OUR TEAM

Pastor Don Long Jr.  holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. He is married to Becky and has two sons, Deven and Zac. He enjoys hiking, playing the drums, coffee, and spending time with his family.  His favorite Bible verse is 1 Corinthians 9:22b-23: "I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I might become a partner in it." 

Pastor Melly Momo holds a Bachelor of Divinity from Africa University in Zimbabwe, a Master of Theological Studies from Iliff School of Theology in Denver, and completed a CEP Residency in St. Louis, MO. She is the mother of Barakah Stephen and Sifa Grace, and enjoys gardening, prayer, and listening to Spirit-filled Christian music. She loves the smiles and joyful atmosphere at Wesley United Methodist Church, and her favorite Bible verse is Lamentations 3:22-23: "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."

Sarah Clemente, Christian Education Director, holds a BS in Psychology from Illinois State University and an MA in Christian Education from Asbury Theological Seminary. She and her husband David have two children: Carmen, who lives in Kentucky, and Jacob, who attends Missouri State University. Sarah enjoys thrift store shopping, eating pancit and sinigang, and walking in nature to relax. Her favorite Bible verse is 1 John 4:7-12, and she is proud to be "Carmen’s Mom" and "Jacob’s Mom." 

Bridget Huggins, Financial Manager, lives in Macomb with her husband Brian and their three children: Elly, Milly, and Rhys. She enjoys camping, hiking, antique shopping, and painting, and her guilty pleasure is coffee. Bridget's favorite book is Little Women, and her favorite TV shows are Gilmore Girls and I Love Lucy. Her proudest accomplishment is raising her children, and she loves relaxing with family movie nights and enjoying coffee on her porch.

Lauren Merritt, Office & Communications Manager, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Western Illinois University. She and her husband Jeremy have been married for 20 years and have two sons, Xander and Benjamin, along with two Goldendoodles, Loki and Freyja. Lauren enjoys gardening, home canning, and indulging in fancy cheeses. Her favorite Bible verse is Matthew 19:26: "With God all things are possible," and her proudest accomplishment is raising her two sons. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing in comfy pants with a warm dog, watching TV, or playing video games. 

Lynn Thompson, Director of Music, holds a Bachelor and Master of Music from the University of Louisville, with advanced study at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He loves working with the dedicated pastors and talented music staff at Wesley United Methodist Church. Originally from Louisville, KY, Lynn enjoys reading David McCullough biographies, eating Chinese food and sushi, and relaxing with a blanket while reading or watching TV. His proudest moments are seeing his students perform, and his hidden talent is being an excellent parallel parker. 

Ethan Ivey, Sanctuary Choir & Praise Kids Director, holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education (2012) and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting (2014), both from WIU. Originally from Plainfield, Illinois, Ethan enjoys video gaming, trading card games, and indulging in his guilty pleasure, Taco Bell. His favorite Bible verse is Psalm 9:2: "I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High." Ethan's proudest moment was receiving the Gene Michael Goad scholarship in 2009, and he loves relaxing by listening to choral music or rewatching familiar shows on Netflix. 

Jason Hawkins, Praise Band Director, holds a PhD in Music Education. He is married to Laura, and they have two daughters, Hannah and Olivia. Originally from Stillman Valley, IL, Jason loves the music at Wesley Church and enjoys hobbies like home renovation and car repair. His favorite Bible verses are from Psalms, especially those that make good song lyrics. Jason's proudest moment was conducting a choir at Carnegie Hall, and his guilty pleasure is pepperoni pizza. His favorite vacation spot is Disney, and he relaxes by watching TV.

Catherine Swanson, Director of Wesley Ringers, holds an Associate of Arts in Music from Harper College, a Bachelor of Science in Physical and Health Education with a minor in Music from Monmouth College, and a Master of Arts in Music Education and Conducting from Western Illinois University. She enjoys the friendliness of Wesley United Methodist Church's staff and members, as well as its diverse programs in spirituality, education, and outreach. Catherine’s favorite Bible verse is Psalm 27, and her proudest moment was witnessing a family gathering in 2015 with all her children, their spouses, and grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys knitting, reading, sewing, and playing the piano. 

Tim Mealiff, Organist, holds a B.A. in History and English from Illinois Wesleyan University. He is married to Nikki, and they have three children: Ada, Emery, and Everett. Originally from Morton, IL, Tim enjoys clearing brush, splitting firewood, and other yard projects. His favorite Bible verse is Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God," and his favorite book is Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Tim's proudest moment is watching his children's accomplishments, and his guilty pleasure is sour candy. His favorite vacation spot is the Lake of the Ozarks, and he relaxes by taking walks in the woods. 

Anita Bigsby, Custodian, hails from Roseville, IL, and enjoys spending time with her mom, her two cats (Leona & Gracie), and her dog (Rocko). Her favorite childhood memory is mowing cemeteries with her mom and stepdad. Anita’s favorite Bible verse is John 3:16, and her favorite book is The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks. She loves relaxing by walking or holding her cat Leona. She wanted to become a veterinarian or caregiver when she grew up. A hidden talent of hers is finding anything you need at Walmart in two minutes! 

Laura Hawkins grew up in Iowa and Kansas before settling in Macomb, IL, in third grade when her father began teaching at WIU. She graduated from Macomb High School and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Western Illinois University. Laura is married to Jason, and they have two daughters, Hannah and Olivia. Her favorite Bible verse is 1 Peter 4:8: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” In her free time, Laura loves reading, crafting, doing puzzles, and spending quality time with her family.