Rev. Cynthia Paquette worked as an entomologist for 10 years before answering her call to the ordained ministry in 2007. She has a Doctor of Philosophy in Entomology and worked in the field until 2015. She originated from Malaysia, came from a Buddhist family and had a conversion experience at the age of 16 while trying to find meaning and direction in life after the passing of her grandmother. She completed a Master of Divinity at Asbury Theological Seminary in 2015, was commissioned as a Provisional Elder and was appointed to First Church in June 2016. As Executive Pastor, Rev. Cynthia oversees the cradle to grave faith formation by working with the different programming staff and the pastoral and congregational care ministries by working with her clergy colleagues and the congregational care ministries. Rev. Cynthia’s gifts for ministry are in the areas of administration, healing, and teaching.

Laurie and her family joined FUMC in 2007, and she feels fortunate to have become a part of the many the different children’s programs shortly thereafter. She began as a childcare provider in the church nursery, then joined the Parent’s Day Out Staff, and in 2009, began teaching for FUMC Co-Op Preschool. She will start her 11th year with that program this fall. She considers being a part of helping the young children of FUMC start their faith journey an incredible gift.

She was a business major in college and is happy to be able to put those skills to use. Laurie’s other interests include playing golf, reading, and spending time with her family. She is married and blessed with four children and three grandchildren.

Although she hesitates to admit it, Gail Farnum has been working in the child care field for almost 40 years. Gail was born in Fargo, North Dakota and received her degree in Child Development there at North Dakota State University. Shortly after joining First United Methodist Church, she began working in the church nursery. She later became a teacher for the Parent's Day Out program at First Church, and in 1995, became its director. She was the Vacation Bible School music director, and also director of child care for the annual Methodist conference for many years. Gail and Bob were blessed with two daughters, Chelsey and Rachel. Besides young children, Gail’s passions include playing guitar and singing. She is proud to be caretaker of the wonderful ministry of Parent's Day Out.

Condemned to a lifetime of Methodism by his middle name, David Wesley Reid joined the staff in 2011. He was founding publisher and editor of Vital Theology newsletter. He has been communications director for Duke University Divinity School, public relations manager for a Fortune 500 company and vice president of a Denver PR firm. Earlier, he was a reporter and editor for newspapers in Denver, Cincinnati and Spokane.

David received his B.A. in communications from Linfield College during the last millennium. His wife, Louann Reid, is chair of the English Department at CSU. He is a baseball fan and crazy about jazz. He enjoys a good cigar but can’t afford one very often.

Julie Iven has been a part of First Church family since 2018. Upon retirement from Colorado State University during the summer of 2020, Julie has been deciding where she would best use her gifts, skills, and talents. She wanted to invest her post-retirement time at an organization that gives back to the community and thus joined the staff here at FUMC.

Julie comes to us with a strong background and close to two decades of experience in accounts receivable, accounts payable, financial balancing, and reporting. She has also worked with a wide demographic and different age groups. During her spare time, Julie likes to read, weave, further her spiritual journey, and deepen her faith. 

Gail joined the church in February 2020, along with her husband Brian, after moving to Fort Collins from Spring, TX. They moved around quite a bit, as Brian was in management with Walmart for 22 years. Gail and Brian have lived in Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Texas, and now Colorado.

She worked at a church in Lewisville, TX, first as a volunteer to the Ministry Assistant, and then as the bookkeeper. Over the years, Gail has taught Sunday School, helped with VBS, and sung in the choir at various churches where she and her husband have been members. She has also worked in embroidery shops, which she really enjoyed, and recently purchased a home machine.

Gail and Brian have four adult children, two here in the Fort Collins area, and five grandchildren.