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, Oklahoma. 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, Brian just graduated from UCO, Kristen is working on a degree in nursing, and Scott is a sophomore at OSU.
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 is a teacher at Rollingwood Elementary School, 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, decorating the house, and singing in the choir at church.
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!
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 opened 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.
Donette is employed at The University of Oklahoma. She has been Nurse/Case Manager since March, 2004.
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.
GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!
ALL THE TIME, GOD IS GOOD!
Kaye Merriam - Administrative Assistant (Tues, Wed, Thurs.)
E-mail Kaye
Judy Unsell - Administrative Assistant/Membership (Mondays)
E-mail Judy
