Our Team
Our ministry team is dedicated to making disciples of Jesus Christ through nurture, education, mission, outreach, and worship. We invite you to First United Methodist Church and look forward to developing a close relationship with you.
Senior Pastor
Rev. Jaimie Alexander
Leads Worship Services. Equips others for ministry. Supports people through pastoral care, prayer, and outreach.
A native of Arkansas, lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, and a pastor since 1991. Began ministry at FUMC in July 2017.
Administrative Assistant
Penny Arnold
Overall support person for the Music Department with other responsibilities related to the Clark Center and the front office.
A native of Texarkana, Arkansas, mother of two and proud grandmother of two, member since 1987 and on staff since 2000.
Business Administrator/ Facility Coordinator/ Nursery Coordinator
Melody Hickson
As Business Administrator at FUMC, Melody’s responsibilities include: church finances, publications, membership, Sunday morning Nursery Coordinator. and facility coordination.
Melody is a third-generation member of FUMC. Her grandmother, Edith Capps, taught Sunday School at the church in the 1960's and 1970's.
Director of Music Ministries
Larry De Dymott
Larry oversees and directs the ministries and activities of the Music Department. Larry directs the Chancel Choir, Celebration Choir, Celebration Ringers, and Chancel Handbell Choir. As organist, he provides service and special music for Sunday Worship and other services.
Originally from Joplin, Missouri Larry has lived in Texarkana since 1993 and joined the staff in 2002. Larry was organist at St. Luke United Methodist Church and St. Edward Catholic Church in Texarkana before coming to FUMC Texarkana.
Director of Children's Ministries
Rochelle Gray
Rochelle Gray serves as the Children's Ministries Director at First United Methodist Church of Texarkana, AR. She is passionate about helping children and families grow in their faith through engaging Bible lessons, meaningful worship, fun fellowship, and opportunities to serve others. Rochelle loves creating a welcoming environment where every child feels loved, valued, and encouraged to discover God's purpose for their life. She considers it a joy and privilege to partner with parents as they nurture the faith of the next generation.
Director of Worship Arts
Amy Meadows
Amy Meadows has been a music associate at FUMC since 2005. She sings and plays the piano or guitar with the Spirit of J worship band. Amy accompanies the Chancel and Celebration Choirs and directs the Bethany Singers, Spirit of J, and Spirit Singers. She and Mark Meadows have been married for 23 years and have three children named Fiona, Ivy, and Joseph.
Director of Worship Technology / Guitarist
Mark Meadows
Mark directs the video and sound systems and ensures that worship technology flows smoothly at the church and online.
Sexton
Scott Byers
Scott cares for the day-to-day needs of the church’s physical plant and ensures that our facility is ready to host our ministries.
Custodian
Carrie White
Carrie White serves faithfully as the Custodian at First United Methodist Church, where her work is truly a ministry of hospitality and caring. Her favorite Scriptures are Psalm 23 and Psalm 37, which remind her to trust in the Lord's faithful guidance. Carrie is a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who treasures her family. Through her servant's heart, she helps make our church a welcoming place for all.
God is Faithful!
Nursery Caregiver
Melonie McPeat
Melonie is a lifelong resident of Texarkana who joined the FUMC nursery staff in 1998. She provides loving care for infants through 2 years each Sunday during Sunday school and Worship in addition to other special services and events.
Melonie’s experience along with her dedication to caring for and teaching our babies and toddlers combine to offer families a special experience each Sunday.
Director of Youth Ministries
Chelsea Richardson
Chelsea Richardson serves as the Director of Youth Ministry at First United Methodist Church, where she is passionate about helping children and youth grow in their faith and experience the love of Christ. A longtime member of our church, Chelsea brings a heart for discipleship and service to her ministry. She is also a dedicated schoolteacher, wife, and mother. Through her leadership, she encourages young people to build a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ.