Meet Our Staff

Jerry was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and moved to Lewisville, Texas, in 1973. He graduated from Lewisville High School in 1986. He received a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from East Central University in 1991, where he met his wife, Jeribeth. They married the same year. Jerry earned his Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in 1996.

His ministry began in 1988 as the summer youth intern at First United Methodist Church of Ada, Oklahoma, later becoming the youth minister. He then served as youth minister at First United Methodist Church of Paris, Texas. Jerry has since served 22 years as a pastor, with appointments to Trietsch Memorial UMC, Key Memorial UMC, Floral Heights UMC, Wesley UMC, First UMC in Nocona, Whaley UMC, and First UMC of Van Alstyne, before coming to First United Methodist Church of Terrell. He was ordained Deacon in 1997 and Elder in 2000 in the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Jerry and Jeribeth have three children, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and seven grandchildren. He is a passionate fan of the OU Sooners, softball, and sports in general. They enjoy camping, traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with their grandchildren.

Coming soon

Jared's strong calling to ministry led him from San Antonio, TX, to Abilene Christian University, where he earned a B.A. in Biblical Studies and Christian Ministry. He then earned an M.T.S. in Systematic Theology from Southern Methodist University (SMU) and is currently pursuing a second master’s in systematic theology at SMU’s Perkins School of Theology.

During his studies, he served in various ministerial roles, including weekly evangelism, chaplaincy, college ministry, retirement home services, and five years of youth ministry. Key experiences include volunteering at his home church in Abilene, where he was mentored by his pastor, and an internship with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), where he wrote content for their Online Evangelism Department. He values the professional and spiritual investment he received during these ministries.

Jared's academic background informs his passion for pastoral care. Highlights of his studies include presenting at national conferences, transcribing Greek Manuscripts of Colossians for the Novum Testamentum Graecum Editio Critica Major, co-authoring a textbook glossary (Introduction to the Old Testament), and co-designing a new core curriculum course section at SMU.

Having gained much from mentorship and learning, Jared is eager to apply these blessings to the spiritual formation of the youth and their families at FUMC Terrell while continuing his education.

Lexi is a graduate of Texas State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations in 2024. She works full-time as a Library Technician at Hulsey Public Library in Terrell and volunteers her time with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America. She has always had a love for music and was a member of the FUMC Terrell choir growing up. She continued singing throughout high school and college, earning several achievements including making the TMEA All-State Choir.

Melissa Allen serves as the Church Administrator for First United Methodist Church of Terrell, joining the congregation in September 2024.

Originally from Wichita Falls, Melissa attended Midwestern State University. She is married to the Rev. Christopher L. Allen (Retired), and they currently reside in Forney, Texas. They have two adult children and a delightful grandson who lives in Austin, and a daughter who lives in Oak Cliff, Dallas.

Melissa dedicated 23 years to Irving ISD, where she served in a variety of roles including Special Education Aide, Secretary to the Principal, and Secretary to the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, retiring in 2016.

She is truly pleased to serve FUMC–Terrell and considers the congregation warm, welcoming, and deeply rooted in their love for Jesus Christ.

Melody Kennedy has had the honor of being the pianist at FUMC Terrell for the last two years. She enjoys sharing her God-given gift with so many people each week. Working here has not only been a learning experience, but also a blessing through each member. She is currently pursuing a Music Performance degree at East Texas A&M University. In her additional time, she enjoys singing, working collaboratively with other musicians, and indulging in as many performance opportunities as she can. Please come by and visit FUMC Terrell on Sunday! Melody would love to share her music with you.

Doreen Mewbourn is the Lead Nursery Worker for First United Methodist Church of Terrell, and proud mother of two sons, Jeremy (38) and Sterling (24).

Many in Terrell know Doreen from her time as a Dollar General manager in the 1990s, or as a beloved “cafeteria lady” at Kennedy Elementary, Langwith Elementary, and Terrell ISD Middle School.

She has years of childcare experience, including at a local daycare, the church’s Parents’ Day Out (PDO) program, and the Sunday nursery. For the past 17 years, she has also been a special needs caregiver for Ethan, an experience that has deeply shaped her patience, compassion, and unconditional love.

Doreen's spare-time interests include reading, comedy shows, movies, thrifting with her best friend, and tending to her houseplant collection.

Stephanie Randall has dedicated over 20 years to licensed childcare, primarily in church-based schools, teaching children of all ages with a focus on older pre-K students. Since 2021, she has directed Methodist Day School, combining her passion for early childhood education with community service. She studied early childhood development at Texas Tech and Tarleton State University.

Beyond her professional role, Stephanie volunteers her time and leadership with numerous non-profits, Girl Scouts, booster clubs, and her children's schools. She and her husband teach Sunday school and volunteer at their home church. Stephanie enjoys travel, reading, games, and time with family and friends.

Married since 2000, Stephanie and her husband have two grown children. Her husband served 20 years in the military, during which they lived across Texas before settling in Kaufman County two decades ago.

A Dallas native, Kim moved to Terrell with her husband, Ron, and their family in 1995. They have three daughters and four grandchildren.

Her 20-year career as Director of the FUMC Terrell Parents' Day Out program began in February 2000 when she started as a teacher. She loves working with the children and watching their personalities develop.

In her free time, Kim enjoys baking, traveling, and spending time with family.