Our Team

Christopher Gudger-Raines

Pastor

Pastor Christopher joined First UMC in July of 2021. He is a native of West Virginia and served in the WV Annual Conference for 8 years. He then served congregations in Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA. Prior to parish ministry, Pastor Christopher served in the mission wing of the Church. He was a US-2 in St. Louis, MO, served on staff at a church in Cambridge, UK and served at the General Board of Global Ministries. He earned his M.Div from Drew Theological School. He and his wife Meredith have two children.

Zulma Tifre

Associate Pastor for Hispanic/Latinx Ministries

Assosicate Pastor of the Hispanic/Latinx Ministries, Zulma Tifre is originally from Honduras, she grew up in a city called La Ceiba. She currently studies at SMU Perkins School of Theology. Since 2012 she has been serving as a Hispanic lay missionary at First United Methodist Church and in 2022, she received her appointment as pastor. She did not imagine that she would be serving and preaching in the United States, but as a woman of faith she is faithful to her calling and ministry, she likes and enjoys helping families in her community, she loves her ministry and she is passionate about serving, and she does it with love. Pastor Zulma is the mother of 3 children and 3 grandchildren. She enjoys family gatherings, with her children, grandchildren, sisters, and nieces.

Pastora asociado del Ministerio Hispano/Latinx, Zulma Tifre, es originaria de Honduras, Creció en una ciudad llamada La Ceiba. Actualmente estudia en SMU Perkins Escuela de Teología. Desde 2012 ha estado sirviendo como misionera laica hispana en First United Methodist Church y en 2022 recibió su nombramiento como pastora hispana. No imaginó que estaría sirviendo y predicando en estados unidos, pero como mujer de fe es fiel a su llamado y ministerio, le gusta y disfruta ayudar a las familias en su comunidad, ama su ministerio y le apasiona servir, y lo hace con mucho amor, es madre de 3 hijos y 3 nietos. Disfruta de las reuniones familiares, con sus hijos, nietos, hermanas y sobrinas.

Staff

  • Debbie Grant

    Debbie Grant

    FAITH IN ACTION COORDINATOR

    Debbie joins Mount Vernon First United Methodist Church as the Faith in Action Coordinator, bringing over 20 years of dedication and service to our church family. With her experience in youth ministry and volunteering locally, she’s excited to help our congregation live out their faith both within the church and in the community.

  • Karin Williams

    Karin Williams

    TREASURER

    Karin became our Treasurer in 2023, bringing her financial expertise and warm spirit to Mount Vernon First United Methodist Church. When she’s not managing our finances, she enjoys time with her puppy, Gretchen, and visiting her three children and four grandchildren in Portland.

  • Sue Erickson

    Sue Erickson

    OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

    Sue became our Administrative Assistant in 2013, bringing her warm spirit and dedication to Mount Vernon First United Methodist Church. Sue Erickson brings a rich background in biology and education to her role. When she’s not at church, she enjoys music, crafting, and spending time with her husband, Ron, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandkids.

  • Jeremy Hubbell

    TECHNICAL & VIDEO CREATION
    Jeremy is a live streaming expert, Ecamm instructor, and professional 3D content creator with over 20 years of experience in video production and social media marketing. He manages multiple YouTube channels, including The Rainy Cajun, 3D Hub, and helps creators optimize their live and recorded content using tools like Ecamm and Final Cut Pro.

  • Rubi Victoria Reyes

    NURSERY

    Rubi Victoria Reyes, bilingual in English and Spanish, is a dedicated member of the nursery team, bringing valuable childcare experience and certified training in child safety. Known for her calm and patient nature, Rubi is committed to providing attentive care and support to children of all ages.

  • Euraulia Martinez

    NURSERY

    Euraulia Martinez is a valued member of the nursery team, bringing hands-on experience with children and a strong foundation from her Early Childhood Education classes in high school. Bilingual in Spanish and English, she is passionate about creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can grow and thrive.