordained elder in the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. She has been serving as pastor of the Mahoning United Methodist Church since July 1, 2000. Before moving to Youngstown in August of 1999, she served as a part-time associate pastor (1992-1999) at the Apollo United Presbyterian Church in Apollo, Pennsylvania and pastor (1986-1991) of the Johnsville & Steam Corners United Methodist churches located south of Mansfield, Ohio in Morrow County. She is married to the Rev. Dr. Peter Lawson, former pastor of Heritage Presbyterian Church in Youngstown, who is currently working as a Chaplain at the National Guard Readiness Center in Arlington, Virginia. They have two children: Emily is in her second year of college at YSU and Ethan is a junior at Boardman High School.
Rev. Lawson was born and raised in the Cleveland area. She graduated from Mayfield High School in 1979. She received her BA from Mount Union College in 1983 and MDiv from Princeton Theological School in 1986.
Since being in the Youngstown area, Rev. Lawson has served on the Mahoning Valley District Committee on Ordained Ministry and is currently the registrar of that committee. She is currently serving on the Board of Trustees of the United Methodist Community Center (locations in both Youngstown and Warren). She served six years on the Board of the Mahoning Valley Association of Churches – three of those years as President. She has coordinated the Annual Youngstown Area Crop Walk for Hunger since 2003 (she also coordinated area CROP Walks in both Apollo and northern Morrow County). Over the years, she has served on several United Methodist District and Conference Committees, and participated in local ministerial associations.
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Music Director: Valerie Wilson
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Val came to Mahoning United Methodist Church in 2008. Prior to that she had extensive experience in music direction of all types, including serving as Band Director at John F Kennedy High School (1976-1982), as well as Director of Music Ministries at Martin Luther Lutheran Church (1976-1980) and Bethel Lutheran Church (1980-2005). Since coming to MUMC, Val has revamped the music program, causing a resurgence in participation in the chamber choir as well as the reformation of the Praise band and Bell choir.
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Organist/Pianist: Mary Hallewell
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Prior to beginning her tenure at Mahoning United Methodist Church in 2008, Mary provided the services of organist and pianist for Bethel Lutheran Church (1960-2005). Mary has brought a lively flair to the music at MUMC which has not been seen by members of this congregation in many years. She plays with a passion and understanding of the music that becomes contagious to those around her, and has been instrumental in the revitalization of both the chamber choir and praise band.
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