Rev. Dr. Camilla Hempstead
Directing Pastor
Pastor Camilla entered ministry in 1990. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music from MacMurray College, a Master of Divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Perkins School of Theology.
She is married to Jeff of over 30 years who is retired from the US Air Force and currently teaches math at the junior college level. They have two grown children, Jessica and Jason.
Pastor Camilla has a passion for helping people deepen their spiritual journey with Jesus, with a particular desire to encourage adults to continue learning and participating in ministry groups.
- Phone:217-423-9711
- Email:pastorcamilla@decaturfirstumc.org
Rev. Miley Palmer
Pastor of Visitation
Rev. Miley Palmer
Pastor of Visitation
Pastor Miley has been married to his wife, Janet for over 55 years, and together they have four children. Palmer has served in ministry since 1955 across the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, retiring from full-time ministry in 1998.
Following retirement, he has served as a full-time hospital chaplain, on the staff of two Presbyterian churches, several interim pastorates, and as a Development Associate for Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.
Palmer has served as Minister of Visitation at Decatur First since 2008 and continued in ministry as a volunteer by serving on the Board of Trustees of McKendree University the Conference Board of Church and Society, and several community activities. He has been a member of the Decatur Commission on Human Relations and has served as its chairperson.
- Phone:217-423-9711
- Email:pastormiley@decaturfirstumc.org
Jennifer Horton-Motter
Director of Children and Family Ministries
Jennifer Horton-Motter
Director of Children and Family Ministries
Jennifer grew up in Decatur attending the First United Methodist Church with her parents, Bill & Lana Horton. She married Chris Motter in 2002 after having received a Bachelor’s of Science in Education from Illinois State University. She began her career teaching Kindergarten in Racine, Wisconsin. Jennifer and Chris have three children who are ages 13, 10 and 2. Outside of work she volunteers at her children’s schools and their Cub Scout Pack and loves stamping, paper-crafting, reading and feeding her Pinterest addiction.
- Phone:217-423-9711
- Email:jennifer@decaturfirstumc.org
Mary Beth Sederburg
Director of Music
Mary Beth Sederburg
Director of Music
Mary Beth Sederburg earned her B.M. in Piano/Music Education at Mercyhurst University and her M.M. in Opera Theatre from Carnegie Mellon University. She has performed over 50 roles and appeared with opera companies and orchestras along the East Coast and in Italy. Ms. Sederburg began her church music career at her home church in Erie, PA, Community United, where she played the organ/piano for services starting in middle school and became the Music Director at the age of 17. In Erie she also worked at Westminster Presbyterian (Dir. of Music), Blessed Sacrament (Organist), and Wesley United Methodist (Dir. of Hand Bell/Children’s Choirs), among others. She moved to Pittsburgh in 1999 and worked with Pittsburgh Church of the Brethren (Organist), City Reformed Presbyterian (Organist/Pianist/Worship Leader), and East Liberty Presbyterian (Music Leader/Taize). Mary Beth is the Founder of Undercroft Opera, an award-winning company in Pittsburgh, has taught K-12 Music plus Voice/Opera at several universities, and is an avid composer and writer. She lives in Decatur, IL with her husband, Ian Greenlaw, and is Music Director of the Millikin Opera Theatre. She joyfully serves as Music Director/Organist here at Decatur First United Methodist Church.
- Phone:217-423-9711
- Email:marybeth@decaturfirstumc.org
Office Staff
Graphic Designer
office@decaturfirstumc.org
website@decaturfirstumc.org
finance@decaturfirstumc.org
Building and Grounds
cleanteam@decaturfirstumc.org
Parish Nursing Team
gail@decaturfirstumc.org
cindy@decaturfirstumc.org
