Our New Pastors
We are happy to introduce Rev. Becky Williams and Rev. Chris Williams, our new pastoral team at Winchester UMC, and the new joint parish with Wesley Chapel UMC and Christ UMC.
Married for 16 years, Becky and Chris first met while attending the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary (UDTS), and they have been partners in life and ministry ever since.
Becky was raised on a farm in Polo, located in northwestern IL. She earned her degree in Elementary Education from Knox College and graduated with her Master of Divinity from UDTS in 2008. She has served congregations in Polo, Manhattan (IL), Marissa, O’Fallon, and Jacksonville, where she is currently pastor at Wesley Chapel. In addition to her pastoral work, Becky chairs the Jacksonville Unmet Needs Committee and serves on the Friends of the Library Board. Becky is an avid reader who enjoys curling up with a cup of hot tea and a book. She also enjoys baking and travel. Her journeys have taken her to Ghana and India, and she is excited to help lead a Wesley Heritage Trip to England next fall—an adventure she warmly invites others in the parish to consider joining.
Chris grew up in Loveland, Colorado, and graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in marketing in 1999. After many years volunteering in youth ministry, he attended seminary and earned his Master of Divinity in 2009. Chris is ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and has served congregations in Sparta and White Hall, as well as working as Communications Director at O’Fallon First UMC. Chris is a sports fan—especially of his beloved Colorado Avalanche—and enjoys cheering on the Broncos, Nuggets, and Rockies. He is also a lifelong Cubs fam. Every summer he looks forward to returning with his family to Estes Park, reconnecting with the mountains and the place that shaped his early life. He is rarely found without a Diet Coke in his hand.
Becky and Chris have two children. Michael, age 14, is a freshman at Jacksonville High School. He competes on the Scholastic Bowl team and serves as a “Volunteen” at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield. Natalie, age 11, is a fifth grader at Eisenhower Elementary. She was recently part of Eisenhower’s winning Geo Bowl team and enjoys music—learning piano and singing in the combined children’s choir with Centenary UMC.
The Williams family is excited for this new chapter of shared ministry. Becky and Chris look forward to getting to know the people of Winchester UMC and to joining all three congregations together in ministry, mission, and fellowship. They are eager to see what God has in store for this new parish as we walk forward in hope and service together.
Rev. Rebecca and Rev. Chris Williams
Karen Hardwick – Administrative Assistant
A short bit of information on myself. I live in Manchester, IL. I came to know Jesus as my Savior at the age of 9 years old. I have been serving Winchester UMC for over 8 years.
I enjoy serving at Winchester UMC. Doing church office work is a wonderful and exciting ministry to me. I have several years of experience of working in a church office, and find it as a ministry God has blessed me with the skills to do. Winchester UMC has some of the most wonderful loving people. I’m so blessed to have the opportunity to serve God among them in the administration of the church office. I can be reached at 217-742-3610, 217-248-9824, winchesterumc@irtc.net, or karenhardwick66@gmail.com.
Edward Gutmann – Custodian
Mrs. Shawn Ford – Musician
Hi, I’m Shawn Ford, and I serve WUMC as a church accompanist for the church worship services.
It is a blessing to serve WUMC.