pastors & staff

Celia came to First United Methodist Church Victoria in July 2024. She and her husband Matthew have been married since 2012. Matthew works in crime records for the Texas Department of Public Safety. Celia completed her Bachelor of Arts in Language and Composition at the University of North Texas in 1998, her Master's in Divinity at Southern Methodist University Perkins School of Theology in 2009, and her Doctorate of Ministry at Perkins School of Theology in 2019. She is a member of the Order of Saint Luke, currently serving as the Prior General for the Order. Her scholastic interests include liturgical writing and the study of hospitality in the Biblical tradition. For fun, she loves to read, to frequent the local symphony and theater, and to play golf.
Please reach out to her via email.
Email: CeliaHalfacre@fumcvictoria.com

Amanda was appointed at FUMC Victoria in July 2021, after serving as Associate Pastor at Valley Praise in the Rio Grande Valley. Amanda’s husband George is also very involved in ministry, often using his giftedness to serve in the areas of A/V Production and Technology. Amanda and George were both raised in Harlingen, Texas and are blessed with three beautiful children. Previously a high school teacher, Amanda recognized her call to ministry and in 2020 completed Local Pastor Licensing School in the Rio Texas Conference. Amanda has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Leadership and is currently a student at Southern Methodist University Perkins School of Theology, working towards a Master of Divinity Degree. If you'd like to connect with Amanda feel free to contact her at the email listed below.
Email: AmandaBanda@fumcvictoria.com

Director of Children's Ministry

Originally from Kountze, Texas, Keith came to the Victoria area and joined the congregation of FUMC in 2010, and later joined the staff as Associate Music Director in 2019.  He attended Texas A&M University where he studied accounting, management information systems, and music. He is a member of the American Guild of Organists and holds the Service Playing Certification with that organization. Prior to FUMC, he served as organist/music director at Zion Lutheran Church in Mission Valley, Texas. Outside of his time at FUMC, Keith works as a CPA, serving clients in the Victoria Crossroads area.
Email: KeithCox@fumcvictoria.com

Liz grew up at FUMC and has been very active singing in the Ignite praise band, serving on committees, and teaching Music at Methodist Day School. She spends all of her free time with her son Jack, daughter Olivia, and loves to work with children.
Email: LizParker@fumcvictoria.com

Jennifer was born and raised in Victoria. She graduated from UH-V with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies.  Jennifer taught in the public school system for 4 years before joining our teaching staff at MDS.  She taught kindergarten for 4 years before accepting the director’s position in 2009.
Email: director@mdsvictoria.com

Martha is an Indiana native who relocated to Victoria in 2023 with her husband Mitch who is the Assistant Site Manager at Presidio La Bahia in Goliad. She has degrees from the University of Evansville, The University of Texas at Austin, and Creighton University. Martha's background includes 5 years in public accounting and 8 years in higher education. She enjoys history, reading, traveling, singing, and crafting.
Email: MarthaLumley@fumcvictoria.com 

Heather has been with FUMC since 2015.  She graduated from UH-Victoria with a degree in Business Management.  She grew up in Victoria but now lives in Cuero (GO GOBBLERS!).  Heather has three children - Kayla, Carter, and Cooper.   She enjoys spending time with her family, working and volunteering at the church, and lots and lots of coffee.
Email: HeatherLinville@fumcvictoria.com

Kathy graduated with a B.S. in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center and has been employed with Methodist Healthcare Ministries in San Antonio for over twenty years. The Wesley Nurse program is focused on the least served, and this church offers a Free Clinic monthly with Texas A&M Residency Program. She is married to Dr. John Frels, and they have one daughter, Dr. Leslie Frels and husband Dr. Peter Kaldis.
Email: kfrels@mhm.org