Leadership
Rev. Brenda Wheeler Ehlers, Lead Pastor
Rev. Ehlers has been serving First United Methodist Church of Montclair since July 2023. Rev. Ehlers is a graduate of Drew University Theological School. She most recently served as Associate Pastor of Morrow Memorial UMC in Maplewood, NJ where her work focused on children, youth, nurture, and outreach ministries. Rev. Ehlers is a certified restorative practice trainer (IIRP) and has developed peace-building curricula for preschool and elementary students.
Rev. Ehlers has been serving First United Methodist Church of Montclair since July 2023. Rev. Ehlers is a graduate of Drew University Theological School. She most recently served as Associate Pastor of Morrow Memorial UMC in Maplewood, NJ where her work focused on children, youth, nurture, and outreach ministries. Rev. Ehlers is a certified restorative practice trainer (IIRP) and has developed peace-building curricula for preschool and elementary students.
Rev. Franck Aguilh, Pastor of Mission
Rev. Franck Aguilh is our retired elder in residence. He retired from parish ministry and founded Haiti Hope House in 2010, the year that the earthquake hit Haiti. His mission work through Haiti Hope House is focused on leading change through education and training. In 2018, Haiti Hope House completed the construction of the Learning Center in Mizak, Haiti, where ESL classes and vocational workshops are offered for local children and young adults. Rev. Aguilh worked as an engineer for many years and earned his Master of Divinity degree from Drew University in 2003.
You can find more information on Haiti Hope House here.
Rev. Franck Aguilh is our retired elder in residence. He retired from parish ministry and founded Haiti Hope House in 2010, the year that the earthquake hit Haiti. His mission work through Haiti Hope House is focused on leading change through education and training. In 2018, Haiti Hope House completed the construction of the Learning Center in Mizak, Haiti, where ESL classes and vocational workshops are offered for local children and young adults. Rev. Aguilh worked as an engineer for many years and earned his Master of Divinity degree from Drew University in 2003.
You can find more information on Haiti Hope House here.
Mr. Ken Rapp, Music Director
Mr. Ken Rapp has been Organist/Music Director here at First United Methodist Church of Montclair since 1964. At that time he was studying organ with William K. Burns at Morrow Memorial Church in Maplewood who introduced him to the music committee here, and the rest is history. While working as an electrical engineer at PSE&G for 28 years, he was a member and then director of the employees club chorus. He served as accompanist and music director for the Assumption Theater in Morristown from 1970 to 1982 and is at present a member of the Seton Hall University Choir. He has been accompanist and assistant director of the Morris Choral Society since 1973. Mr. Rapp is a member of the American Guild of Organists, the Organ Historical Society, and the American Theater Organ Society.
Mr. Ken Rapp has been Organist/Music Director here at First United Methodist Church of Montclair since 1964. At that time he was studying organ with William K. Burns at Morrow Memorial Church in Maplewood who introduced him to the music committee here, and the rest is history. While working as an electrical engineer at PSE&G for 28 years, he was a member and then director of the employees club chorus. He served as accompanist and music director for the Assumption Theater in Morristown from 1970 to 1982 and is at present a member of the Seton Hall University Choir. He has been accompanist and assistant director of the Morris Choral Society since 1973. Mr. Rapp is a member of the American Guild of Organists, the Organ Historical Society, and the American Theater Organ Society.
Dr. Michael Stewart, Lay Leader
Dr. Michael Stewart has been at First United Methodist Church of Montclair and Verona since 1993. He is gifted to deliver the Gospel and passionate to serve the local community. His servant leadership is shining in the soup kitchen ministry, we call this, Souper Saturday. He has also protected and maintained the building of First UMC as custodian. He currently teaches students at the accounting department in New Jersey City University.
Dr. Michael Stewart has been at First United Methodist Church of Montclair and Verona since 1993. He is gifted to deliver the Gospel and passionate to serve the local community. His servant leadership is shining in the soup kitchen ministry, we call this, Souper Saturday. He has also protected and maintained the building of First UMC as custodian. He currently teaches students at the accounting department in New Jersey City University.
