WORSHIP TIMES
9 AM
Contemporary

     Led by Rev. JJ Whitney & Rev. Andrea Cummings

Facebook Live

A high energy, immersive worship service.

10 AM
Children First, Family Worship

Led by Sadie Stratton

Facebook Live

A unique worship experience for families of all ages, taking place the 1st Sunday of every month.

11 AM
Traditional

   Led by Rev. JJ Whitney & Rev. Andrea Cummings

Facebook Live

An intimate liturgical worship service.

Come together. Come to the table. Communion is offered every Sunday in all of our worship services.

Our Mission

Sharing Christ, Making Disciples.

Our Vision

To become the Spiritual Heart of Bentonville; a mission station to equip disciples for building relationships with people who are far from home or feel far away from God.

Baptism and Confirmation

We understand ourselves to be part of Christ’s universal church when by adoration, proclamation, and service we become conformed to Christ. We are initiated and incorporated into this community of faith by Baptism, receiving the promise of the Spirit that re-creates and transforms us. We all come to God as children, regardless of our age that is why it is appropriate for infants to be baptized.

When people who were baptized as infants are ready to profess their Christian faith, they participate in the classes and service which United Methodism now calls Confirmation. This occasion is not an entrance into church membership, for this was accomplished through baptism. It is the first public affirmation of the grace of God in one’s baptism and the acknowledgment of one’s acceptance of that grace by faith.
If you are interested in being baptized or confirmed please contact one of our pastors.

Our Staff

Senior Pastor

Reverend JJ Whitney

J.J., originally from Bentonville, AR attended Hendrix College and graduated in 1996….

Senior Pastor, Reverend JJ Whitney

Reverend JJ Whitney

J.J., originally from Bentonville, AR attended Hendrix College and graduated in 1996. After leaving Hendrix, she attended Boston University School of Theology where she received a Master of Divinity degree. She began her professional work at Hendrix in 2002, where she served as chaplain.
J.J. is an experienced pastor who has provided extensive leadership in the conference for many years. She is uniquely gifted to lead FUMC | Downtown Bentonville into further growth and vitality as we strive to reach new people in our community and invite them into the grace-filled journey as Christ’s disciples. J.J. is married to Kaleb Barrett and has two sons, Jack Derden (age 14) and Charlie Barrett (age 8). J.J.’s father, Guy Whitney served as Sr. Pastor at FUMC | Downtown Bentonville from 1990-1996. You may contact JJ by email at judith.whitney@arumc.org or via phone at 479-273-2712.

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Associate Pastor

Reverend Andrea Cummings

Rev. Andreá Cummings is a native of Arkansas…

Associate Pastor Reverend Andrea Cummings

Reverend Andreá Cummings

Rev. Andreá Cummings is a native of Arkansas. She has served as campus pastor of St. Luke, the second campus of Pulaski Heights since 2018. Andreá is a native of Arkansas and a graduate of Candler School of Theology at Emory University, where she graduated with a Master of Divinity with an emphasis in Church Planting and Scripture & Interpretation. She earned her B.A. in Communication from the University of Arkansas, her MBA and Master of Education in Special Education from Grand Canyon University. Andreá loves to root for the Arkansas Razorbacks, and loves spending time with her nieces and nephews. You may contact her at andrea@fumcbentonville.org or 479-273-2712.

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Business Administrator

Toni Hinrichs

Toni Hinrichs joined the staff in January 2017.

Business Administrator, Toni Hinrichs

Toni Hinrichs

Toni Hinrichs joined the staff in January 2017. She is a native of Bentonville and is married to Tim. She holds an Accounting Degree from the University of Arkansas. She is also a Certified Public Accountant. Her accounting background is in Real Estate, Retail, and Healthcare Accounting and Finance.

A fun fact about Toni – she used to own 3 donut shops! Her passions include travelling, reading and her 3 dogs.

You may contact Toni at toni@fumcbentonville.org or 479-273-2712, ext. 202.

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Director of Communications

Maribel Vizcarra

A native New Yorker, Maribel is a graduate of the College of St. Vincent with a…

Director of Communications Maribel Vizcarra

Maribel Vizcarra

A native New Yorker, Maribel is a graduate of the College of Mt. St. Vincent with a Bachelor’s of Communication. She is currently a candidate for a Master’s in Strategic Marketing from Fordham University. Maribel formerly worked as Director of Strategic Marketing at NBCUniversal in New York. She has numerous years of experience working in the advertising, marketing, and media industries.

 Maribel has a big heart for FUMC and a passion to use the ministry of communication to inspire, inform, and invite participation in the life, mission, and purpose of the church.
She is married to Joseph and has two children, Sebastian and Juliette. In her free time, Maribel loves fitness, dance, travel, and music. You may contact Maribel at maribel@fumcbentonville.org or (479) 273-2712, ext. 212.

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Director of Music & Worship Arts

Ken Weatherford

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Ken is a graduate of Lambuth University with…

Director of Music & Worship Arts Ken Weatherford

Ken Weatherford

A native of Memphis, Tenn., Ken is a graduate of Lambuth University with a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance. He has served as a worship artist and touring musician for more than 15 years. Ken is married to Casey, a freelance graphic designer. Together, they have two sons named Aidan and Coleman. Ken and Casey have spent several years touring around churches, colleges, and living rooms as an acoustic duo called The Weatherfolk (weatherfolk.com), releasing three albums to date. From 2011 to 2013, the couple lived in Edinburgh, Scotland, working with the Church to establish a new worshipping community that is still growing today. Upon returning to the U.S., Ken spent two years working with a United Methodist Church in Little Rock to further an existing worship arts ministry. Having experienced so many different expressions of church, both here and abroad, Ken is thrilled to bring his love for community, creativity, art, worship (and golf) to First United Methodist Church. You may contact Ken at ken@fumcbentonville.org or 479-273-2712.

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Director of Traditional & Choral Music

Dr. Ray Wheeler

Dr. Ray Wheeler joined FUMC | Downtown …

Music & Choral Director, Dr. Ray Wheeler

Dr. Ray Wheeler

Dr. Ray Wheeler joined FUMC in May of 2016 as the traditional choral director. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education in vocal music and a Master of Music in choral conducting from University of Oklahoma in Norman, and a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of North Texas in Denton. Ray has directed choirs in schools and churches, and also taught voice and music education for the past 30 years. Primarily, he serves as the choral conductor of the chancel choir in the 8:30 am and 11:00 am Traditional service. Ray resides in Bentonville with his wife Pam.  You may contact Ray at ray@fumcbentonville.org or 479-273-2712, ext. 207.

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Director of Children's Ministries

Sadie Wohlfahrt

Sadie joined the staff in September 2014, and has been…

Director of Children's Ministries, Sadie Stratton

Sadie Stratton

Sadie joined the staff in September 2014 and has been a member of FUMC since May 2012. She is a lifelong Methodist and grew up in Milwaukee, Wis. before moving to Bentonville in August 2011. Previously, Sadie was a special education teacher for nine years, most recently at Sugar Creek Elementary in Bentonville. She is now pursuing ordination as an elder in the United Methodist Church. She began her seminary journey at Iliff School of Theology in fall of 2020.

Sadie is passionate about a family systems approach to ministry; she loves discipling grown-ups so they can disciple their families, and leading volunteers through spiritual practices so they are equipped to lead the children at church through the same.

Sadie is married to Matt Wohlfahrt, and they have a full house! Ruby Mae was born in January 2012, and twins Ramsey and Rosalie, in June 2014. Sadie has leaned on her experiences as a parent herself, to craft a ministry that guides children in developing a “faith that works”: relevant and genuine. The cornerstone of this ministry is connection and relationship. Sadie’s favorite things to work on- and talk about- are family worship (first Sunday of every month!) and small group discipleship. You can contact her at 469.273.2712 or sadie@fumcbentonville.org.

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Assistant Director of Children’s Ministries

Allison Earhart 

Allison joined the staff in September 2017.

Assistant Director of Children’s Ministries,

Allison Earhart

Allison joined our staff in Octpber 2017.  Allison grew up in Indiana where she was active in her home church – as a member of Youth Group, Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School leader, and participant in a variety of mission trips. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Wittenberg University, and knew from her student teaching experience that she wanted to work with very young children. After college she worked in the Chicago area as a preschool music teacher and then lead preschool teacher.  Allison then moved to Northwest Arkansas to explore the areas where her family lived and continues to visit. Before starting her position at FUMC, Allison was the Assistant Director of Pine Crest School in Bentonville.
Some of Allison’s responsibilities include running our church nursery, prepping the children for our Children First services, and communication to our parents. She also serves on the Wee Friends Board.
In addition to enjoying children, church, and music, Allison also enjoys tennis , spending time with her husband Patrick and their dog Gemma. Allison and Patrick are expecting their first child – a baby girl, this fall!
You may contact Allison at allison@fumcbentonville.org

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Director of Youth Ministries & Interim Video Director,

Brooke Crumpler

Brooke is originally from El Dorado, Arkansas, where she grew up attending…

Director of Youth Ministries & Interim Worship Arts Director, Brooke Crumpler

Brooke Crumpler

Brooke is originally from El Dorado, Ark., where she grew up attending Parkers Chapel UMC. After high school, she moved to Fayetteville and earned a Bachelor’s in Communication from the University of Arkansas. As an active youth, Brooke served on Conference and Jurisdictional levels of the United Methodist Church. These experiences guide her in her ministry. She strives to provide opportunity for today’s youth to grow in their faith and make lifelong friends in the process. She began working as a youth minister in 2009, and loves that this vocation chose her!

In addition to her youth responsibilities, Brooke will now divide her time between Youth Ministries and Video & Technology. As an interim position, she will oversee the videography and technology for our online worship services, downtown devotionals, and Hymn Sing each week including recruitment of volunteers and upkeep of equipment. She is also responsible for weekly “altarscaping” in consultation with the worship leaders.

In her spare time Brooke enjoys shopping, spending time with family and friends, planning weddings/parties, going to the lake, and traveling. You may contact Brooke at brooke@fumcbentonville.org or 479-273-2712, ext. 209.

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Worship Arts Music Assistant

Matt Nelson

Bio to come….

Worship Arts Music Assistant

Matt Nelson

Bio to come.

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Volunteer Worship Leader, Children First

Matt Wohlfahrt

Matt….

Volunteer Worship Leader, Children First

Matt Wohlfahrt

Bio to come.

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Bookkeeper

Amanda Genest

Bio to come…

Bookeeper, Amanda Genest

Amanda Genest

TBD

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Administrative Assistant

Coming Soon

Coming soon….

Administrative Assistant

Coming Soon

Bio coming soon…

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Explore & Discover Director

Carole Dalton

Carole Dalton, a native Arkansan…

Explore & Discover Director, Carole Dalton

Carole Dalton

Carole Dalton, a native Arkansan from Little Rock, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration. Her experience as an educator includes working at Arkansas Children’s Hospital as an educational diagnostician and teaching in the public school systems of Arkansas and Texas.

Carole serves on various church committees as a FUMC member and is a volunteer in the Bentonville Public Schools and within the community. She and her husband, David, have two children, Elizabeth and Will. She loves seeing the world through the curious and enthusiastic eyes of children and sharing the love of Christ! Her passions include her family, faith, baking, learning new things, and traveling.

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Wee Friends Director

Andrea Mutchler

Andrea Mutchler has been a member of FUMC since 1998…

Wee Friends Director, Andrea Mutchler

Andrea Mutchler

Andrea Mutchler, has been a member of FUMC since 1998, she is married to Thomas and they have 4 grown children. Andrea has a passion for teaching children; she enjoys traveling, the beach and cooking for family and friends. Andrea has held a career in childcare for 20 years and has been the Director at Wee Friends for 7 years.

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Kitchen & Food Services Manager

Bonnye Burney

Bio to come…

Kitchen & Food Services Manager, Bonnye Burney

Bonnye Burney

TBD.

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Building Maintenance

Paul Ramm

Bio to come….

Building Maintenance

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There are no current positions.

 

Check back soon!