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 have been members of LUMC since 1995. Their son, a recent graduate of Ashland University, is also a member.
Pat joined the LUMC staff in Feb. 2003 and serves full-time leading the Worship, Communications, Drama, and Seniors ministry, in addition to the all-church community outreach efforts at Christmas: “The Living Nativity” and at Easter: “Journey to the Tomb”. Pat serves as staff liaison to the Missions/Outreach team and the Hospitality ministry. She enjoys teaching “This is L.U.M.C.!” , a new member class offered quarterly. Her hobbies include drama, gardening, walking, and traveling. Pat holds a B.S. degree in Mathematics and French.
Shane Borchers, Director of Youth Ministry
Shane lives in Loveland with his three boys Aaron, Dylan and Brandon. He is a veteran of the US Navy where he served on board the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt. Shane enjoys spending quality time with his three boys hiking, watching them play sports, or sing and play bells in our kids choir. He also enjoys golfing and playing the drums. Shane has a passion for working with teenagers as our Director of Youth Ministry. His desire is to infuse our youth with a hunger for a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Laurie Reagan, Director of Discipleship
Laurie and her husband, Andy, joined LUMC in April 2007 with their two children, Danny and Katie.
Laurie has a BS in Mass Communications: Media Management from Miami University. A social butterfly by birth, some would argue she got her degree in “talking”! After serving as a lay leader as the Chair of Children’s Ministry Leadership Team and Chair of Church Council, Laurie joined the LUMC staff in April 2011 as the Director of Discipleship. With a deep passion for watching God’s children of all ages become Disciples, Laurie serves to oversee the Children’s Ministry and Adult Discipleship programs at LUMC.
An avid runner, Laurie and her husband will be preparing to run in the 2012 Flying Pig Marathon beginning this fall. Laurie also enjoys reading, scrapbooking and organizing!
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, various age bell choirs, Ring and Sing, and the LUMC Instrumental Ensemble.
She plays piano and organ 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 Symmes Township. Becky looks forward to many of you participating in one of the musical groups at LUMC.
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.
