Meet our Staff

Joseph Lemert Whitmer (Lem) is an ordained minister of the Disciples of Christ and has full standing in the Christian Church of Greater Kansas City.  He served as its Moderator from 1996 to 2000.  He has served in some form of professional ministry for 53 years. During that time, he has ministered to congregations in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Indiana and Texas.  In recent years, he has focused on Intentional Interim Ministry in seven different congregations.

He is the son of missionaries and was born in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo.  He lived there with his Mother, Father, a brother and sister until the age of nine. Other places he has lived in childhood are Switzerland, and Jamaica.

In his service and commitment to Christ’s Ministry Lem says: “I believe in a God who shepherds a congregation of sons and daughters sharing love and compassion for all people.  I am dedicated to the teachings, values and sacrifice of Jesus, and I have dedicated my life and strength to help congregations in their missions.”

Lem is married to Paulette (Cannon) Whitmer (51 yrs.).  He and Paulette have two children and three grandchildren.

Rev. Lem Whitmer, Transitional Pastor

Lisa Smeltzer, Office Administrator

"Trust the Lord your God with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path."  Proverbs 3:5-6

Lisa has ministered at FCC as Office Administrator since 1998.  She holds a BS in Theatre and an MBA, both from Northwest Missouri State University.  Originally from Oklahoma, Lisa has lived in Maryville since 1969.  She is a big hockey fan, so it should come as no surprise that her "life motto" is from none other than Wayne Gretzky:  "You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take."  With this in mind, Lisa lives out Christ's commission by spreading the Gospel through drama and puppets, both at FCC and First Baptist in Maryville, where she is a member, and beyond.

Deena Poynter, 

Music Director

Anita Dew, 

Organist

Merlin Adkins,

Custodian