Meet the Staff
Rev. Doug Sonnenberg, Lead Pastor
Pastor Doug began serving as Lead Pastor at LUMC in 2000. Having worked for a number of years in the corporate setting, he responded to God’s call to pastoral ministry while living in Dayton, Ohio. Consequently he attended seminary at United Theological Seminary (in Dayton), began serving in youth ministry at Centerville, Ohio, and also served for five years in the Appalachian region of Portsmouth, Ohio. He and his wife, Beth, have three sons. To relax he enjoys golfing, playing the drums, vacationing with the family at the beach, or snow skiing together out west. “John 10:10 is certainly one of my favorite Bible verses, as we explore together what Jesus means by an ‘abundant’ life!”
Pat Blankenship, Director of Ministry Operations
Pat, and her husband John, joined LUMC in 1995. Their son, Niko, a 2011 college graduate, is working out in Colorado. Residing with Pat and John are their two golden retrievers, Halo (9) and Rowdy (4).
Pat is in her 10th year on staff and serves full-time leading the Worship, Communications, Seniors, and Drama ministries, in addition to the all-church community outreach efforts at Christmas: “The Living Nativity” and at Easter: “Journey to the Tomb”.
Additionally, Pat serves as staff liaison to the Missions/Outreach team and the Hospitality ministry. She also enjoys teaching ”The Dittos” Wednesday morning weekly bible study as well as the new member classes.
Her hobbies include gardening, walking, traveling, and cooking. Pat holds a B.S. degree in Mathematics and French.
Sharon White, Director of Discipleship
Sharon and her family have been attending LUMC since the Spring of 2011. After growing up on the west side of town in Mt. Healthy, then traveling the world with her Army husband, they settled in Loveland for the schools and the small-town atmosphere, and were thrilled to find Loveland UMC!
Sharon has been involved in church ministry for many years, focusing mainly on women’s Bible study and music. Throughout many moves with the military, God has graciously led Sharon and her family from one wonderful church to another, and each time placed just the right people and experiences in her path to grow her faith and abilities.
Sharon lives in Loveland with her husband Rob, daughter Missy (also on LUMC’s staff!), and son Robin – plus doggies Bootsie and Lily Bear. Sharon loves to sing, decorate, share Bible study and cook for friends and family. Her favorite scripture is 1 John 3:2 – the promise of who we are in Christ!
Randy Parsons, Director of Youth Ministry
Randy Parsons has been a member of Loveland United Methodist Church since 2009 and recently joined the staff as Director of Youth Ministries. He has a B.S. in Secondary Education, M.Ed. in Educational Administration from Miami University and Superintendent’s Licensure from Xavier University. Randy retired from Finneytown Local Schools as superintendent in 2010 after 35 years as a teacher, principal and administrator at various levels. He also works part-time as a school consultant.
He enjoys music, writing, and traveling, and working out. He has two grown sons and lives with his wife Becky in Miami Township. Randy finds our youth inspiring, and with the help of God and the terrific Adult Leadership Team looks forward to the continued growth and success of the youth programs!
randyp@lovelandumc.org
Missy White, Youth Ministry Intern
Missy White has been a member at LUMC since 2011. Missy attended high school in Fayetteville, North Carolina and now lives in Loveland with her parents Rob and Sharon and her younger brother, Robin. She is a full time student at the University of Cincinnati in DAAP studying Fine Art. Missy joined the youth leadership team in January 2012. Missy’s hobbies include reading, singing, drawing, baking cake pops, knitting, watching musicals and calling everyone “Cupcake”. Her favorite Bible verse is 1 Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”
missyw@lovelandumc.org
Becky Parsons, Director of Music Ministry
Becky Parsons joined the staff of Loveland United Methodist Church as Music Director in 2009. She has a BS in Music Education from Miami University and MA in elementary education from Xavier University. Becky retired from Norwood City Schools after teaching music and 5th grade for thirty three years.
She began participating in church music at a very young age and has been a music director of various churches for over 35 years. At LUMC she directs the Chancel Choir, Praise Band, various age bell choirs, Ring and Sing, and the LUMC Instrumental Ensemble.
She plays piano, organ, and keyboard as well and has taught private piano and voice lessons. She also enjoys traveling, gardening, and scrapbooking.
She has two grown sons and resides with her husband Randy in Miami Township. Becky looks forward to many of you participating in one of the musical groups at LUMC.
Debbie Chotkevys, Pianist
Debbie Chotkevys joined the LUMC staff in 2012. She is a graduate of the Wittenberg School of Music and has been involved in church music since childhood. Besides a Bachelors of Music degree, Debbie earned Master of Business Administration and Doctorate of Health Administration degrees. Debbie has over 30 years’ experience working in health care, and she currently works at the Cincinnati Campus of the University of Phoenix. Debbie plays organ, piano, keyboard, and brass instruments. She and her husband, Denny, reside in Sharonville.
debbiec@lovelandumc.org
Linda Plybon, Office Administrator
Linda grew up in West Virginia, graduated from Marlinton High School and received her B.S. degree in Dietetics studies from U.C. She is a member of Anderson Hills UMC. Linda and her husband, Rod, reside in Eastgate. Linda has one son — Aaron, one granddaughter, Addie; three grown stepchildren–Sherri, Alan and Janice; eleven step-grandchildren; and five step-great grandchildren.
Robin Kerth, Office Administrator
Robin joined the staff of Loveland UMC in January, 2010 on a part – time basis in a job share arrangement with Linda Plybon. Robin handles office duties on Monday and Friday each week.
Robin lives in West Chester Township with her husband, Richard and son Zachary. The Kerth’s have two adult children, Scott & Kristy. Robin has a variety of hobbies from picture – taking, knitting, volunteering and cake baking. Robin also enjoys participating in the weekly Bible study group and the all church Journeys. There is so much to learn as your faith grows deeper.
