Church Staff
Wm. Peter Bartlett, pastor
Rev. Peter Bartlett was appointed to the Onaway and Millersburg congregations in July 2001. Prior to his current appointment, Bartlett served churches in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and in southern Ohio. His call to ordained ministry came in mid-life--following service in the British Army and Merchant Navy, and employment in the electrical power generating and copper mining industries.
Bartlett received a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan and a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio. Bartlett was ordained an elder in 1994. His interest in issues related to ministry includes the study of scripture using the historical/critical method, the study of ethics, and congregational development.
In his spare time he enjoys walking (as a young man he hiked competitively), visiting his grandchildren, and trying to master computer and internet technology for use in ministry.
Linda Pitts, Church Secretary & Financial Secretary
Linda's considerable clerical and organizational skills and her pleasing disposition are an asset to the church office. Linda is quite active in the life of the church including the United Methodist Women, Adult Choir, the Pot Luck Group, and Church Women United. She also uses her training as a Master Gardener to care for the church's flower beds. Linda is a member of the Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries (PAUMCS). In her spare time, she enjoys crafts, decorating, traveling and spending time with her family, friends and her cat, Freckles.
Linda received Bachelor and Masters degrees in Business Education from Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI and taught in the Onaway Area Schools for twenty-five years before retiring in January 2000.
When asked what she likes about the church, Linda replied, "I could not imagine my life without my church family who leads me, guides me, loves me, and is always there for me." Linda can be contacted on most weekday mornings from 9:00 A.M. to Noon.
Judy Bancroft, Church Organist
Judy has been the church organist for seventeen years. She attended Taylor University, Upland, IN, and Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI before receiving an Associates Degree from Northern Michigan College in Petoskey. Her gift of music was evident early in life when her music education began at age 7. Judy offers private music lessons, and formed a Community Children's Choir in 2005. The children present Christmas and Spring recitals.
Judy loves the outdoors, enjoys artistic pursuits, and spending time with family and friends. Judy also operated a Florist Shop and still does some floral arrangements.
When asked what she likes about the church, Judy said, "I was born in Onaway and attended the church and Sunday School as a child. I was baptized and became a member as a teenager. Although the church has changed over the years, the spirit of love and friendship remains and I cherish the 'family in God' this creates."
Peg Herring, Choir Director
Peg Herring graduated from the University of Michigan with teaching certification. Before retiring in 2006, Peg taught high school English, history, speech, and drama at the Onaway High School for thirty years.
Peg's gift is communicating her love of music and learning with others, encouraging them to develop and enjoy their talents. In addition to directing the church choir, she also directs Onaway's annual Christmas Concert, which is composed of people from all over the area.
Peg has written and published several plays, short stories, articles and a novel. She also loves to travel, garden, and read.
When asked what she enjoys about the Onaway United Methodist Church, Peg said, "The congregation is warm, caring, and friendly, and the choir is the best of the best."
Tina Robbins, Nursery Coordinator and VBS Director
Tina brings her love of working with children to our Christian Education program where she coordinates and teaches the nursery age class and directs our Vacation Bible School.
Tina received a master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI and is employed by the Onaway Area Schools as the Kindergarten/Bridging Room teacher in the Millersburg school.
In her spare time Tina enjoys spending time with her family, particularly when camping, swimming, and riding four wheelers. She also enjoys caring for her flower garden and decorating her home for the holidays.
When asked what she enjoys about the church, Tina said, "Since I was a child the Onaway United Methodist Church as been my church family, and I can think of no warmer place for my children to learn about God."
Tathy Arkwood, Sunday School Superintendent
Tathy's desire and compassion to work with children and to teach them God's word is an ideal match for her position as Sunday School Superintendent.
Tathy, who has an Associate of Arts Degree and a Certificate in Early Childhood Education, is working toward a dual Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education and Community Development/Community Service. She is employed by the Onaway Area Community Schools as the Before & After School Program coordinator. She is also the Program Coordinator for the Peer Mentoring Program through Michigan State University Extension Service, and is the contact person for the Onaway School Family Resource Center. The Center's goal is to work with students and families to break down the barriers that keep the students from succeeding in school.
In her spare time Tathy loves to go camping with her husband and children. They have fun just spending time together, traveling and visiting with family.
When asked what she likes about the church, Tathy replied, "The Onaway United Methodist Church is part of our family and we love how Pastor Bartlett and the congregation cares for our children."
