REVEREND LAURA GUY – PASTOR
Laura.Guy@smithvillefirstchristian.org
Rev. Laura Guy brings a wealth of experience, passion, and faith to this role. A second-career pastor, Rev. Guy initially served as a third-grade teacher in Olathe schools before following God’s call to ministry. She earned her Master of Divinity degree from Saint Paul School of Theology and was ordained in 2005.
While in seminary, she founded Living Water Christian Church in Parkville and led the congregation from 2004 to 2021. Most recently, she served as the Great Plains Congregational Engagement Director for DART, a faith-based organizing nonprofit.
In addition to her ministry work, Rev. Guy has a deep commitment to community service. She has volunteered for over 12 years with Ten Thousand Villages (now Crafted) in Overland Park and served on the Shawnee Mission School District Board of Education from 2018 to 2022.
Rev. Guy lives in Overland Park with her husband, Clif Guy, who has been the IT Lead Director at Church of the Resurrection for 21 years. Together, they share a vibrant family life with their two grown children and two grandchildren who live nearby.
Ministry runs deep in the Guy family. Rev. Guy is part of a lineage of Disciples of Christ pastors spanning three generations. Her daughter, Beth Guy, serves as the Communications Director for Global Ministries and has a rich background in mission work.
Let us give thanks for God’s faithfulness as we prepare for this exciting new season in our church!.
STEVEN CORNWELL – MUSIC COORDINATOR
cornwell313@gmail.com
Steven Cornwell is a Kansas native who graduated from Fort Hays State University and graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s in music theory and composition. While there, he served for five years as the choir director of First Baptist Church in Hays, KS and performed in the Fort Hays concert choir, Fort Hays singers, symphonic winds, wind ensemble, marching band, as well as the Fort Hays operas and musicals.
He has studied voice, piano, clarinet, bassoon, and recorder, and is teaching himself to play the church organ. His musical interests include classical voice, barbershop, musical theater, and a smattering of popular styles.
JENNIFER CARR — OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
office@smithvillefirstchristian.org
Jennifer joined our staff in October of 2024. She is the person on the other end of the line when you call our church office. Jennifer’s job is juggler-in-chief: she manages our worship schedule, calendar, newsletter, bulletin, and a variety of other communications that keep the church running smoothly.
RADER MILLER – CUSTODIAN & TREASURER
Rader and his son, Max), faithfully care for the church building each week, cleaning and maintaining the facility so that it is always ready for worship, meetings, meals, service, and community groups.
In addition, Rader puts in many hours handling the church’s finances. efficiently and ethically. He oversees a team of counters and works with our finance service, Miller Management, to manage our church finances so that we are well-equipped and well-positioned to engage in vital ministry throughout our community. Rader also monitors the church attendance records.
GREG ATKINS – ASSISTANT TREASURER
Greg worked for many years as Treasurer, now he is very helpful to Rader in maintaining the church finances and offering input for investing. Greg has been a valued member of the church for many years and is also active in other organizations in the community. He and his wife, Kathy are Smithville natives.
CHLOE EASTON
Chloe is our Nursery Attendant. She takes care of your little ones in the nursery during worship so you can enjoy the service and they can, too. Chloe is a sophomore at Smithville High School. She runs cross country and track and hopes to continue running in college.
CHERYL HILL
Cheryl volunteers as our Food Pantry Coordinator.
The Food Pantry is open to Smithville residents, or those in the Smithville School District, on Tuesday mornings from 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
There is also a Blessing Box available 24/7 for those in need, and she and the pantry volunteers keep this stocked.
Cheryl has been a member of Smithville First Christian Church for over 50 years and serves in many capacities, but her primary focus is keeping groceries stocked, organized, and up to date for families who need a little help.
In her spare time Cheryl enjoys spending time with her great-nieces and nephews.
STACEY SAPP – Children & Youth Coordinator
We are thrilled to announce the hiring of Stacey Sapp as our new Children and Youth Coordinator. Ms. Sapp is a proud Smithville Warrior and has worked in the Smithville School District since 2012 in administrative and accounting roles. She holds an MA in Organizational Leadership in Christian Ministry, and previously held Youth and Family ministry roles at First Christian Church in Keokuk, Iowa and Vineyard Church in Kansas City. Ms. Sapp is excited to begin building a Youth Christian Education Program at Smithville First Christian Church.