Staff
Pastor Carl’s Bio:
I feel like I have had a call to ministry from early on. I am named after Dr. Carl Wiley, pastor at my home church when I was born. At age two, when asked what I would be when I grew up, I would simply say, “a pastor like Pastor Wiley.”
I grew up in a small town in Ohio, and hold a B.A. in Communications from the Ohio State University. Upon receiving my call into ministry, I matriculated at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. There I met my future wife, Denni, who is also a minister, specializing in Christian Education. We married in 1996, and have two children, Gretchen and Kirsten, as well as three foster children.
In addition to spending time with my family, I enjoy music, playing guitar, golf, surfing the ‘net, and lifting weights.
Elm Springs is my fourth appointment in the United Methodist Church.
Denni Palmer, M.Div., Director of Christian Education
Name: Denni Palmer
Birthplace: Moline, Il.
Favorite food: peanut butter and chocolate
Favorite color: pink
Unique talent: Apparently I have the unique talent in my house to be able to not only see that laundry needs to be washed but also put the clothes in the washer and dryer.
Why I am at Elm Springs: Other than my husband is the pastor? In truth, this is the church that God led us to, and I would come here even if I had a choice.
How would you describe your job? If our church was the Love Boat, I would be Julie. There is usually a clipboard somewhere near me so I can help connect people with their areas of service and with each other. If you want a place to plug in, see me.
Dri Bayer, Director of Youth Ministries, and Secretary
Birthplace: Johnson City, KS
Favorite cereal: just plain Cheerio’s, with no sugar
Favorite color: green
Unique talent: I’m pretty good a bargain shopping… I could make Clinton & Stacey’s $5,000 on What Not To Wear go a looooong ways!
Why I am at Elm Springs: Someone once said to find where God is working and join him there. I’m very passionate about seeing youth decide to walk the path of their life side by side with God. God has called me to Elm Springs to do just that. God is moving here, this is where he wants me to join him.
How would you describe your job? I wear two hats. A majority of the time I play the director of youth ministries. Basically I journey life with students, lead them to journey with Christ, invite other adults to join our party, and plan all of our crazy events.
I also play the church secretary, I do the things that make church run smoothly throughout the week, like bulletins, attendance, mailing stuff, etc.
Amanda Meyers, Nursery Coordinator
Birthplace: Tahlequah, OK
Favorite Cereal: Frosted Flakes
Favorite color: Red
Unique talent: According to my step daughters, I can read people like they are open books.
Why I am at Elm Springs: When my husband and I were dating, he knew I was having trouble finding a church where I felt comfortable. He invited me to attend a Sunday service with him and I immediately felt at home. Everyone was so sincere in welcoming me and truly proud of their faith. I could feel God at work and knew I had finally found my place to further develop my relationship with God.
How would you describe your job? Being a Nursery coordinator, I am responsible for the most precious members of our church. It is my job to welcome, love and care for our babies and toddlers from birth to 2 years of age so, even at that early age, they can being to develop a relationship with the church and with God.
