Get to Know Our Staff
Reverend Cheryl Weaver:
Pastor
Hello!
Welcome to First UMC Hartford. I am so glad you found us online. My name is Pastor Cheryl and I began my
ministry here in 2020. I grew up in a little town in Central Wisconsin called Weyauwega. I was raised in the little
white Presbyterian church there and felt that God was calling me into ministry at a young age but didn’t take it
seriously until 30 years later. I had worked in transportation and marketing for large corporations, had raised two
boys, divorced, and met Mark (who had two girls), married and settled into life. It was after we left the
Presbyterian church and were invited to worship with some friends at a United Methodist church that I began to
feel that God still wanted me to serve in ministry. I had always been involved in the church teaching Sunday
School and then later as a volunteer youth director and a lay speaker, but the sense that there was more
wouldn’t go away. I became a Licensed Local Pastor in the UMC in 2012 and three years later Mark followed me.
Mark retired in 2020 and I was ordained a full elder in 2022. Together Mark and I have four grown children and
13 grandchildren, and we enjoy spending as much time with them as we can. We also enjoy hiking in the State
parks and sitting around the campfire. We are both avid sports fans (and Badger and Packer fans)! My passion is
creating space for people to experience God and enrich their spiritual lives. Join us for worship, we truly do
welcome all! You can connect with at pastorcweaver@yahoo.com
Welcome to First UMC Hartford. I am so glad you found us online. My name is Pastor Cheryl and I began my
ministry here in 2020. I grew up in a little town in Central Wisconsin called Weyauwega. I was raised in the little
white Presbyterian church there and felt that God was calling me into ministry at a young age but didn’t take it
seriously until 30 years later. I had worked in transportation and marketing for large corporations, had raised two
boys, divorced, and met Mark (who had two girls), married and settled into life. It was after we left the
Presbyterian church and were invited to worship with some friends at a United Methodist church that I began to
feel that God still wanted me to serve in ministry. I had always been involved in the church teaching Sunday
School and then later as a volunteer youth director and a lay speaker, but the sense that there was more
wouldn’t go away. I became a Licensed Local Pastor in the UMC in 2012 and three years later Mark followed me.
Mark retired in 2020 and I was ordained a full elder in 2022. Together Mark and I have four grown children and
13 grandchildren, and we enjoy spending as much time with them as we can. We also enjoy hiking in the State
parks and sitting around the campfire. We are both avid sports fans (and Badger and Packer fans)! My passion is
creating space for people to experience God and enrich their spiritual lives. Join us for worship, we truly do
welcome all! You can connect with at pastorcweaver@yahoo.com
Emilee Mooney:
Christian Education Director and Communications Coordinator
Hello! My family and I have been members of FUMC for six years. I carry two jobs at FUMC; Children & Family Ministry Director and the Communications Coordinator. I love both of these roles & they keep me very busy. I consider the members of FUMC to be a second family to me and feel very blessed to work here. I am married to my husband Dan, and we have three daughters, Adeline (12), Norah (12) and Clare (10). We live here in Hartford and love our community. In my free time I enjoy reading, watching WI sports, being outside, camping and spending time with my family and friends. I invite you to experience a worship service with us, all are welcome!
Brittany Hahn: Youth Coordinator
My name is Brittany Hahn and I am the Youth Ministry Coordinator, here, at FUMC of Hartford. This means I have the privilege of overseeing all activities that involve our youth in grades 6-12th - including Sunday School and Youth Group. I have been attending this church since I was in 5th grade and, now, I enjoy watching my 5 year old daughter, Vivi, grow up surrounded by the same church family.
I am a Registered Nurse by training and I enjoy working as Cardiology Case Manager during the week.
In my free time, you can catch me spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, and enjoying time outside (when it’s sunny!).
Jim Gottfried: Music Director
My name is Jim Gottfried and I am the Music Director at FUMC. I, along with my wife, Heidi, have been coming to FUMC for almost 20 years. We live right here in Hartford and have two boys, Harrison and Stuart, and a fur baby (dog) named Abner. I very much enjoy singing, being involved in theater be they musicals or plays, and enjoying activities with my extended church family. My favorite part of FUMC is that it truly feels like a family. We share in each other's pains and losses and in each other's joys and victories.
Linda Thompson: Organist
Hi There! After being born and raised in Missouri and then living in Florida for 31 years, I am blessed to have found a new home in Hartford, WI. After teaching for 43 years, I moved to WI to 2016 to be near my son, Josh, and my three granddaughters. I traded sandy beaches for cold and snow and have not regretted it!!
I enjoy reading and working on jigsaw puzzles, but my passion is playing piano and organ. I was met with a warm welcome when I started attending FUMC in the fall of 2017, and I've loved being a part of this church since. I especially feel honored to serve as a pianist/organist. I give God the glory for all my life blessings. FUMC is one of these blessing.
I enjoy reading and working on jigsaw puzzles, but my passion is playing piano and organ. I was met with a warm welcome when I started attending FUMC in the fall of 2017, and I've loved being a part of this church since. I especially feel honored to serve as a pianist/organist. I give God the glory for all my life blessings. FUMC is one of these blessing.
Robin Pfotenhauer: Office Assistant
Hello! I LOVE working for the church! I am so lucky to be able to do this. I have lived in Hartford for 37 years, have been a member for 33 years, and have worked for the church for over 16 years. I am a music major and have led several children’s choirs over the years here at FUMC. I have also taught piano lessons out of my home and assisted at the High School with voice coaching and playing for solo and ensembles.
I have four grown children and 4 ½ grandchildren (the ½ is due in June of 2023). I enjoy the outdoors and our wonderful dog Lexa. She is such a joy! I have an electric scooter that I can take and go on long walks with her. I enjoy going to local theater and concerts in the area and spending time with my daughter Rachel, who lives at home, and my husband Joe. I am a chocaholic and LOVE ice cream!
I have four grown children and 4 ½ grandchildren (the ½ is due in June of 2023). I enjoy the outdoors and our wonderful dog Lexa. She is such a joy! I have an electric scooter that I can take and go on long walks with her. I enjoy going to local theater and concerts in the area and spending time with my daughter Rachel, who lives at home, and my husband Joe. I am a chocaholic and LOVE ice cream!
Connie Spieser: Office Assistant
Hi! I was born in Hartford and raised in the Methodist Church on Church St. in Hartford. I took a hiatus from both for several years. I was never very far away, so it was easy to come back. I eventually returned to Hartford and a few years later returned to my beloved Methodist Church. I've made many new friends. and consider the members my second family. I have two children and two grandchildren. They are all grown up, now. I am a retired Customer Service Manager. I joined the office staff to help out when they were an employee short. I share the office manager/secretary position with another. I love the people I work with and am happy to be part of the church staff. I love to sing and I love the Packers. Sunday's are church, then, Packers!
Josh Thompson: Custodian
Hi! Myself, my wife, Melanie and our combined families all attend FUMC. We enjoy the worship service, and the community events. I have been working as the church custodian part-time since 2022, which is my second job. I work full-time at a local business. In my spare time, I enjoy bird watching and working on my digital hard-rock Christian radio station, Warrior X Radio.
