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Matt Bailey has been serving as a pastor in the central Texas conference since 2015 when he graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary and gratefully returned to the great state of Texas. Matt began a life in ministry when he joined his local church’s praise band at the age of 11 in Sugar Land, Texas. He met his wife, Jennifer, at Texas A&M. They married in 2000 and began serving as lay people at FUMC Midlothian, where Matt served as worship leader and youth pastor before feeling a call to ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church. Matt served as the pastor of Lorena UMC since entering ordained ministry in 2015. Jennifer has been a middle school math teacher since 1999, blessing many school districts along the way. Matt and Jennifer have been blessed with two wonderful children. Emma is 14 and loves to sing and perform musical theater and currently helps lead worship at Lorena UMC. James is about to be 10 and likes to ride his scooter and fish with his dad. Matt’s passion for ministry is to see people encounter the living Christ for themselves through worship, prayer, scripture study, service, and small group support. Outside of ministry, Matt likes to play various musical instruments and go kayak fishing.
Hey ya’ll! I’m Christen and I am working on my 5th year as the Minister to Students here at FUMC in Ennis. I made a grand entrance into this great, big world in Chicago, Illinois some years ago, but no worries my parents loved me enough to get me to Texas while I was still a baby. So, I am more Texan than not! I was raised in Palmer, just right up the road from Ennis, and graduated from Palmer High School. After graduating high school, I attended Concordia Lutheran College in Austin, but decided I wasn’t a city girl and came back to Palmer. (It’s true what they say…Austin is weird!) I have 2 grown children, Clayton and Landree, who are in college. I am super proud of the young adults that they have become (even though they make me crazy some days), but they are loved BIG by their momma. I am very involved in the community, both Palmer and Ennis, and have a heart for working with young people and outreach. When I’m not working with the youth, children or involved in an outreach event, I enjoy spending time with the people who make my heart happy or going for a jog. I am known as the prankster around the office and tend to find humor in most things. I love to laugh! I feel a smile and laughter are contagious and do my best to spread joy daily by allowing Christ’s light to shine through me!
Alison Zollinger is returning to Ennis as Pastor of children’s and family ministry, which is what brought her into ministry as a young adult. She has served as Pastor in Weatherford, Killeen, Hillsboro, and is thrilled to be back home, as she grew up here in Ennis, TX.
Alison is married to the love of her life, Jason Zollinger (AKA Dr. Z), and he will be returning to Ennis Veterinary Clinic in April. Together they have 4 amazing children (two sets of twins!), Amy, Cooper, Ellie, and Zoe. Together they enjoy a lot of sports, camping, and Alison’s favorite – movie and pizza nights!
Having served in children’s ministry as a Sunday School teacher for a number of years as a young adult, as well as being a school teacher, serving on the Chrysalis Board through the conference, being appointed as Pastor of Children’s Ministry at Couts United Methodist Church, and serving with children and youth throughout her tenure as a Pastor in the United Methodist Church, she has a heart for the faith development of children and young people, and is always reminded that “To such as these belong the Kingdom of God”(Luke 18:16). “There is so much amazing ministry already happening here at FUMC Ennis, and I am excited to see how God will continue to work in the life of this church and with its young people! We are blessed to be here.”
Ennisite all my life. Couldn't think of a better place to call home. Married to Donnie Lefler in April 1995 - Wow...almost 25 years now. We have 2 Children - Gwendolyn Faith Lefler - she is 21 years and Nursing Student at Abilene Christian University and Grady Thomas Lefler is 17 Years and is a Jr. at Ennis High School. Grady is currently on the Bass and Archery Team and, of course, I couldn't forget about our high maintenance dog we call Gypsy. Our kids are the joy of my life - Whatever they are involved in - We are, too.
My family and I are members at Creekside Church of Christ in Midlothian. We are an active church family - Teaching, Volunteering, helping with all the church activities. I was a CDO Teacher for about 10 years while my children were little. I have also been involved with several community events as well as involved with the EISD. If my family isn't busy, you will usually find us on a lake somewhere. We love the outdoors and love to fish. I am excited to be a part of the First United Methodist Church again.
