Meet the Staff

Pastor Brian Smith

Pastor Brian Smith, his wife, Rebecca and their two kids Luke and Katie come to Warsaw First UMC having transferred here from the Florida Conference to be closer to family. Pastor Brian loves getting to know people, hearing about their life journey and helping the church connect to the surrounding community with the Good News of Jesus. He loves being out in nature; playing and watching sports; is a closet weatherman; and will eat just about any candy you put in front of him. He has a passion for seeing the church engage in and transform the community through the love of God.

Ann Baker - Church Office

Ann is the Business Manager and Financial Secretary for Warsaw First, and whatever else happens to come her way (yes, unclogging toilets!). Ann grew up in the Etna Green and Bourbon areas and moved to Fort Wayne for secretarial school. Then stayed and worked for a large corporation, an investment company, and a non-profit educational facility. After 35 years she came back “home” and began work at Warsaw First in January 2008. Ann spends her free time with family and her dog Miss Pepper; reading and working in her yard.

Cathy May - Church Office

Cathy is the part-time Office Assistant for Warsaw FUMC. After working full-time for 37 years, she “retired” in July of 2024, but felt that nudge to see if the church she grew up in, Warsaw First, might have something for her to help with, and so began her new position in October of 2024. She and her husband, Hal, have three kids; Katy (Ben) Boren, Emily (Brad) Potulney and Jack May. They have four grandchildren; Gracie, Sully and Adah Boren and Annie Potulney. Cathy’s main “hobby” is spending time with her family and she loves attending any sporting events the kids have. She also loves spending time outside (when it’s warm!) Cathy is happy to be back home at Warsaw FUMC and to now serve in the Church and help Ann out in the office!

Brian Brauchla - Music/Praise Team/Worship Director

Brian Brauchla comes to us from Rockville/Lebanon Indiana after teaching middle school music for 33 years. He and his wife Cheryl moved to Warsaw to be closer to their 4 grandchildren. Brian, having been involved in church music for 40 years, really felt God‘s presence and was in the right place at the right time to fill a Music void at First United Methodist Church. Brian serves as the Music/Worship director, Choir Director, Handbell Director, and Praise Team Director.

Mandy Ferguson - Communications Coordinator

Mandy graduated from Purdue University and worked in the food manufacturing industry for 7 years in Indianapolis and Chicago. Her husband, Daniel, and she moved to Warsaw to be closer to family. Daniel and Mandy have two children, Henry and John, as well as a dog, Auggie. Mandy now works at Ferguson Farms in Leesburg and also works as the Communications Coordinator of Warsaw FUMC. She enjoys spending time with her family, baking, reading, and working outside. Mandy is excited to help get the word out about Warsaw FUMC and promote them through their website, social media, and general advertisements throughout Warsaw!

Katie Maile - Children's Ministry

Katie graduate from Depauw University and has worked as a teacher with Warsaw Community schools for the past 19 years. She is married to Max and they have two boys together. As a family, they enjoy traveling and spending time in the lake together. Katie grew up attending FUMC and is excited to be here working with the children’s ministry team. She loves planning out lessons and completing crafts and games with the children while learning about Jesus!

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