Staff
Dr. J. D. Ward came to New Hope as pastor on June 1, 2009. Prior to his arrival at New Hope OKC, J.D. served as pastor at FUMC Bartlesville, Ponca City, Sallisaw, and Snyder. Before becoming a United Methodist minister, J.D. served as pastor of University Baptist Church in Shawnee. J.D. is married to Karrie, who is a native of Snyder. They have four children--Michael, Brian, Kristen, and Scott. Michael works as a petroleum engineer for Citation Oil and is married to Jamie, Brian works for FedEx, Kristen is a newlywed and works at the Duncan Regional Hospital and Scott is a senior at OSU. Travis Roberts, who works for Haliburton, is Kristen's husband and the precious grandchildren (Bradley and Madison) belong to Michael and Jamie.
Dr. Ward is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University, holds a Master of Divinity Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and earned a Doctor of Theology Degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Karrie taught at Rollingwood Elementary School before becoming a literacy specialist at Myers Elementary in Yukon. Karrie is a graduate of Cameron University, and holds graduate degrees from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
J.D. is a big Sooners fan who also enjoys yard work, reading, baking, and working out at the gym. Karrie plays piano, enjoys decorating the new house in Piedmont, watches a lot of HGTV, and is the hostess with the mostess!
Cali Depue Eck - Pastoral Assistant/Director of Discipleship
Cali Depue Eck has come to our staff as Pastoral Assistant/Director of Discipleship in April 2011. She has served as a Youth Minister previously. She and her husband Dave have four children, Jessica, Benjamin, Jonathan, and Brooklyn.
Cali is a graduate of Mid-America Bible College (1990) having earned her degree in Youth and Recreational Ministries. She also completed her Masters of Divinity in 1994. David is a Mechanical Engineer, a graduate of the University of Missouri at Rolla and has a Masters from Clarkston University, Rochester, NY. Dave is employed with Xerox.
Cali spends most of her free time attending her children's various activities. She also enjoys sports,especially basketball and baseball.
Marc Lau came to New Hope as the music director April 4, 1999. Prior to his arrival at New Hope OKC, Marc served as the music director at Mustang United Methodist Church. Marc is married to Melissa and they have two cats, Baez and Sara.
Marc Lau is a graduate of Southwestern Oklahoma State University where he earned both his Bachelor of Music Education (Vocal/Piano Emphasis) and Master of Music degrees. Marc is currently in his 14th year serving as a music educator for Piedmont Public Schools. Melissa Lau is also a graduate of Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Melissa is a 4th grade teacher at Piedmont Elementary. She has also taught music at Parkland Elementary (Yukon), Rose Witcher Elementary (El Reno), Stone Ridge Elementary (Piedmont), Piedmont Elementary and Piedmont Primary.
Marc is a New Orleans Saints fan whose interests include fantasy football and listening to and playing a wide variety of musical styles. Melissa enjoys playing acoustic guitar, working out at the gym and running marathons. In addition to making music, they enjoy cooking Cajun and Creole cuisine together.
Nancy Bristow - Music Assistant
Vickie Lacy-
I have been a member of New HopeChurch since 1980 as a teenager. I and my husband John were married in the church in 1985. We have 2 wonderful boys that have grown up in the church. Greg is 19 and Geoff is 17. They both are still very active in church.
I graduated from Putnam City North in 1981, and went to Central State University working on my elementary education degree. I have worked in the Deer Creek School for 12 years.
Now my work is with the church. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I work in our churches CDO program, (children’s day out) I work with 2 year olds. It is such a joy with these little ones. The rest of my time is spent with the children’s department here.
I also enjoy helping with mission trips and camps. I have been part of the Sidewalk Sunday school work. We also had the privilege of hosting an exchange student from Hungary and have a permanent spot in my heart for Szandi.
I am also part of the UMW (united Methodist women) group.
I enjoy traveling, camping, reading. And spending time with my family and our 3 cats.
Blessings to all!
YOUTH DIRECTORS
PERRY AND DONETTE JOHNSON
Perry Johnson was born in Ida Grove, Iowa. He was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Ida Grove, until he accepted a job at DFW Airport and moved to Texas. While there, he was a member of Minter's Chapel United Methodist Church, and worked with the Youth.
Donette Johnson grew up in Burkburnett, Texas, and was a member of The First United Methodist Church. After graduation from Nursing School, she moved to Irving, Texas. She worked with Children and Youth at Minter's Chapel United Methodist Church.
Perry and Donette were married in 1990, at Minter's Chapel United Methodist Church, in Grapevine, Texas. They lived in Keller, Texas, where they adopted their oldest son, Cody. The family moved to Piedmont, OK, in May, 1996. and soon joined the First United Methodist Church of Piedmont. While there, they continued to be active with Children and Youth, and adopted their second son, Garrett.
They transferred to New Hope Church in 1999. Donette created and operated the Children's Day Out Program in 2000. She was the Director of CDO until they adopted their daughter, Shay, in 2002. Perry taught Middle School Sunday School and Donette taught Elementary School Sunday School until they accepted the Youth Director position in January, 2008.
Perry is the Owner/Operator of Big Fish Fence Service, Inc. and has been in business since July, 2001. In addition to their work with the Youth, they are Foster Parents and currently have a toddler and an infant that they care for.
As Youth Directors, their focus is taking God's Love into our community through the service of our Youth. They believe in "leading by example" and can be found doing the same tasks as our Youth. They are very active with the Youth and can be seen at every camp, mission trip or activity that the Youth attend.
ASSISTANT YOUTH DIRECTOR
ALEX ATKINSON
Alex was born June 8th, 1988. Moving around as a child, his family settled in Yukon and that has been his home since.
He attended Yukon High School and was active in Youth at Yukon First United Methodist Church. He often credits Christian Music and activities such Youth Force for the strength of his Faith today.
He graduated Yukon High School in 2006, and is working toward his degree in Journalism at the University of Central Oklahoma. After completing school, he hopes to be a screen writer/actor or journalist.
Alex was Youth Intern at Grace United Methodist Church 2008- 2009. He continues to be in contact with many of those Youth and Parents.
Along with his job as Assistant Youth Director, he is currently a teller at First Bethany Bank. In his spare time he enjoys sports, movies, and music concerts, as well as spending time with his friends and family.
Kaye Merriam - Administrative Assistant
Email Kaye
Drew Van Sickle - Sound Technician
FEBRUARY 2012 
