Introducing Sheryl Gallarneau, Pastor of Children and Families
Dear Church Family,
Our SPRC and Children’s Search Team are excited to introduce Sheryl Gallarneau, our new Pastor of Children and Families!
Sheryl is an experienced leader, minister, and pastor, having served over a decade in children’s ministries, most recently as Pastor of Children, Youth, and Families at Second Baptist Church in Lubbock, TX — and many years as an elementary math teacher before that! Sheryl has an authentic, open heart of love for kids and families, energy and passion for the work of ministry in the local church, and great experience and vision to help build on the wonderful work already happening in our children’s ministry.
Sheryl and her husband Chris will be with us on Sunday, November 5th, then we will host a welcome reception on Sunday, November 12th, after the 11am worship services. We can’t wait for you to meet Sheryl — and for Sheryl to meet you!
Sheryl says that some of her favorite church experiences include getting to know the kids and their families, children’s camp, holiday events and church-wide activities, seeing kids grow in their faith and transitioning into youth ministry, and serving on missions committees as well as community boards. She loves being outside in the sun and spending time with her family. She is honored to join the FUMC Denton team and is looking forward to meeting the members of the church and getting to know each of the kids in the children’s program!
Sheryl Gallarneau grew up in Austin, TX and moved to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech University 32 years ago. She met her husband, Chris, in college and they have raised three amazing sons who are now in college and beyond. Sheryl’s love for children led her to a career in education, and she taught elementary school for 17 years. From the classroom, she was called into vocational ministry, served as a children’s pastor, and fell in love with the work of ministry and care within the local church. Sheryl was ordained as a pastor in the Baptist tradition and loves preaching and pastoral care in addition to working with children. Sheryl is a great theological fit with FUMC Denton and is excited to serve in a United Methodist Church.
Be in prayer for Sheryl and Chris and their family as they begin in Denton, pray for the children and families of our church, and say a prayer of gratitude for our Children’s volunteers, Children’s Ministry Committee, and especially interim director Jamie Rives, who will continue as Children's Choir Director, and assistant Antares Ewell who have led so faithfully during this transition season. Thank you! We join them in excitement about what lies ahead for our children and our church!
In Christ,
Cole Martin, SPRC Chair
Emily Blake, Children’s Ministry Council Chair & Search Team member
Rev. Jonathan Perry, Executive Pastor
Rev. Don Lee, Senior Pastor