Staff

 
 
 
Rev. Dr. Richard Boatman

My name is Richard Boatman. At the age of twenty-four I began pastoral ministry. Nearly three decades later, I still love connecting with and teaching the people of God. Larae Boatman is my wife and partner in ministry. (People generally like me, but they love her!) Our son Caleb is fourteen. Michael and Mandy, the two older kids, and their spouses have blessed us with six wonderful grandbabies.

Larae and I are very excited to be a part of the Oakwood United Methodist Church family. God’s hand is clearly upon this ministry. We have a wonderful and ongoing opportunity to bring “glory to God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

  

 

Cyndi Wilson – Church Administrator

God first led my family and I to Oakwood in the fall of 2004. I heard and accepted my calling on April 1, 2005 in the part-time position as Administrative Assistant. On September 1, 2009, I accepted the appointment of becoming the Church Administrator. I am excited to see the great things God has in store for me and through me as He combines my strengths & weaknesses with His grace and mighty power.

I was born and raised in Des Moines and have lived here in Pleasant Hill for the past 12 years. I married my high school sweet heart, Kevin, and we just celebrated our 21st year Anniversary in July 2014. Kevin works for WesleyLife as the Director of IT.

We have two beautiful daughters: Staisha, who is studying Event Management at ISU; and Alesha, who is a Junior at SEP High School.

 

 
 
 
Brian Acker – Music Ministries Associate

My wife Angela and I joined Oakwood in 1991 and also have 2 wonderful teenage children that have had the opportunity to grow and worship at Oakwood United Methodist Church. In 1985, I graduated from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. After several years of teaching and various other employment opportunities, my family and I settled in Altoona Iowa in 1998 where we reside today. I became Director of Music at Oakwood United Methodist Church in the fall of 1992.

We currently have 2 major music groups. The “Celebration Singers” that lead worship each Sunday at 8:30, and the Oakwood Praise Team that leads worship at our 10:45 Contemporary service. Oakwood also has various small groups and youth choirs that perform periodically. If you are interested in joining either of these ministries, please contact me brian@oakwoodlife.org.

I am so blessed with the opportunities God has put before me. I am thankful everyday for the gifts of music and praise.

 
 
 
 
 
Tania Bentley – Children’s Ministry Associate

My family consists of Luke, my husband, Kayla my oldest daughter, and Abby my youngest daughter. We live in Pleasant Hill. My family and I started attending Oakwood five years ago. We were interested in getting Abby baptized and started looking into churches. Oakwood was the first and last church we visited. Some of the activities I have been involved with at Oakwood are; 24/7 leader, VBS co-director, Marriage Mentors, Small Group Campaigns, and other special events. I really enjoy having fun with the kids here at Oakwood and am excited to partner with Judy in the Children’s Ministries.

In addition to working at Oakwood, I am a case manager at ChildServe where I am blessed to work with children with special needs and their parents/guardians. I attended Wartburg College (a long time ago) and graduated with a Music Education and Music Therapy degree. If you want to find out what my musical talent is, come fine me.

In addition to spending time with my family, some of the other things I like to do are; read, play softball, travel, wii guitar hero, watch episodes of the Office, and go shopping for clothes and shoes!!

 

 
 
 
Angie Acker – Connections & Welcome Coordinator

My name is Angie Acker, I am the Connections & Welcome Coordinator here at Oakwood.

My husband Brian and I, along with our son Marshall and our daughter Madeline have been attending Oakwood and it has been a home away from home for us for a long time! If you are considering visiting Oakwood, we would love to welcome you and if you would consider, we would love to have you decide to make Oakwood your church home!

We have several small groups within our church and if you need any help finding a small group to connect with, please let me know and I would be happy to help! Our small groups help us to grow in closer relationship with Jesus, and also to grow in our relationships with each other, as a family of faith.

May you wake each day with God’s blessings and sleep each night in His keeping, and may you always walk in His tender care.

 

 
 
 
Bonnie Weiss – Prayer Room Ministry Volunteer

I am Bonnie Weiss on staff as a volunteer for the Prayer Room Ministry. My husband Jerry and I live in Ankeny and between us have 4 grown children and 5 wonderful grandsons.

My husband retired in 2007 and patiently waited for me to do the same in 2009. Upon retirement, I knew the Lord had other work for me to do here at Oakwood. When the call came to join the staff, I knew I had found my place of service for my Lord.

I have been a part of the Oakwood family since March of 2006. I have been truly blessed by the love and acceptance of the Oakwood family of faith. As I look forward to serving the Lord in this position, my prayer would be that I may be of encouragement and help to you as we grow together into the likeness of Jesus.

 

 
 

 

 
Tammy Johnson – Nursery Coordinator

Nursery Coordinator
   

 
 
 

 

Nick Peters

Youth Director

 

 
 
 
 
Mike Fillmore

Pastoral Care/Small Group Associate

 

Hours:

Sunday Mornings 8:30am – 12:00 noon

Wednesday Nights 6:30pm-8:00pm