Karen Seifert became a licensed local pastor in 2013 and has had the pleasure of serving and participating in many ministries.  She currently attends Emory University to complete her course of study.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Counseling.  Prior to being called into ministry she worked in the corporate world as an executive administrator, quality control administrator and quality auditor.  After hurricane Katrina she began her own business as a virtual administrator, this company provided an opportunity for other moms with special needs children to work at home while caring for their child.  She is also the founder of a non-profit 501(C) helping the homeless.

Besides being a pastor, she enjoys camping, fishing and traveling to new places exploring history, and discovering new things about her family genealogy. She enjoys spending time with family including her four-legged family Roxie.  Her life scripture is John 3:17 “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

Maureen graduated from University of Arkansas and went to teach at Auburn University, as well as Columbus College.  She has been involved in church music since 1964 as an associate director, at Opelika First Methodist and is currently the Music Director at Summerville UMC.

As a Certified Lay Servant, Debbie is certified to provide program leadership and assistance.  Debbie sees her main role as assisting Pastor Karen with whatever she needs.  She has a heart for prayer and is leading the prayer team.  She continues to serve as the teacher of the “Little Fishers” children’s class for children’s ministry.  She also is one of the teachers for Adult Sunday School.  She is chair of Operation Christmas Child.

Debbie also serves as Summerville UMC’s lay leader and delegate to annual conference.  She is the secretary for our One Board Council.  Debbie grew up at Summerville United Methodist church and returned after moving back to Phenix City to care for her parents.  Debbie retired from the Alabama DHR as an Adult Protective Servicces Specialist.  She has a master degree from the University of Alabama and now works as a substitute teacher in Phenix City Public School System.

In her spare time she participates in Red Hats, the Phenix City Civitan Club, and Relay for Life.  She enjoys reading and working in the yard.  She is devoted to her cats and the feral cats in the community that she feeds.