Staff

Pastor Stacy Tomich
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Pastor Stacy Tomich is a native of Canton Illinois. She and her Husband Rev. Joe Tomich now call Rushville home. Pastor Stacy and her husband celebrated 29 years of marriage in 2020. They have one daughter(Mandy) who lives in the St. Louis area with her children (Liam and Jane). Pastor Stacy was first appointed to the Rushville United Methodist Church in 1997 as an associate pastor until June of 2000. Now she has returned as the directing pastor here at Rushville First. She completed her studies from the St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City Missouri. She has served on various District committees and has served six years as the Co-Chair for the Local Pastors and Associates members of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. She and her husband are very happy to call Rushville home.

Karen Petersen, Admin Assistant

Karen has lived in the Rushville area since 1976. She and her husband, Bill, have 2 married sons and 4 wonderful grandsons. Bill died in 2019 after almost 50 years of marriage. She worked in the Rushville Church office from 1998-2009, was retired for 10 1/2 years, and returned to the same office in September 2019. She plays the piano at the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church and keeps busy with going to her grandsons year long sport activities.

Mark Ross, Music Director
Mark graduated from Greenville College in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in church music. While at Greenville he was a member of the college choir which toured all over the United States during spring break singing in worship services at various churches. He attended Western Illinois University and studied with Dr. Anita Werling where he received his master’s degree in Organ Performance in 1995. In his spare time he enjoys playing with his nephews and going to their ball games, going to concerts, spending time with friends and family, and preparing for organ concerts.

Sheila Burton, Generations Adult Choir Director
Sheila has been a part of First UMC since the early 1970’s. She retired from teaching music for over 33 years, and resides with her husband, Attorney Charles Burton. She earned her Bachelor’s in Music Education from Bradley with certificates in both vocal and instrumental music with a minor in piano. In addition to her service with the choirs at First UMC, Sheila also contributes through committee leadership and United Methodist Women. She is an avid golfer, quilter and reader when it comes to relaxation. Sheila is a mother to Melissa Taylor (John) Heil, of Germantown, Ill. and Sam Taylor, deceased. She is the proud grandmother of Audrey, Trevor and Thomas Heil.

Kay Divan, Cherub’s Song Pre-K through K Choir Director
Kay moved to Rushville in 1973. She and her husband Bob have 5 children: Vicki (Kevin) Anderson, Bobby ( Natalie) Divan, Jessica (Duke) Dorethy, Emily Divan, and James (Shelby) Divan. A graduate of RHS, Spoon River and WIU, Kay agreed to chaperon a mission trip to Canada for her daughter Jessica’s group in 1999. Upon returning, she was recruited to teach the HS youth group. Kay served several years with the High School kids going on two more mission trips, having overnighters, movie nights, and firelights with them. During that time there was a need for a Genesis choir director and music on Sunday mornings, so Kay did both for several years before switching to just the younger children’s programs. Kay loves being with these awesome children (and Miss Jen) where they get to sing, dance, laugh and praise God as loud as they want to!