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 eleven. Michael and Mandy, the two older kids, and their spouses have blessed us with four grandbabies, and a fifth on the way.

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. Together we have a wonderful and ongoing opportunity to bring “glory to God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

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 here in Des Moines and now reside in Pleasant Hill. I have been married for 18 years to my high school sweet heart, Kevin, who is a Software Implementer for Answers on Demand based out of Florida.

We have two beautiful daughters: Staisha, who just finished her 1st year of college; and Alesha, who just finished 7th grade.

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.

My name is Marcy Stone and I serve as Oakwood's Congregational Care Associate. I grew up in Pleasant Hill and attend elementary school here, graduating from East High in 1990. I then attended UNI and taught for Des Moines Public Schools for 10 years before staying home with our three children. During that time I began to discern and accept God's call for my life in pastoral ministry. I began my service in ministry as the Adult Ministries Coordinator here at Oakwood. I am now honored to serve as the part-time pastor at Marquisville UMC here in Des Moines while continuing my connection to Oakwood by serving part-time as the Congregational Care Associate. It's the best of both worlds and a great blessing for me and my family!

My husband, Doug and I were married at Oakwood and have loved having our kids, Matt, Addie and Camden, involved in the children's ministry here. I love to TALK, giggle and celebrate the people Christ has placed in my life! It is my prayer that you will find Oakwood a friendly place where you see the hand of God at work in the lives of many. Contact me anytime for pastoral care, or just to find out more about Oakwood. I'd love to chat and help you feel connected!

My wife, Laura, and I moved to Pleasant Hill in January of 2009 when I became the Youth and Young Adult Associate at Oakwood. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and hold a Bachelors Degree in Studio Art with an emphasis Fine Art Photography. I would love to talk to you about our youth and young adult programs if you are interested in coming or volunteering contact me.

My family and I started attending Oakwood regularly 8 years ago. I have had the opportunity to work in Children's Ministry, Marriage Ministry, Small Group Campaigns, and as a Financial Secretary. However, my heart and passion has always been for the kids. I love having the opportunity to work with children and helping them get rooted in Christ and developing a personal relationship with Jesus. I feel very honored and excited to partner with Tania Bentley in Children's Ministries. We have a great group of leaders and kids walking this journey with us and I can't wait to see how He is going to use this ministry to remind us that "we exist to love & serve God, share Jesus' love, serve others and enjoy each other"!

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!!

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.

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.

Nursery Coordinator

Hours:

Sunday Mornings 8:30am - 12:00 noon

Wednesday Nights 6:30pm-8:00pm