Rev. Ryan Scott

Lead Pastor

Pastor Ryan has served First UMC since July of 2024. Pastor Ryan most recently served Newman UMC in Grants Pass, OR. He has served several other churches in Oregon and Washington. Prior to professional ministry Ryan was an Academic Support Specialist and After School Program Manager.

Ryan was raised in Springfield OR and is an avid duck fan! He and his husband Andre Scott (he/they) live in North Eugene where they share their home with their dog, Wesley, and their cat, Toby. Ryan and Andre are hoping to add to their family soon by adopting a child.

Pastor Ryan received his ministry education at The Claremont School of Theology in southern California. He describes himself as a lifelong learner and theology/history nerd. Ryan is especially passionate about theology that sets people free from traditional constraints and allows them to be liberated thus embracing God’s abundant love and grace active in their lives.

In ministry, Ryan is passionate about social justice causes such as, LGBTQ+ rights/inclusion, women’s rights, poverty, and eliminating racism. In 2017, Ryan was part of a group of young United Methodist clergy who went to Washington DC to advocate for stricter gun laws. In 2019, Ryan traveled to El Salvador with the United Methodist Board of Church and Society to study the root causes of the US immigration crisis. Prior to ministry, Ryan was instrumental in ending the long time ban on LGBTQ+ scouts and volunteers in the Boy Scouts of America through his persistent advocacy and partnership with faith leaders across the United States.

During his time off, you can expect to find Ryan spending time with his family, reading, cooking for friends, hiking in the mountains, camping, swimming in nearby lakes and rivers, or going on adventures with his husband.

Brittany Brockbank

Administrative Coordinator

Brittany began working for First Church in August of 2024.

Juan Avendano

Organist / Accompanist

Juan began working at First Church in September of 2024. Juan comes to us with a wealth of experience and knowledge. Juan is working on his doctorate in piano performance at the University of Oregon where he is also a graduate teaching fellow. Juan has a master’s degree in piano performance from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in piano pedagogy from the National University of Columbia in Bogota, Columbia. In addition to his work at the church, Juan also teaches at O’Hara Catholic School and is the principal pianist for the Rogue Valley Symphony.

Shira Fadeley

Handbell Choir Director

Shira Fadeley is a middle school music teacher in Eugene.  She currently serves as volunteer manager of the Oregon Brass Society (Oregon’s only British-style brass band), and on the Eugene Symphony’s Education Committee.  She leads handbell choirs here at First United Methodist Church in Eugene, and is Director Emeritus of the Salem FUMC Bell Choirs.  She serves as a clinician for handbell events, and has commissioned and collaborated on several new pieces for handbell ensemble including a cycle of pieces with didjeridu solo.  One of those pieces was premiered in 2011 at our church’s regional Annual Conference.

A native Eugenean, Shira holds Journalism and Music degrees from the University of Oregon, and studied wind conducting with Robert Ponto.  Shira performs regularly on the trombone, and is a founding member of the Cascade Slides Quartet.  She has taught band for more than two decades in the Eugene and Salem-Keizer school districts, and is never happier than when she is making music with friends.  She is currently a member of the Eugene Symphony Chorus and the Eugene Concert Choir.

Michael Macemon

Creative Director for contemporary music and worship technology

Michael is the father of 2 beautiful children and has many adventures with them and his wife. He is an accomplished musician and loves to find just the right songs to represent and move our church community.  Michael collaborates with many musicians for worship and is our lead singer in ministry. Michael can be seen hiking and biking around Eugene.

Michael also heads up our digital audio and the visual team at FUMC to bring you all the services live on Youtube.

Justin Knautz

Choir Director

Justin began his work here in September 2024. He comes to us by way of Illinois. In 2021 he completed his BA in music education at Luther College. He is currently working on his master’s in choral conducting at the University of Oregon. Prior to moving to Eugene, Justin taught music and led K-12 choirs in Morris and Batavia Illionois.

Steve Cassell

Bookkeeper

Steve has been on our team since the spring of 2024. He brings a wealth of financial knowledge to his role here at First Church. He takes great care to ensure that our finances are accurate. Previously Steve worked as an accountant for a major nonprofit in Eugene.

Building and Facilities Team:

Kohl Bryant - Facilities and Maintenance Coordinator

Bene Penaloza - Lead Custodian

Maria Betancourt - Custodian

Jack Kennett - Building Support Associate

Collin Paddock - Building Support Associate

Todd Jackson - Building Support / Custodial Sub